Article by new e-Spurs Writer ginolasleftfootWith the acquisition of Paulinho looming ever closer, albeit at the speed and conviction of an asthmatic duck forced to amble up a steep hill, Villas Boas seems to be edging ever nearer to his favoured 4-3-3, which first earned him plaudits at FC Porto.
The initial belief that
Villas Boas was looking to tweak the 4-6-0, striker less formation
that really strutted its stuff on the European catwalk circa
2010-2012 seasons; to a 0-10-0 formation was but an illusion. With
4-3-3 his core of midfielders are expected to be interchangeable to a
degree, each still maintaining a primary skill. An emphasis on
technique appears to be mandatory requirement for the trio, which is
why Scott Parker may find himself lower on the pecking order.
Sandro is the fulcrum
of the midfield, arguably of the team. Insert several cliché’s
here about the talismanic effect of those around such player. But
truth be told, there exists in man (and woman) a group of people who
possess that innate tour de force and are capable, without exertion
to elevate those around them. Sandro is one. His anticipatory
abilities are often overlooked but are actually the foundation that
allows his defensive tasks to be carried out with aplomb. The
evidence of Sandro’s growing importance to the XI was shown in
Tottenham’s slow malaise, which set in as he exited stage left,
midway through the season. Back though by popular demand, and showing
(fingers crossed) for 38 consecutive league appearances is, Sandro.
With a full pre season behind him, the defensive midfielder has an
excellent platform to showcase his talent and stake a claim amongst
Europe’s midfield elite.
Moussa Dembele will be
expected to overcome several persistent niggles that seemed to hamper
his performance for Spurs last season. Similar to Sandro he will
benefit from a run in the first team to see if he can cope with the
expectation of consistent performances. The image of Dembele striding
through the middle of the pitch, head up, knowing where the ball is,
Mario Sergio-esque is a sight to behold. But he must establish a
consistent level of attacking prowess that can be relied upon. With
Sandro alongside him, Dembele should have be free from the bulk of
defensive duties which seem to hamper his natural attributes last
season, where his forward runs and involvement in the final third
seemed to have been curbed.
Although Spurs brought
in Holtby in the January window, it appears Villas Boas doesn’t see
him as part of his immediate first team. He snapshot performances
have won plaudits from the Spurs faithful, but there seems question
marks over what type of player he is. Certain appearances have seen
him adopt a Cattermole type pressing game, which seem at odds with
his Under 21 performances for Germany at this years Championship in
Israel, where there was less boundless aggression and more dictating
the state of possession and play. As captain of the German under
21’s, he appears a tremendous professional who’s constantly beats
the drum for Tottenham, and in time should naturally progress to the
first XI.
Paulinho’s
performances during the Confederations Cup have had Spurs fans
initially in states of euphoria gradually spiraling into worry and
despair as the behemoths of Real, Monaco and PSG (throw Man City in
there as well) loom with each appearance for the Selacao. There have
been strong indications over the last week attributed to the player
that he is strongly inclined to a move to the Lilywhites. His
athleticism and physique is much in keeping with that of the modern
day Brazilian footballing export and of a similar ilk to players such
like Thiago Motta, Dante and David Luiz. It seems they are acquiring
a player with the goal in his eye sight and will be looking to
increase the attacking potency of the midfield. Question marks over
his level of assists stress the importance of Dembele’s role come
2013/2014.
How players such like
Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Aaron
Lennon and Tom Carroll will feature, remains to be seen. One feather
in Villas Boas’ cap regarding such player rotation was that of the
Lloris/Friedel changeover, which was handled deftly amid a baiting
audience hoping for the cinders of the Chelsea debacle to gather
smoke. It’s possible Parker and Huddlestone will have moved on come
the start of the season. Both players would be a positive addition to
many teams in the Premiership, with Huddlestone perfectly capable to
dictating the field of play but, alas, only when a series of the very
complex conditions fall into alignment.
Sigurdsson seemed to
dispel of his early season yips to weigh in with some important goals
post the Christmas festivities and proved himself a capable
performer. Whether he is used further up in the final left third of
the front three allowing Bale to be the point of the trident is
something perhaps worth exploring should forwards options in the
transfer market prove fruitless. A similar case for that of Dempsey,
who grew into his role in the squad as the season wore on. This is a
stern test for Dempsey to compete and establish himself as a first
team player. His preference would be to sit in behind the striker,
running off the midfield but he seems ill suited to the change of
formation. His ability to contribute was strongly supported by his
performances towards the end of the season but should Spurs add to
their attacking line then Dempsey may struggle to command a first
team position.
Tom Carroll has been on
the hushed lips of avid Spurs fans for sometime now, and at present
seems set for greater involvement in the firs team this time round,
although an extended run in other Premier league colours on a loan
basis could shape this talented young midfielder even further. WIgan
would have been an excellent conduit for Carroll to get beyond
dipping his toe into the vast lake that is experience, but dropping
down coupled with the loss of Martinez signals the closing of that
door. Should Dembele struggle to perform or get injured it would be
an interesting gamble to see whether he would entrust Carroll with
the responsibility of being the team’s creative hub.
What bodes well for
Villas Boas is the depth in squad he is developing, primarily in
midfield, which needs to be greater to cope with the auxiliary nature
of the role with the diversity of the players allowing him to alter
the state of play when needed.
One thing for sure is
Sandro, Paulinho and Dembele is a formidable trio for any team to
come up against.
Exciting times at the
Lane.
Over and out.
ginolasleftfoot
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"Sandro is the fulcrum of the midfield, arguably of the team. Insert several cliché’s here about the talismanic effect of those around such player. But truth be told, there exists in man (and woman) a group of people who possess that innate tour de force and are capable, without exertion to elevate those around them."
ReplyDeleteNot sure I agree. His performances were undoubtedly impressive before he got injured, but I'd argue Dembele was the better performer of the two. And fulcrum of the team? No, sorry. We all know who takes that crown. Anyway, surely the reason he lifts those around him is through his supreme work ethic and hard tackling? Basically, he has a superb attitude that rubs off on those who may shy away in tougher games. His impact is certainly not "without exertion". The opposite, in fact.
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