Defence Wins Championships

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Article by Brent Weber (USA)  

This has been an exciting transfer window and I’m hoping we are not finished. It would not surprise me to see Lamela, Erikson, Pjanic, and maybe another striker brought it before the silly season comes to an end. The emphasis has definitely been on the midfield and the attacking third of the team and I can’t wait to see our new acquisitions in action. As good as I feel about the offensive side of our team right now, I feel equally concerned about the back line. The Caulker deal shocked me! I was even more shocked when a replacement was not immediately brought in. I was feeling really good about our back line, with the exception of LB. Now however, I have some concerns. I know the transfer window is not closed but we need to move quickly on a CB and could really use an upgrade at LB as well.

The only rumour with bite on LB’s is Coentrao, who I think is a solid LB. I feel good that we are the front runners to sign him if he leaves Real Madrid for the premier league. He will want to ensure playing time with the upcoming World Cup and he would be guaranteed consistent first team football at Spurs. United has Evra. Chelsea has Cole. Arsenal has Monreal. I don’t think he would move to one of those clubs due to lack of playing time. I honestly think Spurs are going to sell Bale to Real Madrid and get Coentrao as part of the deal. I also know that many of you think I’m crazy in saying that. In my opinion, there is a 65% chance he will be a Spur but I’m more concerned about the CB rotation.

Vertonghen, Kaboul, Dawson, and Caulker were a strong middle defence group with a good mix of experience, youth, quality, and athletic ability. These four would have provided a quality defensive rotation and allowed AVB to keep all four players fresh throughout the campaign. Caulker was the less experienced, but probably the most athletic. Dawson is definitely the leader of this group with experience and a high soccer IQ. Kaboul is an athletic, strong CB and provides a good aerial threat on set pieces and corners. Vertonghen is simply a stud and is described as Super Jan! Losing Caulker puts us down to 3 CB’s on the current roster and this is just not enough to keep players fresh through league play, Europa league, and cup play. Kaboul is coming off injury. Dawson is getting older. Getting a fourth CB is critical to the 2013 campaign.

Capoue was a great acquisition. In my opinion, Capoue is French version of David Luiz. He is big, strong, athletic, and can play multiple positions. He has played CB effectively, but I believe he is much better defensive midfielder. With the addition of Capoue, Spurs probably have one of the top midfield's in the BPL.

Assuming Capoue does not play CB, the fact remains that we still have only 3 CB’s on the 26-player roster. So where is our CB? When is this going to happen? Who are some of the possibilities?

The most frequent rumours for CB’s are Alderweireld and Chiriches. In my opinion, either would be a quality addition. I think that either of these players would provide an upgrade from Caulker for the 2013 campaign but truly feel Caulker has more potential over the long term. The transfer fees are comparable for both players. They are roughly the same age. They are roughly the same height and build. So which one do I prefer?

All things being equal, I would bring in the player that fits best into the squad. I think that player is Alderweireld because of his international connection with Dembele, Vertonghen, and Chadli. I really think he is a perfect fit into our back four and would immediately strengthen our team. €8 million is good deal for a player of his quality. Spurs need to move quickly and get him to The Lane.

AVB, Baldini, and Levy have done an excellent job during this transfer window so I won’t start doubting them now. I’m sure they have a plan if they allowed Caulker to leave. They have addressed all areas of concern, moved some fringe players, and are building a strong squad. We have more depth, quality and attacking options than we have had in a long time. I just don’t want to lost focus on the back line. Spurs must move quickly to solidify the back line because Defence Wins Championships!

Come On You Spurs!

 

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