'Follow' us on Twitter here!Article by Mark Viales (GIB)
After soaking in an enthralling performance from AVB’s Blue & White Army and beaming at the prospect of a compete all round squad where we were not reliant on a certain MIA individual, I couldn’t help but revisit the outstanding performance by a certain Mr. Townsend.
It is true that the level of the opposition, or indeed the intensity of the game, were not of the same standard we witnessed during the weekend against Palace. We did, however, make a state of intent with regards to our professional attitude towards the Europa League. Whilst still executing 4 changes, Spurs managed to dominate proceedings against a lacklustre Tiblisi side, which struggled against the dynamic play and constant pressure they were confronted with.
The practically new signing feeling the squad would have from the return to fitness of Kaboul and Sandro, not to mention Townsend’s and Rose’s homecoming after successful loan spells, will no doubt emphasise the powerful, dynamic, strength in depth Spurs side we are witnessing today.
Andros has pushed on from last season and against the Georgian side, he was the outstanding performer on the pitch in an extremely effective team performance. His first goal was a piece of solitary brilliance, driving from his own half in direct fashion as a prerequisite to his superb touch, setting himself up to drill the ball into the bottom corner. The blistering pace at which he completed this action was very much reminiscent of the early days of Gareth Bale’s development, and such was the young English man’s overall performance during the 90 minutes, that it is possible that he may mature into this kind of player.
Now where could Townsend fit in this “New Look” Tottenham Team?
AVB is blessed with variety of wingers and wide midfielders to utilise at his discretion. With the searing pace and mazy runs of Townsend, coupled with an actual end product, he could be seen as direct back up or even starting ahead of Lennon on the right wing.
Lennon has consistently been criticised for his inability to conjure up a final ball of quality. He rapidly and effectively unlocks the defence, only to then, more often than not, supply a wayward pass or turn back with the ball, seemingly out of ideas. With Andros, although he may still be a little bit raw, we can nevertheless see that he has a quality left peg at his disposal, portrayed tellingly by his pin point, diverse selection of crossing and the decent strike he can unleash.
It would not be out of the ordinary to envisage the two of them lining up alongside each other. This could actually provide the best balance to our system at the moment as two explosive wingers on the flanks would consequently allow the midfield to pin back the opposition, executing constant pressure. Using this system with these two players would inevitably evoke counter attacking football as Spurs’ prime feature to devastating effect.
In what must be considered a season where we will launch an assault on all competitions we must ensure that we have genuine, quality backup in all positions. After Andros’ most recent Europa League outing, where his marauding displays down the right wing are still haunting the Tiblisi right back’s dreams, his exploits were unlikely to have gone unnoticed.
Townsend will certainly be hoping that he will achieve a cult hero status at White Hart Lane in the future, as he has similarly done during his spells out on loan. With the energy, precision and cutting edge he demonstrated against Tiblisi, there is a relatively decent chance that he could challenge Lennon, Chadli and Sigurdson for a first team place on either side of the pitch, if given enough minutes to impress.
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He certaintly should be given a start on Sunday, or what is the point of him trying so hard.
ReplyDeleteAlways thought he had promise ever since I first saw him on his debut some years ago, think he should be given a chance even ahead of Lennon if necessary as he is more likley to score
ReplyDeleteThe kid is dynamite. Time now to let him prove his worth.
ReplyDeleteTownsend scored a confident quality goal but what was more impressive were the two crosses that led to goals. He looked up whilst running and picked out his man superbly. Lennon has the same pace and more experience but doesnt look up until he delivers a cross. So I think townsend will be pressing for a starting place....he will get better but lennon is as good as he will ever be.
ReplyDeletei dont think hes allowed to play in the first few games (i.e gambling ban...)
ReplyDeleteHe must start on Sunday otherwise he will lose the confidence and belief gained after Thursday's great performance.We must have fair competition for places.If you want to start then try very hard when given the chance.Are you listening under 21's?.No strolling around without tackling at your age!
ReplyDeleteThe kid has talent, he has won me over with thurdays performance ontop of some last season for QPR. But he needs to show maturity and intelligence, like he did against Tiblisi. If he can provide those assists in the prem then he has a place in our squad.
ReplyDeleteIf he can play like he did last night, then the simple answer is yes!
ReplyDeleteI've always rated Townsend as a player from what I have seen of him, but did have some reservations about him possibly being better suited to a 442 than a 433, like Lennon is. In my opinion Lennon doesn't have the skill set to succeed in a 433 because he doesn't score goals and doesn't cross well. Townsend proved last night, admittedly against weak opposition that gave him enough time on the ball, that he can play in a 433 and actually plays very similarly to Bale, he's powerful, moves very similarly to Bale and has a good accurate shot on him. I don't necessarily think Townsend should be a guaranteed starter, but he and Chadli are a very good mix of power and developing finesse, where Sigurdsson and Lamela are extremely talented but currently lacking in the physicality of Chadli and Townsend. When I look at our prospective bank of wingers I think Lennon looks very much out of his depth in a 433 system, because there are 4 players stronger than him in terms of their function. Like someone has already stated Townsend should start on Sunday, he has earned that right, looking at his last performance vs Lennons last performance...
ReplyDeleteThe answer is a simple NO.
ReplyDeleteThe guy has an ability to look good against championship type teams!
Put him in our team against anything above fulham and he will be found wanting.
However I do encourage his development by putting him in our Europa team and in our early stages of LC and FA cup competitions.
Who knows maybe in a year we may have a replacement for Lennon
I dont think you watched him last year, for example he caused arsenal all sorts of problems when the rest of the team couldn't handle it
DeleteGet real. He could be a replacement for Bale.
ReplyDeleteAlthough raw he shows a remarkable ability to learn lessons that before produced greed without success. Now is the time for him to show who he really is, play for the team and run past the opposition as rarely done by other players except for Bale.
He has technique, speed and intelligence - let him use it.
Townsend has matured and he impressed enough at QPR to gain confidence and move forward. He has improved considerably. He moves well, is very much a team player and attacks without fear. He is good with both feet which is another major asset. He must be well in the frame to break into to the first team this season.
ReplyDeleteI think he will push Lennon to improve as well. Lennon will have to at any rate with Townsend breathing down his neck to start on the right.
Naughton helps his winger much more than Walker does. Lennon suffered much from Walker's seeming inability to know when to pass and when not to last season. I envisage a similar scenario could well develop with who should start at right full back. And unless Walker improves considerably in certain aspects of his game I can see strong competition from Naughton prevailing.
Lennon has learned how to defend over the years through high work rate. If Townsend can match or better that sort of disciplined effort, then he is likely to overtake Lennon in due course. As mentioned earlier, the strong competition in a new talented team might yet motivate Lennon to really produce.