Tottenham's 20 Toughest PL Players: 20-16

Article by Antony Moule

In this 4 part feature, we look at those who have been Spurs’ Premier League hard-men. Here's a list of the strongest, bravest, roughest and most hard-hitting players ever to grace White Hart Lane.

Anyone who follows Tottenham Hotspur recognises the principle and most important ethos of the North London club’s playing philosophy is immersed in entertaining, attractive, eye-catching football. This is best demonstrated in Danny Blanchflower’s great quote; "the game is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom".

However, Tottenham Hotspur have always been able to back up the flair and style with some hard as nails, sturdy and resilient players who could put their bodies on the line for the team or simply bully the opposition into submission. So check out this comprehensive list, counting down the toughest individuals to ever ply their trade at White Hart Lane in the Premier League. Here's 20-16:

20) Paulinho

We kick start the countdown with new signing Paulinho; who makes this list despite only joining Spurs in the summer. Nevertheless the Brazilian multidimensional midfielder has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and is a worthwhile inclusion for this discussion.

Paulinho is a typical samba style player who is comfortable in possession, with a hint of flair, but combines it with great strength both on the ball and in defence. He is the type of player and personality that could make a world class tackle in his own box and play himself into a great attacking position at the other end of the pitch.

Knowing where the net is will help Paulinho’s transition to the Premier League, but if he continues to demonstrate his suitability to the physical nature of England’s top league, he will only further endear him to the Tottenham faithful.

19) Michael Brown

Brown joined Spurs in January 2004 from Sheffield United after his impressive midfield goal scoring role in Yorkshire. However, he was soon deployed in a deeper, more defensive role, with the likes of Carrick and Jenas being played in the advanced positions.

He was well known for his hard work and honest contribution to the team; a solid protector of the defence. But he was also a bit of a firecracker; comfortable to show his aggression, frustration and antagonism. Not so much tough in the tackle, but made sure that his tackles were known.

18) Alan Hutton

Alan Hutton is your stereotypical Scotsman; tough, strong, fiery, looks like he wants to win and was an okay player. Officially a Tottenham player between 2008 and 2011; he spent the time out on loan after 2010.

Never really liked universally by the Spurs fans; he was always physically strong on the football pitch. A fullback who was better going forward than his defensive duties; he was always imposing and had a firm tackle to enforce his presence.

In the end; Hutton failed to establish himself in north London, but many will wonder ‘what if’ when considering his quality performances for Rangers prior to the transfer.

17) Dean Richards

Dean Richards had the potential to be a Tottenham and England great, but a career stifled with injuries and an early retirement due to health problems prevent this from happening. He joined Spurs when Glenn Hoddle took over in 2001 after impressing the former England manager down at Southampton.

He made 81 appearances for Tottenham, all of which were from the starting lineup. He was an aggressive, overbearing centre back who was your typical England type defender. Great in the air and strong in the tackle, Richards put himself about and, when available, bullied his opposition.

Sadly, health risks and the potential of brain hemorrhage from playing forced this great talent out the game in 2005. Tragically, Dean Richards passed away 6 years later, only 36. He never put in a bad performance for Spurs, and is a more than worthy addition to this list.

16) Jonathan Woodgate

Much like Richards; Woodgate was a brilliant centre back who had his constant injury problems throughout his career. He played for some great teams; including Real Madrid and joined Spurs in January 2008 for £8 million from his hometown Middleborough.

A proper northerner who was almost willing to knock someone out to win the match; Woodgate was a rock for teams to build from. At White Hart Lane he regularly put in top performances and handled almost all opposition put before him.

There is obviously the incident of ‘indiscretion’, also known as fighting with Lee Bowyer, but his fighting on the pitch and ability to consistently come back from injury, makes Woodgate a tough act.

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