Why Tottenham MUST bring in the RIGHT players this summer
Ed: Congratulations to Spurs fans for Tottenham signing Gareth Bale - you guys have a very, very good player in your hands.
As the Spurs’ players (with the exception of those picked for International games) go on their end-of-season break, Martin Jol and Damien Comolli seem to have been working furiously to bring defenders Younes Kaboul and Gareth Bale to Tottenham.
Kaboul, the Auxerre centre-back and French under-21 captain is moving for around £7.5 - £8.2 million, and will hopefully be the quality cover we so desperately lacked this year at centre back, as well as competition to King and Dawson.
Bale’s arrival to Tottenham will excite many, with his superb dead ball skills and clean striking of the ball, Wales’ youngest ever international is set to be a big star.
However, the 17 year old is not going to be able to play all of Tottenham’s (potential) 60 games. We still need a deputy in this position, and for me, neither Assou-Ekotto or Lee cuts it. Maybe an older, more experienced player to fill in when needs be, and until Bale and possibly Ziegler are ready to handle the Premiership in its entirety.
So why must Jol make sure he gets these and his other summer signings absolutely right? I will explain…
The ‘Top 4′
With Chelsea’s Abramovich, United’s Glazers, Liverpool’s Gillett and Hicks and now maybe even Arsenal’s Kroenke, it is clear that those above Tottenham have owners who will demand success and will spend whatever is necessary to do so.
Whilst it is clear that we cannot match the financial clout of the first three, Arsenal have been frugal in recent times, and this is why NOW must be our time to strike.
In the last two years, with the exception of the Chelsea victory, Tottenham have been comprehensively beaten each time we have played Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.
However, a combination of Arsenal’s transition and our fruition has led us to close the gap on them, nearly attaining fourth position in 2005/2006.
The Top 3, especially after Benitez’s pledge to bring in only world-class signings leaves us realistically chasing fourth, and with Arsenal not looking likely to spend big, Tottenham must buy the right players; it is now or never.
What do Tottenham need?
I discussed in a previous article on Tottenham’s current squad about who I felt we needed in terms of personnel, but ultimately a decent back-up centre half is needed – Kaboul (goodbye Gardner), one left back at the very least – Gareth Bale, and a couple of left-footed midfielders, who can attack down the left and whip balls into the box, hug the touchline and really attack from this side of the field.
As well as this, an alternative to Berbatov (and replacement for Mido), as I fear without one, we may overplay our star man next year.
If signings are not right, others waiting in the wings..
I feel the only other realistic challengers to the Top 4 apart from us are now Newcastle, solely because of Sam Allardyce. His appointment at Tyneside should alert many that competition for that final Champion’s League spot will be tougher next year. The big man’s ability to get the best out of his players means Newcastle United will be – in my opinion – a different team next year.
As others to push the UEFA Cup places go, I believe Everton, Bolton, Blackburn and Portsmouth under old ‘arry should be there, though we will see how these teams fare playing as many games as we have this season.
Resolution?
The key for Tottenham now is to make sure that we bring in some left-sided quality, and possibly even some further defensive back up. As well as this, a fourth-choice striker, possibly a big man who can hold the ball up and generally be an alternative to Berbatov, Keane and Defoe.
What is clear is that with Arsenal’s temporary lull, Newcastle’s possible realisation of their potential, and stiff competition in the form of the ‘UEFA Cup pack’, Tottenham must take advantage of our current situation and really go for fourth next season.
Good article and agree with all comments. I think Bale may turn into LMF rather than FB, go fro Matty Taylor as a general leftie, Jason Roberts or Marlon King as an alternative striker and perhaps Petrov as quality LMF.
Sorry but I don’t actually think Bale is the type of player we should be signing this summer. Our priority now is to break into the top four and the only way we can do that is to buy one or two genuine established world class players. Bale is great and will be world class but he is not going to put us in the top four next season. Nor are pedersen, petrov, bent, kaboul etc. What they will all do is cost us way too much money. I would rather buy one world class player for 30 million, than 3 or 4 very good players at the same overall price, because that’s the difference between being in the top 4 or not. We have a decent squad and assou ekotto and lee are decent full backs. The only position where we must buy is left wing. Otherwise, we just need one or two world class players. We have premiership quality cover everywhere else. What we need is one or two world class players, and it doesn’t matter which position they are. We just need them. As to who we buy, that’s for another discussion…
I would say that Bale can be our number one left back and Lee to cover. At least we now have a player, beside Hud, who can deliver good dead balls. In my opinion Assou - Ekotto can easily be used as a left sided midlfielder as he has proved when playiong as a full back that he is more attacking minded and he is one who can go to the bye line. What we need is a good midfield player who can deleiver passes and open up defences like every top european club has.
Billy, £30m world class players will not come to a team that is not already in the champions league, simple as that. Spurs policy of bringing in young talented players whose stock can only rise has worked so far, why doubt it??
I diagree about a lot about what’s been said here. Clearly Billy doesnt understand about how to nurture young potentiay world-class talent. The idea is to buy them now when they are young and (relatively cheap, ie. £5-£10mil now, but will become over £15mil in the future, remeber how much giggs would have cost 10 years ago ?) and then mould them how you want to, ie. attacking left winger. Then you buy support players to cover for them so they don’t burn out (ie. leighton baines (LB), Matty Taylor (LB), MGP (LM)), i would be very surprised if the Spurs board did not try to get another established Left Back this summer (i think Baines is best)as i think Stalteri will be sold and Lee will become chimbonda’s back-up.
Kaboul also fits into the same category as the Bale scenario, i dont think he will starting 11 (morelike King and daws) but in time he could become world-class in the Desailly mould, again that’s why we get them now to blood them. I think the other “exotic” youngsters mentioned like Keita and Nani would also be very good for the Left Mid/Attacking central mid areas where we are weak (ie. no proper support to Berbs, Keane, Defoe). I think this is the best way to proceed but definitely DO NOT sell Berbs OR Chimbonda as this will be a MASSIVE step back.
Great article.
The only thing I think you severely miss is an attacking midfielder.
We need somebody to the likeness of a Cesc Fabregas / Gerrard. We need somebody to push the ball through the midfield and draw defenders away from wingers and forwards.
Who that is? Your guess is as good as mine.
I don’t believe it’s Nakamura. But I’d be happy with either Sneijder or Van dar Vaart. I REALLY hope we get Kader Keita as his aggressive ball skills can be translated to internal position.
Billy - I hear what you’re saying about Bale, but don’t expect the two defenders to be our only acquisitions. I know Jol likes to buy for the future as well, but it doesn’t mean he won’t address the here and now. I’d say Bale has a much better chance of putting us in the top 4 than Assou-Ekotto or Lee…the former has been weak in this league and the latter cannot keep the ball well enough or attack with his left foot. Alternatively Bale, from what I’ve seen can handle both, and I think we really do need to further reinforce the left back position, despite Bale’s arrival and the presence of the two we have at the moment (hopefully not for much longer).
Pedersen has proven he is a top-quality player, performing well against the big sides and I would welcome him, as I would Martin Petrov - who has been injured for the most of the season so we haven’t seen the best of him. Darren Bent is better than Defoe in my opinion - look at the players around him and the service he has had compared to Defoe, and then look at the number of goals he has scored. He is more of a team player also, who passes when he should and does not hold on to the ball for personal glory unlike Defoe. I don’t know much about Kaboul, but he is French under-21 captain, so unless you know something I don’t I’d say we’re probably getting a good deal and one who can get better and be for the future.
The problem with one £30 million pound signing is firstly, if we are willing to pay that much, so are the top 4, and therefore why would the player - if they are that world class - not want Champions’ League rather than UEFA Cup football? Furthermore, what if it does not work out? See Shevchenko for example: whilst Chelsea can cope with throwing vast amounts on fees and wages despite it not going right, we cannot. Anyway, look at Berbatov - £10.9 million, and he is world class, money does not necessarily reflect how good a player is or can be.
I do agree some world class players would be nice, but think, unless we reach the level of regular Champions’ League football first, we will not have the attraction of a Man United or a Chelsea, so we must make do with who we can buy in order to get us there. This is why Jol needs to make the right signings, so we can be in the top 4 and then attract world class players.
Billy what r you on!
yes bale is young but you sed yourself that he is goin to turn into a world class player so what is you problem with him? can we not buy for him for later seasons? he is young, british, has an amazing left-foot and fills a gap in the spurs team. lee and Assou-Ekotto are not good enough, but if bale playes most of the season and then Ekotto or lee playes when bale needs a break then im sure well have a good defencive season!
ZED SPOT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pedersen to the lane
COYS!
Erm mate…we might not have had the results against the top lot, but we have NOT been ‘comprehensively beaten’ on all occasions. Without mentioning the draws with Arsenal (last season we deserved to win the match, this season we were fortunate), the victory over Chelsea this year, the undeserved loss last season (when Mido did NOT merit a red card), the superb draw with United away last year, and the loss at home in which we played some of the finest football I saw all season (and in which Carrick had arguably his greatest game for Spurs). I think it’s more a confidence issue…
Ok I’ll read the rest of the article so I can comment on the signings :p
Love the ‘arry comment.
I agree with your basic point - we need to take the chance whilst it’s still there. But I don’t think that we’re too far away, either. Left wing is a priority, and all-round defensive cover (I won’t tolerate seeing Chimbonda at left-back again)…
“Erm mate” yourself Mr. Steckelmacher! Upon reviewing my statement maybe this comment was a generalisation. However there is also the 3-0 defeat away defeat to liverpool this year and the 1-0 home loss where we never looked like winning..same with the chelsea away game this year (same score) - perhaps we had tired legs - 1st leg vs sevilla and all that, do not forget the 4-0 drubbing by man united at home also, not to mention the 3-0 away loss to arsenal. perhaps I should have said “this year” but the point remains, we were MEANT to succeed this year, but we didn’t, whereas the better results (but NO wins) were from last year where we were not expected (as we were this year) to seriously challenge the top teams.
Perhaps i should have said “In the last two years, with the exception of the Chelsea victory, Tottenham have more often than not been beaten each time we have played Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.”
Btw, gotta love old ‘arry!
i think bringing i the likes of bale might push lee and ekotto to improve their game.If not then we should get rid of both and get W.Bridge.as for the left wing Nani is a winger/striker he has pace ,skill and can score goals which can give us the extra killing power in front of goal.I think we should get emanlder from toulouse to replace mido, and bent to replace defoe. Central mid i like to see scott parker just add extra bite in the mddle of the park.
we need new cover up front? someone like berbatov.. big and strong, can hold the ball up, score the goals and get the assists. The man is viduka.. hes cheap, im sure his contract is running out?.. well he would be great cover for berb.. picture it viduka and defoe.. berb and keane.. cant go wrong.. billy wtf are you talking about 30million superstar.. no1 - we cant afford to waste 30mill on 1 player.. no2 - why would this player leave from a champ league team to a uefa team? no3 - a superstar player gotta be gettin on so ur not really lookin to the future… and wots wrong with bale hes gonna be great.. a superstar
Do not agree we need any more full backs, Bale and Ekotto left back, Chimbonda and Lee right back. Left midfield is a must (but it has been for the previous countless transfer windows and we’ve bought no one). Centre midfield is fine because JJ and Zokora are only going to get better, we don’t want to waste our money on Reo Coker. If Mido leaves then we will need another striker, but do we really want to sell him? I know he had a stinker last season but before that we nearly finished fourth with him as the first striker on the teamsheet.
We don’t need to spend 30 million on 1 player that would’nt help us.What Martin jol and daniel are doing is right bringing up and coming quality players and if the likes of Man.u.,liverpool, arsenal and chelsea are after the same player then it just shows we are at the very least going in the right direction.I watched Johan Emalander who play’s for tolouse in france, he is big ,strong, very good in the air,loves to hold the ball up and bring other player’s in and scored 3 very good goals an excellent replacement for Mido.
Elmander is apparently going to Roma..I agree with Gary, Viduka would be a great signing on the cheap. Perhaps even Peter Crouch instead if we do not get the Aussie, as Liverpool are going to be making wholesale changes and Crouch may leave.
Another thing which I forgot to mention in the article is this: Berbatov is world class, and we can only hold on to him for as long as we can play Champions’ League football. Manchester United, Chelsea, or any top European side for that matter would love to add someone like him to their squad, and the phone calls from them will not go away. Berbatov cannot be faulted for wanting to play against the best teams and the best players in the world. It is therefore imperative that we qualify for the Champions’ League next season or I fear Dimitar may be moving on…
Nooooo Berbyyy dont go!!!! We luv uu!!!! He’s been our driving force all season and the amazing link up with him and keane has been arguably, the best partnership all season. We all know the potential that spurs have and should be producing on the pitch but as long as we sort out our defensive lapses than we are all good to go for 4th next season.Not just for the spurs and our players but just to wake up on may 14th 2008 and rubbing it in all the scum faces next season at ashburton grove! COYS 4 lyf
I AM SURE THAT WE NEED ONE LEFT MIDFIELDER THIS IS THE POSITION WHERE THE TEAM IS SUFFERS.AT THE LEFT SIDE I BELIEVE THAT BALE IS READY FOR BASIC.FURTHEMORE WE MUST BUY ONE STRIKER.MIDO,GHALY,GARDNER,ZIEGLER MUST LEAVE.
Well, i totally agree with Gary. Viduka would be a good signing. Big and strong with a powerful shot. A typical goal scorer when linked with the right people.
Gary is super cool!
I agree we need a left sided midfielder, it has become obvious that MGP does not want to or do blackburn want to let him go, nani looks a promising player but maybe petrov would be the more reasonable solution for the moment, experience and proven pedrigee(and a mate of berbatovs, keep him happy). bent would be a good signing, strong and agile, not quiet a berbatov and not quiet a defoe but an excellent mix of both their qualities. i hope bale is given the first team slot at lb, give him the chance and another good run for huddlestone to keep him progressing. mido, ghaly and lee should go!
spurs are on the way up the signing of bale holds the club in good steed.Dont expect it to happen overnight but as spurs sign more quality players others will come,a champions league spot is up fpr grabs next year. berbat is world class funny how quickly people forget if he stays inquriy free he will be right up there in the goal scoring stats. I agree with the calls to add viduka he is strong and determined and seems to have a nack of putting it away,if they can get him on a free(i beleive he is gonna be outta contract?)it could free up some money to buy a left sided midfeild player. Peter crouch would be a great buy but im not so sure liverpool will want to sell him depends if they can sign a decent striker,he is a proven goalscorer and would play well with the likes of keane and defoe.
bent better than defoe?not sure bout that defoe hasnt been the best lately and it may be time for him to try another club.Being from nz we dont hear much about there reserves or youth teams maybe there are some youngsters ready to come though, any suggestions on who to keep an eye on?
What do think if this story is true about frank lampard and signing a new contract (NOT) do you think he would be a good buy for our team? I don’t believe ryan giggs will leave man.u.and come to us.
corey - there are a few good young players we have in our reserves and academy who may come through soon. Dorian Dervite is the is an 18 year old French kid who has played internationally at under 16, 17, 18 and 19 level. He can play at centre or left back and may therefore develop to become good competition for Bale. We also signed Tomas Pekhart, a tall Czech striker who is part of our academy, who great things are destined for. We also welcome Emil Halfredsson back from a long loan period and into our reserves and he is a left sided midfielder, so he may figure in Jol’s plans next season…
Cheers zed i will keep my eyes out for those names
Do you spurs wankers honestly think you can compete with the gunners? Aresenal have had their worst season ever this year and you have had your best and yet you ended up 8 points behind them. Thats a saying a lot and thats enough said…cant even believe you are all ejaculating to the impossible prospect of spurs playing in the champions league….that berbatov boy is so overrated as well.he is average at best just like his team.
This post is to ‘Wezhira’. Yes we spurs ‘wankers’ do think we can compete with Arsenal as the last two years they (or should I say ‘you’) have been in a period of transition and most probably will not buy any world class players this summer again. On the other hand we are on the up, have added Gareth Bale and will probably add a left winger, making us a more balanced and threatening side. This season was not our best ever as we suffered many defensive injuries which meant we could have in fact taken 4th once again. The three wins that eluded us were very attainable.
Ha ha you make me laugh with your Berbatov comments, I don’t even need to gratify these with a response. You sound like a scared Arsenal fan to me. I think you should probably remain hidden and keep throwing your little insults as 1. you are entertaining me greatly and 2. Spurs are only going to improve next season.