So we are once again in the sell before we buy scenario. Now I know many will see this as a funds raising exeercise, I view this more of a keeping a hold on the wage bill exercise. Ok so we have lost Jamie O'Hara to Wolves, good luck to the lad, and we hear a few rumours such as Jenas and Palacios on their way out. If I could add Bentley, Keane and Hutton to that list then that would satisfy the 4 or 5 out.
I must say my biggest disappointment over the last few seasons has been the failure of harry Redknapp to find a role for Giovanni Dos Santos. I rated him as a Barcelona and Mexico player so why has he not made it at Spurs. I have read tyhe comments about his lifestyle being a problem but I truly believe had he been given the opportunity to play then those habits may dissapear. There is nothing more likely to cheer up an unhappy man than a few pints and the odd admirer, well me anyway.
Giovanni had a good pre season last summer, had a good 15 minutes in our opening game against Manchester City, was left holding the front line with our youth team against Arsenal in the Carling Cup then was shipped out. Obviously there is more to this than just football reasons.
Harry Redkanpp has often mentioned the two or three top class players he needs to bring in. The question id of course where do you fit them in. Apart from a striker who can play on his own up fron, maybe a holding midefielder and a long term partner for Michael Dawson, I am not sure where we need to improve.
We do need competition for places in certain areas, I would like to see Lennon pushed hard for his place, and I beleive Giovanni is equipped to do this. The same can be said for Bale although more as a back up option. I see a midfield trio of Sandro, Huddlestone and Modric as ideal. in order to create more scoring chances we need to be seeing much more of the ball. By winning in the ball in the middle of the pitch getting the ball out quickly to pacy wingers is the way to win games particularly against teams who will swamp the midfield.
Our big problem however is what to do with Van Der Vaart. His best position I believe is at the top of a diamond. However this formation demands a tight central midfield formation with little width, which doesn't suit our purposes. The only other option would be a Modric type of position but I feel Modric is a superior central midfield player. He has been played out wide however he tends to drift and and leaves us open for the counter attack leaves our full backs without cover. So the ideal position for him was as a support striker when we play 4-4-2.
If I was to pick my team from the current squad it would be:
Gomes;
Walker, Dawson, King, Assou Ekotto;
Huddlestone, Modric, Sandro;
Giovanni, Bale;
Pavyluchenko.
I say Giovanni as I beleive he is a better option than Lennon who has been poor at times and will need to improve if he desires to continue to push for the highest honours. If I was to say where we are weakest and need strenthening, well that is no secret, we need to improve on our strike force. The fact that I choose Pav is only as the best of an ordinary bunch.
We also need a long term replacement for Ledley King. I don't think Bassong has the quality we need although he is a good defender we need an excellent defender. I will follow Stephen Caulkers this season with much interest. He didnt have a great game against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, but he did look very good at times on loan at Bristol City last season.
So I am not sure where the two or three will come from but watch in anticipation.
