Heroes and Villains - conclusion

Concluding the casual look at players achievements in 2009 and what we'd like to see in 2010.

Pavlychenko - Villain

Can't speak English, but we get to read all his quotes via the tabloids thanks to the power of translation. Is there a player who has complained more than Roman? Okay, so we should never have signed him in the first place, but regardless, he's always been a defeatist. On the pitch, he gets pushed off the ball to easily. Off it, via his agent, he's always complaining and moaning. We've heard him suggest that Harry is mocking him. We've had the 'psychological' theories about his head not being right. He's struggled to settle, he was never fit when he was signed. The list is endless. He seems to be, or at least did when we signed him, to be a likeable bloke. But he's never looked a £14M player, compare to say Modric who took time to settle but when he did, he turned on one world class performance after another. Pav is simply a mistake. We need to get rid. He's beyond saving his Tottenham career. This one will go down alongside the Rebrov signing.

Do more in 2010: Play for another team. One in Russia will do.
Do less of in 2010: Cry to the media.

Lennon - Hero

What a star. Remember his breakthrough season? And remember how the follow-up season was disappointing? One or two wondered if he would develop and progress. Not just end product with crossing and scoring but also how to get past far more clever defensive stands and two markers. Adapt to teams who adapt to deal with him. When Bentley was signed, I did think we'd see Lennon marginalised simply because £15M was spent. What we got instead was a further re-birth of Azza. Blistering pace, always undeniable. This is a given, what hasn’t been a certainty is the end product and yet this season the little man stands tall alongside the very best in the Prem (third in assists). He's been absolutely brilliant. Having him in the side, you almost feel its worth a goal or two to us. He'll cause havoc out on the wing, hugging and cutting it.

Okay, so he plays for Spurs and whilst Theo Walcott does pretty much nothing and is still considered some kind of England uber-weapon, Lennon produces the goods, every week. He's essential to our success. I hope that 5 year contact means something, to both club and player.

Do more in 2010: Continue to work  and better his crossing, decision making and goal-scoring.
Do less of in 2010: Would like to see less Bling on his Bentley when he drives past my home (we are practically neighbours)

King - Forgotten Hero

I almost didn't notice Ledley return to the side recently. There is no doubt this man is unique. Doesn't need to train, can't train. And yet plays like a colossus when called upon. Sure, this season, there has been one or two performances where for the first time you think he's possibly beginning to degrade. Then again he is usually so immaculate, that one or two slightly average games will stand out and have you question him, when its not truly warranted. T

he rumours have, for a good few years now, suggested King is playing out his last season. It never is. Will it be? Should it be? Much like you, I don't know the true extent of his knee problem. Yes, we know he can't train and he needs injections. But what I'm not aware of is whether playing football and having needles stuck in him will cause him problems in later life. It can't be good for him. You'd think he'd take responsibility for his future, and so would the club. But we simply don't know. Purely in footballing terms he's a great player, amazing servant. If he's fit and he plays, there is calm and experience at the back that aids the more youthful defenders. But does it help with consistency? Will Harry simply use him as back-up (be it super-back up for massive games)? If he can still perform at the very top, then he should still play. If we are prolonging the inevitable, perhaps its time to re-think things for the sake of the player and the club.

Do more in 2010: Tutor the likes of Dawson and Bassong.
Do less of in 2010: Get kicked out of nightclubs.

Modric - Hero

Four games, four won, confidence all over the place. Then came the injury. The darkness however was not all consuming as expected. The side dug deep, it was never pretty and not always convincing, but we showed backbone and spirit and with the loss of our Croatian magician we survived. Finding a balance without him dinking in from the left was always going to be tricky but this allowed Harry to introduce Niko and our team is better for it. We can perform without a key player. Positive from a negative. Spurs are not a one man team and we have more than one outlet for dictating tempo. But what Moddle does give us when he's fit and in the team is a touch of the world-class. Because he is. He's our talisman. Our playmaker. The man who pulls the strings. When he's not in the team, we lack that extra cutting edge, that extra dimension to our play. We've adapted, thanks to Niko, but with him back it almost feels like we'll be moving back up a level.

Think of him as the caretaker with the skeleton key. All doors can be unlocked. If we're going to push for 4th spot and consolidate our position then he's going to be imperative. Don’t know about you, but I feel all warm inside knowing we have Luka, Niko and Aaron. Super strength in depth.

Do more in 2010: Dink, dictate and continue to flourish.
Do less of in 2010: Look on from the sidelines.

Dawson - Awesome Hero

Once upon a time, Daws could only play when partnered alongside King. It was almost like his belief was dependent on having the experience of Ledley by his side. Without him, he would show signs of clumsiness making daft mistakes. He's been on the outside looking in for so long that you forget he's 26 years old. Still seems like a bit of a kid, inexperienced and eager. Yet Dawson, having been given the opportunity due to the loss of both Woody and King, has taken it and has claimed a stake to be first choice at the back. He's determined and committed. Not afraid to tackle or throw himself at the ball at the other end. All this talk about needing another CB. There is no need. Woodgate and King to bring a certain calm and level-headed experience to the back line when in the team. Both are superb footballers. And both are perfect for the likes of Dawson and Bassong. But with Daws, being at an age when he should be playing a lot of games, we need to retain him and have him playing the games.

Do more in 2010: Smile. I love that big daft smile.
Do less of in 2010: Play second fiddle.

Keane - The Anti-Hero

Football is poetic at best. For every question there is an answer. Like the one where a player asks himself 'what if?' However, the answer is not always what you want to hear. You can't blame Robbie for joining Liverpool. Deep down he might have known it was a massive risk, but in comes a CL side that can offer CL football - would you turn it down? Does any player admit to being at the right level and that moving might be detrimental to their self-esteem and ability? We all know Rafa wanted Barry. It might be no exaggeration that Keane was being played out of position at Liverpool thanks to the in-fighting between Rafa and Parry. But then he does have a habit of playing players out of position. Keane obviously fancied it and thought he would settle in Anfield. But he failed to do so and expectations practically rendered his stay up there as a complete non-event. Shit happens. He found out he wasn't cut out for life at Liverpool. Is this because of the style of play, the selection, the pressure? Is it an insult to suggest he had found his level at Spurs?

Fact is, at a side where there are perhaps less 'world class players' and the pressure  is of a different ilk, some players are able to slot in and play a certain way. Take Berbatov. He does not appear to be the same player he was during his 2 years at Spurs. At least in that first season. Keane was home at Spurs. And he basically fucked it all up.

When he was resigned, he aided us, but rather than push on from there and reclaim his importance, it almost felt like he had returned battered and broken from a war, no longer hungry for further battle. Giving him the captaincy was the first mistake. Mainly because it doesn't give the player the target of making up for his indiscretion of walking away from Spurs. And if we signed him only because JD got injured, then its more desperation on our part, good business for Levy and a convenient escape for Keane.

The whole thing is shambolic. He's lost his mojo, big time. It happens, but unlike players who fade and disappear, Keane still has it in him to rediscover that prior sparkle. It's just not very apparent at the moment, and when you look at the likes of Niko who's work rate and product is outstanding, you can only voice your frustrations when you watch Keane go through the motions. Perhaps he can't be fussed to get that mojo out.

Do more in 2010: Work hard. For Gods sake man, try and get back some self-respect and pride.
Do less of in 2010: The thing with the hands waving in the air.


And the rest...

Bassong - Glad we signed him. Young, not perfect, but could well turn into a beast at the back for us. Unlike some of the other centre-backs we've had in the past who promised much and delivered nothing, Bassong looks to be the real deal - but it'll take some time for him to get there. Much like Dawson (when he first signed) he could do with having the experience of King or Woodgate guiding him.

Corluka - Another one of our players who can be tagged with 'it's easy to forget he's a kid'. Twenty three years old is Charlie. He's cool. Ice chilled. And a blessing at right-back. Here's a player who knows how to defend but also understands the importance of the over-lap, supporting Lennon and retaining a certain air of dominance over on the right flank. Three Croatians, every one a star.

Assou-Ekotto - Best improved player under Harry? The guy has flourished. Consistent and disciplined. It's what you want in a left-back. Always been a dodgy position for us, so having little to be concerned about here is thanks to the man-management skills of Redknapp and the work ethic of BAE. Hope he's not missing for too long.

Woodgate -  Anyone know when he's due back? Soon apparently, although I also read a conflicting report that the club is uncertain what his injury is. Was always going to happen. When we signed him, it was a case of 'how long will he play before he gets injured?' What was both surprising and inspiring was the fact he hardly picked up a knock. Until recently of course. Woody is a great player. Another tutor for the likes of Daws and Bassong.

Bale - I feel for this lad. He's what, 20 years old? And we almost ruined him by throwing him into the deep end. Players like this should be nurtured. Sadly, we sometimes don't have the luxury to do so. He wasn't ready for life at Spurs, especially a side that was without form. Knocked him for six. The jinx was more the fault of his team mates than him. He's better going forward than defending. Thankfully, we are on the up, so selecting Bale (with BAE out) is not going to be a nervous option for all concerned.

Gio - Is he any good? Who knows. What we do know is he doesn't like training or turning up for it on time and he loves a drink and a party. If he's sorted out his act and is over his injuries then I'd like to see him in a Prem game again. Find out once and for all. So far, he's done nothing but prove that Barca did right in selling him.

Hutton - Along with Pav, he's perpetually always on the verge of being sold. I keep saying buying Scottish is the wrong thing to do. Isn’t a bad player, has had his 'problems' too - off the field. Another defender who's better offensively. Not sure about this one. Would like to see him fight for a place. Then again he's hardly going to play if Charlie is fit.

Heroes and Villains - Part II

Continuing a casual look at the players achievements in 2009 and what we'd like to see in 2010.


Crouch - Hero (but not like Bruce Wayne, bit more like Rodney from Only Fools and Horses dressed as Robin)

I like Crouchie. He's a decent down to earth bloke with his head in the clouds. He's not a dreamer, just very tall. He knows his limitations and strengths and makes it work, as a foil, even if people shrug about his lack of goals. If Defoe is banging them in by virtue of playing up front with Peter, then it's the partnership that works and matters more than who is sticking them away - as long as someone is. Still, would be nice if he bagged a few more for himself. But we sort of knew this would be the case prior to him signing. But I'm not going to complain about something that makes me happy. And he does. He's not been out of his skin unbelievable, but he's done a good job and can play up front with whomever. He's a good option to have in there, although you do wonder  if we didn't would Pav have stepped up and settled into life in the Prem? You know, Pav being a £14M investment that wasn't fit to start in his first season and doesn't appear to be an option in his second.

Fact is, we have a variation of types as far as our forwards are concerned. And having someone who has tight foot control and causes panic in opposition areas is a good thing. The rest of our team have to remember to play to feet rather than hoof it up to him. Also, I live in the hope that one day a ref will work out that just because someone is tall, doesn't mean that every time he jumps up for the ball with an opposition player it’s an automatic free kick against him.

Do more in 2010: Over-head kicks. Have we had one yet?
Do less of in 2010: Hoofing the ball up to him. Everyone knows, robots can't jump.

Defoe - Hero

Cracking player. Has matured thanks to that loan spell at Pompey and he's in the form of his life. This guy has a love affair with Spurs. It's his spiritual home. He's a goal-scorer. He's hungry for it and he has a point to prove and in World Cup year he is not only in complete control of his destiny, he's in the front seat driving at speed towards South Africa. Essex police, catch him if you can.

Offside? Offside I hear you cry? Jermain Defoe is never offside, he's so fast he creates an illusion that he's moved before the ball has and the assistant referee reacts to it by raising his flag. Whether JD lashes them or flicks them past, his form has validated Harry and the decision to let Darren Bent go. We need one goal scorer and we need him to be able to play a part in a footballing side, rather than just run onto balls over the top.

We've been waiting for a while to see JD step up a level. And he's finally done that. 20 goals would be a good target.

Do more in 2010: Remain focused. Don't take it for granted.
Do less of in 2010: Lay off the c-list celeb WAGS.

Kranjcar - Hero. Sexy Hero

Not that long ago we had a player at Spurs. He was top drawer. Had that shirt tucked out socks rolled down swagger about him. Tottenhamesque in every way. Flair, magic on the ball and an understated arrogance. An almost likeable arrogance. None of that third-rate stuff you get from the Arsenal players who posture like the universe was a stage created for their fronting. No. This is altogether a different type of arrogance. A 'hey, look, I just did something amazing and I hope you liked it, because I liked doing it, and it was done for you' arrogance. Ginola.

And then we found ourselves with Berbatov. A would-be-king who renounced the throne in spectacular fashion to became a court jester in a far away land (harsh, but fair).

Niko could be the next in-line. Some scoffed when he signed, concerned he was too inconsistent and lacked fight. Okay, so defensively he won't offer too much - but neither did Ginola or Berbatov. In a team where we will always look towards Modric for that little piece of magic, we have someone else who can take responsibility. Another unlocker of doors. The wonderful thing for me here is that when he was signed he wasn't fully fit. And as he worked towards regaining match fitness he played his part with cameos, with many impatient. Harry guided him into team affairs with care and attention. And he's slotted in near perfectly. This is what we like at the Lane. A player with class, oozing with every touch. And if continues to play and score we might just have a goal-scoring outlet from midfield.

Do more in 2010: Swagger, creation and craft. And more goals.
Do less of in 2010: Sit on the bench.

Huddlestone - Incredible Hero

Love him or hate him, Harry has done what most of us have wanted. He's stuck Hudd in the midfield and practically started him for every match. We've always banged on about whether Tommy is cut out for a central midfield job. He's not mobile enough, he's easily bullied, he's too slow. And yet there he stands. And whether we like it or not (some people take it personally) he isn't doing too bad of a job. I find myself swaying between opinions. Much like Jenas, he promises a lot. But then it's easy to forget that Tom has only just turned 23. He's a kid. Feels like he's been around for an age. So, for someone so young, arguably he is doing more than just fine. Note the improvements to his defensive game. I've seen it, with my own eyes, Carrickesque nicking of the ball off players. He gets given the ball (often from the likes of Dawson) and as a deep lying midfield turns defence into attack with a forward pass, spread 30 or so yards to feet.

Okay, he can sometimes get lost in the middle. But development wise, there is no better place for him than starting against Wilson. If this kid is going to make it, best he does playing in Lilywhite and best he does so playing week in and week out. We are 4th. At the half way stage. And he's a first team player. I guess the reality of it is this: Huddlestone works.

He's got a triffic shot on him, so a bit of target practice and we might just have another goal-scoring midfielder on our hands.

On the flip side, as mentioned, he gets lost in the middle. If the game doesn't suit his style. If he has no time on the ball. This is actually a problem, because if the opposition are in his face up-tempo then he is practically rendered redundant. Hence the reason why there is both love and hate for the boy.

So, when the game suits him - he's brilliant. When it doesn’t, its best not spoken about. From incredible hero to incredible zero.

Do more in 2010: Score. Brilliant volley skillz. Needs to hit target more often. And has to show signs of adapting.
Do less of in 2010: Mayo and ketchup.



Pavlychenko, Bassong, Corluka, King, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Bale, Lennon, Keane, Modric, Giovani, Hutton and Dawson to follow...

Read the concluding part here.

Heroes and Villains - Part I

Was going to write up an award-style blog looking back at 2009 and it's highlights but thanks to some inspiration I'm opting to go instead with a heroes/villains piece. A sort of player-by-player review and accompanying aspirations for each individual for the year ahead.

Gomes - Hero

All gone a little quiet hasn't it? We usually have to listen to plenty of 'ooh look he's flapping' sound bites when commentators knee-jerk as per their contractual mantra on being overly critical of our Brazilian import and his keeping abilities. Okay, so he was a bit shaky for a time and struggled with the odd injury and brought it on himself, but he's not only dug deep, he's fought hard to reclaim some pride and done so with some breathtaking saves and some consistency with decision making. He has personality, and unlike Robinson before him, he has belief and it's a true testament to his character that he has rebuilt himself in this fashion. He has captured the types of headlines that made him a transfer target in the first place. On form, he wins us points. And he's on form. We do not need David James.

Do more in 2010: Instinctive out of this world shot-stopping, and the simple things.
Do less of in 2010: Crying, using brain in scenarios where there is too much time to think.

Bentley - Villain

I have nothing personal against David Bentley. I don't know him. I know of him only by what he does on the pitch and how he presents himself as a Tottenham player in the public eye. So at the moment it's fair to say he's coming across as a bit of an apologetic prick. We've been here so many times with David, trying to figure out what's going on in that head of his. Dealing with facts, pure footballing facts, he's been the ultimate flop. Claims to be a Spurs fan, dream move, la la la, and apart from that goal he's struggled to find an ounce of self belief that would help elevate his confidence to a passable level.

He has attempted to showboat himself out of trouble and it's been one face palm on top of another. But then it's not all his fault. Yes, that's right, let's pin it on the DoF system and Comolli simply because everything is the fault of the Frenchman. Making a 'big money name player of the moment' signing in the wake of Robbie Keane leaving for Liverpool. A player who can only play right-wing and but is hardly a wing-wizard. There is no doubt he has ability. And you'd think, Bentley cross + Crouch head = Goal goal goals. But alas, he's either injured or on the bench and rarely showing any signs of life.

Even with Azza out, I'd much prefer to see Niko and Modric in the starting line-up rather only one of the two Croatians and Bentley slotting in on the right.

Time to end this. Reserve team football to Sunderland perhaps. Not sure I see the point in loaning him out to anyone. Get something back for our troubles. Anything. Let’s face it, it won’t be £15M.

Do more in 2010: Play football rather than play football from memory.
Do less of in 2010: Star jumps, lurking on rooftops, living in skips.

Jenas - Dysfunctional side-kick

The definitive poster-boy is still in Lilywhite. You know what, I can never imagine him wearing another shirt. Honestly, don't mean to scare you, but he's become synonymous with Tottenham. He's like the physical representation of the club. Promises much, delivers little. And with the club showing (dare I say it) signs of changing, perhaps its time for us to firm-handshake and man-hug a goodbye to JJ - who bless him, remains in a state of flux. Apparently, he's a good player. So say all managers who have managed him. I guess he must be something akin to Pele out on the training pitch. But when he was once upon a time a first team starter, he's seen himself relegated and lost in the mighty big shadow of Tom Huddlestone.

So, what does Jenas do exactly? Splits fans, as ever. And it's been discussed to death. He was meant to be the complete midfield. Box to box, defend, attack, score. He's got the lungs. But he lacks the heart. What we get instead is plenty of potential and little end product. But that term, 'potential', is very much an easy way out, forgiving his inconsistency. Fact is, if he doesn't fulfil expectations perhaps its because those expectations are beyond him. When JJ 'turns it on' he's immense. And the mistake made is expecting or believing that particular version of JJ is the one he should be producing week in and week out. The reality is different. Jenas may well be an average player who once in a while excels to giddy heights. Or maybe, just maybe, he's a good player - not good enough for the Top 4, but good enough for teams outside of the cartel and one that won't be plucked away from us, in the same fashion as Carrick was. This can't be as good as it gets, can it?

Every summer we say 'this is the year for him'. I've been saying it for 4 years now. And still we wait. I like him. I wish he was arrogant, I wish he was a piece of shit personality wise. Driven by the desire to be the very best. Look at Lampard of Gerrard. In comparison, there is no comparison.

At the moment, Hudd offers more than JJ does.

Do more in 2010: Tackle boy, don't be afraid, you're not going to hurt it. It feels no pain. It's a football. It loves to be treated rough.
Do less of in 2010: Playing hide and seek out on the pitch. WE CAN SEE YOU, THERE'S NOWHERE TO HIDE.

Palacios - Hero

Here's to a better 2010 for Wilson. Last year was not a good one for the lad and his performances since very early season have been a mix bag. Maybe not as disciplined or sharp with his passing as he can be when completely on top of his game. He's been off-key. But he still brings something to the side that we have lacked for an age. He's a beast. A brick wall. The defensive enforcer we have desperately wanted for. Even a Wilson at 60% is better than a Zokora at 80% (although if we are talking pure comedy and dancing then obviously Wilson is rubbish in comparison). Harry has to get him playing with discipline again. The second part of the season needs us to be completely on top of our game and with Modric back and Niko looking to play a part in the same line-up, we have to be strong in the centre. Is another DM on the way? Sandro? I'd go with that if whomever arrives is an understudy for Palacios. He needs a time out every now and again. He is vital to our midfield and our progression. But he is one man. And no, bringing back Jamie O'Hara is not the answer to the understudy question.

Do more in 2010: Bite. Bite them. Bite all of them.
Do less of in 2010: Air miles. Any chance we can move all Honduran international games to London?



Crouch, Defoe, Kranjcar, Hutton, Huddlestone, Pavlychenko, Bassong, Corluka, King, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Bale, Lennon, Keane, Modric, Giovani and Dawson to follow...