Harry Redknapp has admitted he faces a selection headache between Jermain Defoe and Rafael Van der Vaart after the latter voiced his concerns at being utilised on the wing.
Both players started the 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday with Defoe playing up-front alongside Emmanuel Adebayor and Van der Vaart on the right-wing.
As of late, Redknapp has preferred the England hitman to the Dutchman in a more advanced role, while Scott Parker, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have also performed well as of late.
However, with Van der Vaart admitting he doesn’t enjoy the defensive role of a winger, Redknapp admits it is a problem to accomodate both players in the starting XI.
“Yes, it does seem to be a problem. Rafa can’t run back and chase the full-back. Against the better teams it is a problem,” the Spurs manager said in The Sun.
“Rafa’s best position is in the middle, playing just behind the front man.
“The only problem is that Jermain Defoe plays there too and Jermain is playing very, very well at the moment.
“So, I guess I have got a decision to make, haven’t I? I suppose it’s now between Rafa and Jermain over who plays in the team.”
“Rafa is a terrific footballer. He has great skill. But if you’re in the team and asked to do a job, really, you should just do it.”
Walker—-Kaboom—-King—-BAE
———————Parker—————
Modric—————————–Bale
——————–VDV——————
———–Defoe———Manu——–
41212 meh? or we just hope VDV picks up a “slight” knock on internation duties.
I beg to differ, 4-1-2-1-2 won't utilise Modric and will leave Parker with too much work to do