ARTICLES
The AVB Reign; Positions That Need Strengthening?
Having drafted in Andre Villas-Boas and Gylfi Sigurdsson, coupled with the new deals for Gareth Bale and Steven Caulker, the so-called ‘Spurs Exodus’ appears to be largely dumbfounded. However, that doesn’t mean the squad doesn’t need to stop adding to improve on last season’s top four finish. Aaron McElligott will now look into the areas that need strengthening and who can be brought in to do just that.
GK – With Brad Friedel now 41, it is clear we need to get a new keeper. Friedel was excellent for us last season saving us on many occasions, but he is not a long-term solution. A possible target to replace the veteran would be France captain Hugo Lloris. He is only 25 and would cost anything upwards of £15m. I believe he would be a good investment as he could play for Spurs for the next six/seven years.
CB – With Spurs being light at the back only having Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson and Steven Caulker, and the possible exit of William Gallas, we need a new signing. We have been in advanced talks with Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen for the several weeks now, but it is unclear whether a deal will go through. If he signs I would expect him to partner Kaboul at the heart of the defence and I believe that could be one of the best central defensive partnerships in the Premier League. Both have great pace for defenders and are very comfortable on the ball, something that most people believe will be vital to Andre Villas-Boas’ style of play.
LB – With Villas-Boas almost certainly going to play a high defensive line, Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s position maybe at risk due to his short attention span, his perseverance with playing the ball over the top and his poor positional play. The replacement I would like to see is Everton’s Leighton Baines. He is a set-piece specialist scoring up to three to four free-kicks a season and he is also an excellent penalty taker. He amounts a high goal tally for a left-back, five upwards per season, and gets his fair share of assists.
CM – After already signing Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, we have some decent options in that position, but I still think we need one more quality midfielder. The player who could fill the void in our midfield is FC Porto’s Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese playmaker would be an excellent replacement for the ‘soon to be’ departed Luka Modric. His ability on the ball and his eye for a pass has made him a wanted man with a host of clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs all showing an interest.
RW – I don’t think Aaron Lennon should be replaced, but with there always being doubts over his fitness. I think we need a back-up so the balance of our team doesn’t go out of proportion whenever he’s missing. Ever since arriving from Leeds United, Aaron Lennon has been pretty much guaranteed a place in the starting 11 whenever fit, so I think bringing in someone fresh will make competition for places more exciting which will only bring the best out of him. A possible back-up replacement is Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa. He was essential to Newcastle’s excellent season providing some memorable goals and assists.
ST – With only one on the books, it is essential that Spurs bring in two more reinforcements as we can’t go into next season without at least three front-men. Jermaine Defoe’s lack of aerial threat is a problem which means two tall athletic strikers are required. The two strikers I would choose are Emmanuel Adebayor and Klaas-Jan Hentelaar. Adebayor was with us last season and scored 18 goals and assisted 12. Huntelaar won the golden boot in the Bundesliga and his prowess in front of goal is well documented.
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