As we near the start of another exciting Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur announced their squad numbers. Fans were happy to spot a gap and ready to make their own assumptions.
The number 8 shirt in the squad has not been given to any player by Mauricio Pochettino. Plenty of fans were ready to lap this up and indicate that the current number 8 from Goodison Park is all set to wear the number 8 at the White Hart Lane.
In fact, the only difference in the numbers for the upcoming season is that of Kieran Trippier. The right-back has taken over the vacant number 2 jersey following Kyle Walker’s sale to Manchester City. Fans were also interested to look at the details of Danny Rose. The England international who is currently injured has stirred a hornet’s nest by telling The Sun that he is not earning the wages that he deserves.
Although Rose issued an apology to the club, fellow players and fans – those responding to the squad numbers were not kind to his outburst. The left-back indicated that he wouldn’t mind moving away in search of trophies and looks like the fans have not taken those comments lightly.
But most of the fans’ reactions were around the vacant number 8 shirt, with many hoping for Barkley to fill the void. Will he or not is a question for another time but for now, let’s look at some of the best reactions on Twitter.
This fan was sure that the vacancy if for Barkley.
Left 8 free for Barkley
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) August 10, 2017
Ross Barkley confirmed #RB8
— . (@Aldertonghen_) August 10, 2017
This user tried to mellow the tone but the underlying message was still the same.
note: the no.8 shirt is vacant not taken. Looks like Barkley’s on his way.
— Steve Day (@SteveDay17) August 10, 2017
I SEE DANNY ROSE WHAT IS THIS BLACK MAGIC
— N’Jœ (@VlCTORWANYAMA) August 10, 2017
This user has cryptically pointed out the lack of transfer activity by saying that nothing has changed!
Literally no numbers have changed
— JD LevyIsBald (@JamieSpurs11) August 10, 2017
One user wants Gareth Bale back at the club. That would be ‘WOW’ though!
Not sure Lamlea will be happy with Bale taking his #11
— Hotspur Edition (@HotspurEdition) August 10, 2017
Not one offer been tabled for Barkley. Waiting won’t get Spurs a bargain. Koeman would be quite happy to keep him.
If he comes, I would think Number 6 might be more suitable. I believe that has been left vacant. Barkley scores very few goals and provides very few chances. He is not an effective attacking midfielder (which I see an 8 being). He may be effective in a deeper role. I am not suggesting he would be. He may be. Rumours indicate Poch thinks that is more suitable for him. There are always rumours and they do not mean much. Of course, shirt numbers mean very little now.
I’ll be glad when this is sorted out. Everton can then move on, Spurs can move on, and the lad can concentrate on getting fit and playing foorball.