The Revolution Has Begun

The merry-go-round that is transfer deadline day seems to have started early this year, for Spurs at least. Adebayor has finally signed on the dotted line after a summer of negotiations with City over how much of a “loyalty” bonus he deserves. After weeks of inactivity, this deal seems to have sparked the possibility of many more. Willian, of Shaktar is a real possibility, with Sky Sports News reporting that both clubs are locked in negotiations. Moutinho is still on the radar, as are M’Villa, Adam Johnson, Llorris and Pjanic, amongst others. But the possible introduction of these superstars has come at a price, Michael Dawson seems bound for the exit, with QPR, Sunderland and Stoke all possible suitors. Tom Huddlestone has gone out on loan to Stoke and Bassong has been reunited with Spurs legend Chris Hughton at Norwich. Bassong always put in a good shift, but was never a fans favourite, there was always a feeling that he lacked that little bit of class and ability to be a Spurs player, however he will be warmly received when returning to lane in little under two weeks. Huddlestone and Dawson on the other hand, are seen by many as cult hero’s, and along with the potential sale of Van der Vaart, many Spurs fans have been left scratching their heads as to why these three players are so readily available on the market.

We will start off with what Spurs are gaining, well, not so much gaining as securing on a longer deal. Adebayor was pivotal in Spurs finishing fourth last season, he scored eighteen league goals and got eleven league assists. He linked up really well with Garath Bale, benefiting from the crosses that the pacey winger supplied to him. Bale thrived having someone who he could play a one-two with, and get the ball back ninety percent of the time. Adebayor comes in at a time when Spurs are crying out for centre forward who can play the loan striker role. Defoe is a very good finisher and took his goal against Newcastle very well, but he struggles to hold the ball up, he struggles to bring Bale, Lennon and Sigurdson into play. Having Adebayor to lead will give Spurs much more of an attacking presence, he is a threat in the air and on the ground, and is a handful for opposition defenders. He was seen by Arsenal fans as lazy, and some Spurs fans feel he was lazy at times last season. He does sometimes have goal draughts but there is no doubting his quality, to score and to play the game. In his “lazy” moments he is often not being lazy, but his contributions are just not noticed, those in the game never refer to him as lazy, but always see him as a handful. One problem that Adebayor has had through out his career is his attitude, and while he caused no problems last season, it is certainly a gamble giving him a four year contract. Hopefully he can concentrate on playing football and not being a pre-Madonna, and for the first time in his career he will be at a club where his class shines through and is not overshadowed.  

The imminent departure of Michael Dawson is one that has divided Spurs fans. Most love the commanding centre back, but whether he should be sold or not is the all important factor. Dawson is probably the most committed player to wear the Spurs shirt, he loves the club and the club loves him. Along with this he isn’t a bad player, this isn’t love based purely on his passion, he is a first class centre back. Crucially for the future of his Spurs career though, he is not the quickest, and is far slower than Caulker, Kaboul and Vertongen. This may have been the nail in his coffin as it is clear from pre season that AVB is keen to play a high defensive line, that requires quick centre backs to cover when the opposition break the offside trap. AVB also likes his centre backs to be able to get the ball down and play it, Dawson, although blessed with fantastic defensive ability is not the strongest with the ball at his feet, and could come unstuck there. It does make good business sense to sell Dawson for a large transfer fee and concentrate on bringing through Caulker, but the question will remain, would it not be better to sell Gallas and keep the younger and more committed Dawson.

Rumours have today surfaced that the next player out of the door will be Rafa Van der Vaart. There is nothing to back this up and it could realistically be lazy journalism, as he was only on the bench against Newcastle. Again this would devastate Spurs fans as he is a favourite, and his quality is for all to see. There are question marks surrounding his fitness but the contribution he has made over the last two years has been immeasurable. With signing of Sigurdson, Van der Vaart, should he leave, has already been replaced by a younger and fitter player. The Icelandic midfielder signed from Hoffenhiem has got great potential, scoring seven goals in the second half of last season for Swansea last year, and his a welcome addition to the Spurs squad. It remains to be seen if the Van der Vaart will return to Germany, but the rumours are certainly resurfacing.

The previous lack of transfer activity, and now the extreme selling policy, has lead a minority of Spurs fans to question AVB and Levy already. It is scandalous to question a manager after one match, no matter what the fans think of his sales, AVB is in charge of the squad and he should be allowed to make the squad he wants, if he sees no future for Dawson, Huddlestone and Van der Vaart they have to go, and be replaced by AVBs’ choice of players. It is the only way Spurs can move forward. For every one Spurs fan who has already turned on the boss there are thirty who trust his decisions and realise that these players who will go down as legends will have to go, if we are to move forward.