Ryan Mason’s contribution to the Tottenham cause over the past year or so has been nothing short of sensational. However, there is a contingent of Spurs fans who view the tireless midfielder as nothing more than a spare tyre in the back of a car boot. Are we undervaluing the significance Ryan adds to our team or is he really one we could afford to sell in the near future?
For starters, I am blessed to work in an environment with quite a few Spurs fans. However, our agreement with the team and its future ends when Ryan Mason gets discussed as a point of conversation. My fellow Yiddo’s merely describe Mason as a decent player who is ‘okay’ to have around until a better and more formidable replacement can be identified.
This is an idea I completely consider farcical. In the Premier League so far, Mason has registered one goal, creating eight chances along the way. Ryan has completed 236 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 84%, of which 83% were forward passes.
Ryan Mason is no Zinedine Zidane and indeed never will be. But what he brings to the pitch he does with passion, quality and effectiveness. Together with Bentaleb last term, he helped steady the ship when our international purchases flattered to deceive in midfield. Being given the number ‘8’ jersey was a signal of faith placed in him by Mauricio Pochettino and it was duly deserved too.
Ryan has the doggedness of Scott Parker and the elegance to produce the spectacular. Whether it’s an intricate dink over the keeper like against Sunderland or a thunderbolt from range. Striking the ball clean with either foot is a quality not many can profess to possess.
Unlike others in the recent times who have made nothing more than guest appearances on the pitch, nonchalantly going about their business, you only need to observe Ryan for ten minutes to see what it means to him to put on the jersey. He will be integral to our plans this season.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
