He is our captain, a loyal servant of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club since 2005, and he wears his heart on his sleeve, but is it time for Michael Dawson’s 9-year stay at the Lane to come to an end? It’s certainly fair to say that Dawson is a player who splits the fan base and there isn’t an agreed consensus amongst Spurs fans about our No. 20. However, more and more nowadays it seems as if the tide is turning against Dawson. Fans are more critical of his performances and his defenders are becoming fewer. This makes me wonder whether it is time to perhaps let him go should a decent offer be put on the table.
I’ve never been a huge Dawson fan but I’ve seen his merits and what he brings to the team. He understands the club, he doesn’t give up and his attitude is top class but for me there comes a stage where that just doesn’t cut it anymore and as this club tries to develop and improve, we need players who reflect that growth. Dawson, unfortunately, isn’t the level of defender we require if we want to be consistent top 4 members. He certainly shouldn’t be starting, but is he going to accept being a bit part player? I highly doubt it.
Whenever we play a big team and I see Dawson’s name on the team sheet, I instantly feel disadvantaged. I picture Aguero racing past him, van Persie losing him in the box, Suarez turning him inside out. Whilst players of that calibre can do that to any defender, it seems like an inevitability with Dawson and I don’t get that feeling with someone like Vertonghen or Kaboul (when he’s actually fit). He doesn’t turn quick enough and he isn’t a very fast runner, which makes him tactically limited. Also, the long balls, which I don’t think I need to go into detail on.
I’m not saying we should definitely sell him, as I don’t doubt his value in the dressing room, but his limitations can’t be ignored, and they’ve been exploited too often this season for my liking. When our four centre backs are all fit, Dawson must be the fourth choice should he stay, but like I mentioned earlier he is unlikely to accept that and nor should he. So, should Harry come back in for him or if a mid table Premier League club decide to go for him, we should definitely consider the offer very seriously because the evolution of THFC will mean that some people get left behind and Dawson may have to be one of those people.
Do you think Dawson’s time at Tottenham is up? Have your say below