The one position that Spurs are not talking about strengthening at this current moment is the centre of defence. I know that, as Spurs’ fans, not being linked with anyone in that role is a shock, but for once we were decisive in that department (through signing Jan) and now have a great bunch of defenders to choose from. But which ones should we play?
Younes Kaboul:
He is perhaps the safest choice, as he played the most last season, but I am not saying safe is a bad thing. He imposed himself extremely well on our opposition last season and his presence and speed is a real positive, particularly with AVB’s infamous high defensive line. He also provides a small threat attackingly – and any goals are most welcome at WHL – so that has got to count in his favour. He has become a real fan favourite in the last two years at the Lane and so definitely ought to be in there – possibly even as captain.
Jan Vertonghen:
A somewhat unknown package to Tottenham fans living in the UK. He was obviously the highest-rated defender in the Eredivisie and probably the best Belgian defender around – but does that guarantee that he will be good enough for us? He is obviously quick and great at winning headers in the box, but sometimes foreigners can take a notoriously long time to settle in this league and so cup games and the occasional home game might be best for Jan, at least up until Christmas. We’ll just have to see how he goes.
Michael Dawson:
One of the best defenders in England a couple of years ago, but since then he has been riddled with injury and so fitness and form might be a problem for Daws. Chances are he has lost a yard of pace through being out of action for so long as well – so he might not fit into AVB’s high line structure. The fans love him, but who knows how good he will be this season? Despite being our player for so long, after his lengthy injury he is almost like a new signing, and we will just have to wait and see how he gets on.
Steven Caulker:
Steven is clearly a huge prospect for the future but the question is, is he ready to play for a top-4 club? How different is success at the Swans from success at the Lane? I would love AVB to play him a lot because, from what I saw of him last season, he is a massive talent with bags of potential. In a way, he is actually quite a safe option – think about it, he has EPL experience and is bound to work his socks off for the club. He has shown he can last out a 38-game season, and what’s the point of having youngsters if you’re not going to play them? He is commanding in the penalty area and can only improve with time.
In my opinion, the starting two centre backs for the EPL should be Younes and Caulker, with Jan and Daws reserved for Europa League and cup matches. If Jan performs on that stage, by all means put him in for Caulker, but please, AVB, give Caulker some game time – along with Livermore and Kane, he could become a Spurs stalwart in years to come.
And who do the fans think should be our first two centre-backs for Premier League and cup?
By Alex Beck
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