Possibly, just possibly a future England international (Michael Carrick)

Member Name: thespurs

Product:	Michael Carrick
Date:	14/01/05 (135 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very creative, very much in his mind-set, Very comfortable in possession of the ball, Has a great range of passing

Disadvantages: Needs to continues to build his confidence

*Introduction*

Michael Carrick is now a Tottenham Hotspur player and he is slowly becoming a vital part of an ever improving side. The 23 year old joined Spurs from London rivals West Ham for an undisclosed fee in the summer transfer window. Injury delayed his debut for the first team and when he was fit, he found himself frozen out by former boss Jacques Santini. He could only manage the odd substitute’s appearance and must have been frustrated. The first game after that Santini left, Martin Jol threw him on when Spurs were 3-0 down at home to Charlton. Carrick turned the game on its head, running the midfield and Spurs reduced the deficit to 3-2 but couldn't find an equaliser. That led Martin Jol to start him for the next game and Carrick hasn't looked back.


*Creativity*

The player that Tottenham have lacked in recent years is a playmaker, somebody to supply the front men with goal scoring opportunities. There isn't much point in having two quality strikers in your team if they have to drop deep and get the ball as a result of players not supplying them effectively.

Michael Carrick has the ability to spot openings and anticipate the movements of the centre forwards. It is a natural talent that just allows him to the read game well. This means that he can provided incisive passes to the set forwards away on goal. He plays delicate through balls between defenders and an effective chip over the defence into the path of the onrushing Keane, Defoe and Kanoute. The passes may be a little under or over hit at times, but the idea was there which is the main thing.


*Passing*

The range of passing that Michael Carrick possesses, must be in the same bracket as Frank Lampard but not quite up there with Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes. He fires balls to all parts of the pitch, finding his team-mates with great accuracy. His short game is very good as well, his footwork helps him to give and go, perhaps receiving the ball back again. The weight that Carrick puts on his passes is the only thing that lets him down sometimes, they may just be a little too well hit and run out of play. In general, he is a very good passer of the football.


*On the Ball*

The sight of Michael Carrick on the ball is wonderful for somebody who appreciates good football. He has incredibly good feet, giving him an advantage in those 50/50 situations and enabling to take the ball away from the opposition. His ability to hold the ball up is also something that is becoming apparent as his confidence continues to build. He does comfortable in possession, happy to hold the ball until he is presented with a passing option.


*Tackling*

Carrick does sit in the centre of Tottenham's midfield and therefore has to do his fair share of tackling. He does put his foot in and try to win the ball back, but sometimes he is a little tentative about really going for a tackle. However, in recent games there has been a more positive approach to his intercepting of the ball. Michael and Ledley King tend to be the two players that win the ball back most frequently and Nourredine Naybet makes a number of vital blocks and clearances. I do think that tackling will improve with his confidence and he will become more assured in time.


*Conclusion*

If Michael continues to step up the standard of his performances and can do it week and week out in the Premiership, he is going to become a top player. He should also become an essential component in Tottenham's midfield four, for many years to come. I am not going to say that he has a future in the England side just yet, because there are two or three who are well ahead of him. Carrick just needs to keep his down and continue to work hard and his reward will come if he deserves it.

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