Changing Times at The Lane (Tottenham Hotspur F.C. other Players)

Member Name: thespurs

Product:	Tottenham Hotspur F.C. other Players
Date:	23/12/04 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Players are improving, Team mentality is better, There is a renewed optimism

Disadvantages: There is still some way to go

~Introduction~

I thought that as Tottenham are on a fine run of form at present, I would comment on a few of the players who are the driving force behind the resurgence in form. The departure of Jacques Santini, who has been replaced by the Dutch coach Martin Jol, has developed into a positive situation for Spurs. There seems to have been changes in the way the side plays and the confidence that they seem to have. I have been to the Liverpool and Southampton matches and watched a couple more on the television. There is a clear improvement and the run of results is clearly showing that.


~Confidence~

It seems that Martin Jol is allowing his players to open up and just enjoy their football. The whole team seems far more confident when defending; there is none of the shaky or rash decision making that used to go on. Jacques Santini was far too strict, limiting much of the attacking football that should have been played, by concentrating on defending. It isn't uncommon to see the wing backs getting forward and even Ledley King making surging runs through the midfield. There are two players that really stand out at the moment. The first is Timothee Atouba, who against Southampton performed cheeky step-overs and the like in front of his goal and made a mockery out of the Saints forwards. The second player is a certain Michael Carrick, a player who was frozen out by Santini for whatever reason. Martin Jol has come in and put Carrick straight in the team. In the Southampton game, he was responsible for two or three of the goals and in other games has bossed the centre of midfield. He seems to be settling down and should get better and better.


~The Jol Factor~

I have read a lot of articles and heard Mr Jol speak an awful lot, since he took the hot seat at the Lane. I have formed a very positive opinion of the man, he seems like a very nice person, a good communicator and most of all a man that the players respect. He is not afraid to launch a savage verbal attack on any of his squad, highlighted by his outburst after Fredi Kanoute handled in the penalty area. As far as praise goes, he appreciates a good performance by his players, but concentrates on the team as a whole. He has a new motto at the moment, 'Lets get out there and do the business'. This is perfect and if the whole team thinks along those lines then Spurs could go places this season or in the future.


~Unsung Hero~

There is one particular player, who has come on quite considerably in the past few months. That player is Michael Brown, singed from Sheffield United but has never made a real impact until now. He works tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes, making vital tackles and getting into space as the team attacks. The away matches at Blackburn and Manchester City were two games in which he was a key player. Against Blackburn, he ran 60 yards of the pitch to square the ball for Robbie Keane’s winner and against Man City he had a great game. It seems that he has found his feet and is starting to settle down. I think there is a lot more to come from him and the attitude that he shows is fantastic.


~Flop Player~

The one player that I have been disappointed with so far, is Miguel Pedro Mendes. The player was hyped up as being the solution to our central midfield problems, having that vital creative spark. I have yet to see any evidence of this, there is nothing to suggest that he is a world class playmaker. The ball control is very shaky at times and apart from the odd couple, his passing is pretty wayward. As far as tackling goes, he isn't too bad and he does have a little confidence about him which is very reassuring at times. I can't see him staying at Tottenham for much longer, with Carrick and Brown doing so well and Sean Davis due back in January.


~Star Man~

There is one man who you just simply can't take your eyes off for one second. The man had a part in four of the five goals against Southampton and has nine Premiership goals to his name this season. There are also another three or four in the League Cup too. That man is of course Jermain Defoe. Whenever he picks up the ball, you know that something will happen. He will seldom waste possession even it means having a rather hopeful shot on goal that is an easy for the goalkeeper. I think he is capable of getting another 10-12 goals this season and with Keane and Kanoute doing their bit the strike force is fairly potent. Sven was at the last game and I hope that Defoe's hat-trick will earn him a starting place alongside Wayne Rooney for England.


~Conclusion~

The vast majority of players at Tottenham, are able to fulfil their potential under Martin Jol because he just gives them that extra edge. There is something about the man that makes the players want to do their best. I do believe that is the side has a bad result, they will be able to snap out of it much faster than previously when Santini was the boss. The players are performing well, but there is still a lot more to come from them in the future. I think they can give another 15-20% and really start to like a top six side.

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