Loan Check

It is now that time of season, when players who have been loaned out to get the experience are taking to the field for their  loan clubs for the last times, and are soon to be returning to their respective parent clubs. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was eager to take advantage of the loan market, with many of the clubs most promising youngsters being handed a short spell away from White Hart Lane. I thought I would check up on their progress.

Giovani Dos Santos – Ipswich

The £4m signing from Barcelona came with bags of promise, but injury has stunted his progress since joining Tottenham. Out-of-favour with Harry Redknapp sent him to Portman Road for regular first team football. Redknapp tried to sell “Gio” in January, but does the fact that he is being loaned out to an English club rather than a foreign club mean he wants him to adapt to English football, and be a part of his plans next season? Anyway, Gio has made seven appearences for his new club, scoring three goals (albeit two from the penalty spot). The Mexican has made a huge impact in the Championship, winning over the majority of the Ipswich faithful.

Adel Taarabt – Queens Park Rangers

The Morroccon has had a very successful season, impressing at both Tottenham and QPR. Sent on loan to Loftus Road bu Redknapp, Taarabt has also taking to the field seven times at his new club. In a season in which he made his international debut, he has netted once; whilst the whole QPR squad has been disrupted by managerial changes. Taarabt has looked at home showcasing his skills in a team of foreigners.

Andros Townsend & Jonathan Obika – Yeovil

The pair have been outstanding in Spurs youth fixtures this season, and were sent slightly lower down the leagues. Townsend, a pacey and skillful winger, has played nine times; creating numerous goals with his lightning pace, and scoring once himself. Obika has not only impressed in Tottenham’s reserve team, but also in the couple of first team matches he has played. Also playing for Yeovil, the 18-year-old has scored four goals in the nine matches he has also participated in. Obika has made a big impact, and helped fire the club safe from relegation.