New season optimism in the air at Tottenham Hotspur?

A new season comes upon us we find out that our first fixture is….. West Ham, London Derby to kick-off the season great right? I still have nightmares of our defensive performance. That game one of the worst displays I have watched. But wait optimism from the loyal spurs army, An appointment we all agreed on… A manager who plays the ‘Spurs way’! 4-2-3-1?. Lamela finally to play regular to show his good born talent? Spurs actually believing in a player publicly saying he is not for sale and not selling him?, Confidence in a player who has had a poor 1st season. Support  which they never gave with Taarabat, Kevin-Prince or Dos Santos.

“Levy  said in a recent statement that “We will strengthen in key positions which can only be good to the 1st team and give them the confidence they need to perform at the highest level”;

“Our focus therefore is to continue to invest in and develop the squad [but] we shall not look to a summer of major upheaval, rather to strengthen in key positions – to play the style of football for which we are famous.”

(Daniel Levy,02/04/14 12:20pm,Club statement).

Am I dreaming Levy wants to keep the same players and won’t sell. For any money! Hmm I remember Bale! But by Levy coming out and saying this he has given the manager confidence that no top player will be sold for ‘Any money’. Also the appointment of Pochettino will make us play the fast attacking football the fans desire. From what Levy had said he sounds like a genuine fan my problem is how many big losses will levy take under Pochettino before he presses the escape button? Some have said he was hasty sacking AVB who still has the highest win rate of 53.7%, Tim Sherwood 50% in all competitions.

LEVY
My hope for Levy is that he gives Pochettino time because as seen with Klopp, Wenger, Ferguson and even Moyes. If a manager is given that time he can actually develop a good team who can compete but we can also see what his ‘Project’ actually is ,By doing this you can actually see how successfully the manager is…. But usually the ‘Tottenham way’ is to sack the manager 2 years into the project.

Formation…

If Pochettino decides to play 4-2-3-1 does Dawson fit? My answer to that is yes if Dawson is played as a limited defender he will flourish. John Terry has played this role for along time as he lacks pace and struggles with the high-line, Jan Vertonghen would play the Ball playing defender and Dawson would drop just a little deeper. Tottenham lack true leadership and organisation, By getting rid of Dawson we lack a true mascot and someone who has the grit and can do the ugly which we missed with players like Scott Parker been sold.

What is a limited defender?

His main job is the same as the other central defender roles but the limited defender will clear the ball safely up field in a no-nonsense manner, Which matches Dawson characteristics

What is a ball playing Centre back ?

His main job is the same as the central defenders, stop the opposing attackers and clear the ball from danger. The main difference is that the ball playing defender is encouraged to launch defence-splitting through balls from deep to generate counter-attacking opportunities.

At left back we should  keep Danny rose , After seeing  him play so well for Sunderland don’t we think under a manager who is tactically strong we will get the most out of Danny?  Or have we  got the Tottenham optimism bug.. After reviewing his stats i think not . Below his stats have been listed comparing his season on loan with Sunderland and his season with Tottenham.

Sunderland 2012/2013

Average duels won: He made 1 assist making 10 key passes

Headed duels: 28/49(From his 27 appearances)

Tackle won to loss:

Pass completion : 77% which is quite high compared to Adam Johnson 79%

Tottenham 2013/2014

Average duels won: 2 assist making 14 key passes

Headed Duel : 27/50 (From 22 appearances)

Tackle won to loss: 53% to 47%

Pass completion: 79%

Statistics from http://www.whoscored.com/Players/24711/Show/Danny-Rose

Outcome: The statistics show we should be confident , With training and confidence from Pochettino to Dawson and Rose but also tactical management they will improve. Levy needs to stay calm and not enter himself into the football matters and give the manager a chance to complete his project, If he doesn’t after his contract is up for renewal then deal with it.

Prediction: 3-1 against West Ham, Tottenham to finish 5th

 

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