Spurs amazing 9-1 win over Wigan confirmed two things. Many had doubts about Spurs credentials to challenge for a top four spot but with Liverpool’s continuing frailties and Man City's inconsistency, it seems a real possibility that Harry Redknapp's men could cement a top four finish. It also confirmed that it maybe time for England boss, Fabio Capello, to cross two more names off his list of possible players going to South Africa next year.
As Spurs pummelled Wigan with all the swagger and pizzazz of a Floyd Mayweather master class in the ring, it was two performers in particular who really stood out and gave the England boss something to be positive about. Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon's performance yesterday should've done enough to convince Capello that taking the pair would not represent as big a risk as some have suggested.
The pair were in menacing mood with Lennon creating three of the nine goals and even scoring one himself. In this frame of mind, the spurs winger would present a huge problem for any left back and his actions this season are certainly louder than any words he can speak. After Shaun Wright-Philips dismal performance against Brazil last weekend It would seem that the form of the former Leeds player has certainly put him into top contention for the berth of the troubled right wing.
The stats would certainly seem to back him up as well. Already this season he has six assists – as many as he had in the previous two seasons – and has scored three goals already scoring over half of the total of his previous best of five last season. Lennon has had to suffer much questioning and criticism about his form and level of consistency in the past but with the managerial merry go round he has endured during his career it is not difficult to understand why. Lennon has now settled and the reason could be down to Harry Redknapp who looks to have given the speedy wide man a new lease of life. It is also important to remember that Lennon is only 22 so he is still improving all the time.
After making his Premier league bow at the age of 16, Lennon has become a fixture in the premier league already but he himself has admitted the transition of moving from Leeds to the bright lights of London at the age of 18 was a difficult one but it seems as though Redknapp's appointment as boss with his tough line approach has revitalised Lennon and his final ball and eye for goal looks to be improving with every game and should see him secure a World cup place.
The same could be said of Defoe. The striker’s five goals yesterday led his manager to declare him the 'best finisher in England', and he may have a very valid point. Defoe is another player who is flourishing under the Redknapp regime having scored 11 goals in 11 games this season leading his manager to suggest that he could finish the league’s top goal scorer.
His performance yesterday showed all of his great qualities that should ensure his place in the World cup squad. All of his finishes were of the finest quality and were indicative of his form so far this season and his movements in the final third were straight from the Michael Owen, how to be a striker, guide.
There is still much debate as to whom Mr Capello should pick as his striking options. With Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch virtually guaranteed, Defoe would be baffled as to what more he has to do, to go to the tournament.
In 2006, he was in the provisional squad for Germany but was dropped once Rooney regained fitness and a certain Theo Walcott was picked ahead of him in the pecking order – even though the young Arsenal forward was untried and tested at the highest level of English football. At the time, England manager, Eriksson said that he felt Walcott would make more of an impact at the tournament than Defoe despite the young star eventually not playing a single minute and the rest is history.
Defoe has had his fair share of problems at club level as well with his previous managers not appreciating his ability, but the one man that has always been a fan is his current boss who has managed him at West ham and Portsmouth, which could explain his form right now. If his form continues right through the season even the most ardent of his detractor’s would have to concede something is a miss at the FA.
Many fans have called on Harry Redknapp to be a future England boss. He may only be spurs boss just now but in a twist of irony he could yet play an important role for the three lions by continuing to develop and get the best out of his two lions.
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4 comments:
White Hart lane was a great place to be yesterday. With an experienced English manager, and an array of English talent on show, the Spurs players treated the fans to a cincilating display of football, one of which arch rivals down the High Road would surely have appreciated.
Although it was Lennon and Defoe who are attracting all of the headlines, for me Niko Kranjcar, a rejuvenated left sided midfielder stole the show with his brillant flair on the ball and his quick clever runs of it. He created space by drawing players out to his wing before delivering inch perfect crosses to the open space in which Aaron lennon was operating in on the right hand side.
Costing a mere two million in the summer transfer market from Harry Redknapps old club Portsmouth, this is surely going to turn out to be singing of the season for Spurs and a bargain at that!
Said by a true football fan and soon to be one of my good friends in professional sports journalism
Hey Van Steff , in keeping with all
sports journalists , it's time you nailed your predictions to the wall for all your readers. Premier league winners, Champions league and the World Cup.For the record ,I predict for the above , Chelsea ,Barcelona and Spain. Your readers are awaitng the "Van's" wisdom !!!
The Observer
It's hard to go against your predictions for the World Cup, Premier League and Champions League. I feel that Chelsea will be too strong in the Premier League despite losing key players in January such as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien. But with the recent transfer ban being suspended, I am sure Carlo Ancelotti will dip into the market and look to capture a striker and a midfielder to bolster his squad.
Spain are the best team in the world at the moment at International level and have such flair, pace and youthfullness to take them the whole way in South Africa. If Torres and Villa are on fire scoring plenty of goals and the sensational Fabregas can take his club form for Arsenal to the World Cup then Spain surely have to be favourites.
Barcelona are the dogiest out of the three after struggling to get through there group and already losing at home in the competition to debutants from Russia, Rubin Kazan. I feel that it could be Barcelona's fiercest rivals who could rule Europe with the returning Cristiano Ronaldo coming back to full fitness and the final being in the Bernabeau, it could be the home coming of 'big ears' to Madrid.
Time will tell and its certainly going to be an exciting 2010 for football!
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