Association Football

Tottenham’s win over Everton yesterday was both impressive and nervy. In that way it was a typical Spurs performance – points in the bag almost thrown away. One of the features of the first half was the increased involvement of Luka Modric, who had probably his most impactful game since he went down injured last August.

Unfortunately, for Spurs their other midfield standout Tom Huddlestone went down with a bad leg injury the extent of which is still unknown. This was preceded by groin injuries to Aaron Lennon who will be out another six weeks, groin surgery for Jermaine Jenas, and groin tear for David Bentley. This meant defender Younes Kaboul had to come on as a midfielder against Everton. Someone has to tell these guys to stretch. So how on earth could there be a silver lining?

The answer is Luka Modric. I think it is time for Harry to give Modric a go in the central midfield. He is not a left mid, he is a play maker that is best when playing in the center of the park. There is without a doubt a defensive drop-off but Wilson Palacios has the muscle to hold down the fort. While the injury shortage once again demonstrates the folly of loaning out Gio Dos Santos, Gareth Bale has been a revelation at left back with his marauding runs forward. This has left Harry a tough choice between Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekkotto who is a better defender than Bale and lost his place due to African Cup of Nations.

I think Harry should play Bale at left midfield, with Assou-Ekotto at leftback, this will give Spurs a bit more defensive cover with Modric playing centrally. The other positions would remain the same, with Kranjcar on the right and Defoe and renaissance-man Pavlyuchenko up top.

Filed under: Premier League, Spurs |