How will Spurs Squad Look in 08/09?

By: Richard | April 18th, 2008

How will Spurs Squad Look in 08/09? No, I don’t mean the kits, though we’ll stand to know how those look long before my real question is answered. What I’m wondering is who will still be part of this team come next September once the window shuts and all the endless speculation comes to an end? The recent Berbatov rumors are no surprise but more of an ever present issue with the player and his bloodsucking vampire agent Emil Dantchev constantly pushing for a move. Add to that the recent news that Ledley King, of all players, could possibly move on and Spurs fans must be wondering what players will even be recognizable in a few months. The following possition by possition breakdown will not include players on loan but players who have been actively featuring under Juande Ramos, so let’s take a look:

Goalkeepers:
P.Robinson; R. Cerney
Cerney’s contract is up and I’m sure Spurs would have extended him by now if they wanted to keep him. His goal-kicks are just horrid anyway but he did provide some stability when Robinson’s confidence was floundering. Paul Robinson needs to move on at this point. He may well provide some other top flight club with a solid presence in goal but his time with Spurs is really at an end.
Returning Players: 0/2

Center Half:
L. King; J. Woodgate; M. Dawson; R. Rocha; Y. Kaboul
Everything hinges on Mr. King. If he’s healthy I think he’ll be back. Should that be the case I think we’ll see Micheal Dawson move on as Spurs will undoubtedly make a move for a third central defender to work in with King and Woodgate. If King moves on there will be a more pressing need to acquire a top flight defender to work with Woodgate, this could well increase the probability that Michael Dawson will stay. In other words if Dawson is part of the three man rotation at the heart of the defense I can see him remaining with the club, if not he’ll be playing elsewhere. Kaboul is still young, so unless Ramos sees nothing in him he should be with Spurs. Last, has Rocha played this year? Or at the least under Juande? What a horrible signing. He’s gone.
Returning Players: 3/5

Full Backs:
G. Bale; A. Hutton; P. Chimbonda; C. Gunter; Gilberto; Y.P. Lee; B. Assou-Ekotto
Bale and Hutton are going no where and are our two finest young players. Once our weakness, full back looks to be a strength for years to come. Hard to figure out Chimbonda, but I’d say he’s done with us as he’s grown very inconsistent. Gunter and Gilberto, both being Ramos signings, will be with the team for the near future no doubt. Lee seems to be headed for PSV this summer as he’s featured less and less under Ramos. Benoit Assou-Ekotto should be done with Spurs… My happiness over this stems from never having to try to spell his name again… And the fact that he’s NEVER healthy. Adios!
Returning Players: 4/7

Midfielders:
A. Lennon; J. Jenas; D. Zokora; S. Malbranque; T. Huddlestone; J. O’Hara; K.P. Boateng; T. Tianio; A. Taarabt
I can’t even pretend to know what’s going to happen here but I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to the players that have featured most under Ramos in the midfield: Lennon, Jenas, Malbranque, Zokora and Huddlestone that at least a few will see fewer minutes or perhaps be on a different club altogether as new talent comes in. Lennon, though there have been rumors to the contrary, should stick. He’s too young with too much potential. Zokora has proved valuable, but more so as a defender during our mid-year injury crisis. Huddlestone may never develop into the player they envision due to his lack of quickness when defending. Malbranque should remain and is a constant worker. Hard to see Jenas’ future but he would make an excellent backup to the type of attaking midfielder Spurs will be looking to acquire this summer. O’ Hara has done all that’s asked of him under Ramos and it’s a plus that he’s left footed. Tainio has been a nice piece, should there be room for him on the squad is up in the air. Taarabt is still one for the future at only 18. Boateng seems to be a failed signing. New signings will definitely displace the spots of many players when it’s all said and done.
Returning Players: 6/9

Forwards:
R. Keane; D. Berbatov; D. Bent
Keane is a Tottenham Hotspur for life (I hope). Bent has been showing signs and it’s doubtful that Spurs could recoup much of what they paid for him, so he should remain. Berbatov seems set to force a move to a Champions League squad. If Spurs can get their valuation of the Bulgarian in return it would give Ramos a massive amount of transfer funds to work with. I just see it as an inevitable move and at this point I just hope he lands in Spain or Italy so that I can still cheer for him.
Returning Players: 2/3

So there you have it. These are all just my opinions of course, that being said I’m open to hearing from other Spurs fans. Do you see something I don’t? One thing is clear, moves will happen.

COYS!