Apparently we’ve got one of the best squads in the league. We’ve got a stronger bench than Arsenal’s according to Robbie Keane, although he looked a little foolish a few days after making that statement. To the casual observer, it looks strong as it has expensive internationals sitting on it. However, on closer inspection that is not the case.
David Bentley - He cost us £15m and had made it into the England squad when we signed him, Now though he has trouble making the bench and doesn’t play even when Lennon is out. I think it’s time to cut our losses and let him go. He’s had his off field problems and he hasn’t delivered. I think a fresh start away from the pressure and expectations of White Hart Lane can help kick-start his career.
Jermaine Jenas - Or as I call him, the Invisible Ray Wilkins. Spends a lot of time passing sideways and backwards and also disappears during games. Has got pace and athleticism and is capable of getting goals. He should be the type of midfielder that grabs the game by the scruff of the neck and dictating play. Unfortunately hasn’t become the play he can and in my opinion isn’t good enough for a team challenging for the top four.
Robbie Keane - I believe we sold him to Liverpool at just the right time. He’s lost a yard of pace and is no longer the player he was. Spends more time pointing and moaning then he does being effective. Doesn’t link up well with Defoe and bar one game against Burnley has been poor since he re-joined.
Roman Pavlyuchenko - Redknapp doesn’t seem to rate him and he doesn’t want to stay. Looks like a big target man but isn’t and gets muscled off the ball too easily. Most of his goals have come in the Carling Cup and he had an absolute stinker in last year’s final and I think that sealed his fate.
Giovani Dos Santos - Has only made cameo appearances and hasn’t always turned up for training. Although he is now knuckling down and working hard, he has struggled with injuries and whether he fulfils his potential is anyone’s guess.
If we Defoe, Lennon or Palacios are injured or suspended, we will struggle as we don’t have anyone to fill in for a period of games. We haven’t got another out an out winger unless you count Danny Rose, who has only made a few sub appearances. Modric and Kranjcar ether side means we lack width. We don’t have another ball winner like Palacios and I’ve already touched on our strikers. It’s not all doom and gloom, as we’re half way through the season and don’t have Europa league games. We’re currently fourth and lets hope we stay there!