The reason why I brought it up now is because Bentelab was made to be a spacegoat because of a manager who was treated like complete **** in an irrational manner.
I saw people actually believe that he thought nabil was from Harlow, or that he was only giving some kids a chance because of the bonuses he would get. Similarly when his form dropped slightly people were quick to attack him and use it as a weapon to back up their points that this manager was clueless. Apparently he alienated certain first team members becuse basically he was a xenophobe and couldn't handle senior pros, plus had an agenda against the club. Well well a new manager has come in and similarly seen that we DID in fact buy poorly and that in frnt of our very eyes is an academy that is producing some real talent.
So again, I bring it up now because for the first time people have unilaterally praised Bentelab and it's no surprise that we see a real maturity and growth in a player who was actually given a chance. When sherwood said 'he's ready and he's good enough' he was right and although it may not be instant, the progression has been impressive. This was met with a lot of criticism.....
Such was the disdain, disrespect and damn right ridicule shown to TS and Bentelab at certain points, I think it is right to bring up the comment about him being his love child as it was frequently banded about by loads of fans.
Why?
What point does it serve?
Are you a relative of Sherwood's? That would make it somewhat understandable, otherwise you're trying to 'win' some sort of 'argument'. I routinely praised Bentaleb personally, and pointed to him as one of Sherwood's decent moves. I wasn't alone, many others I now did too. A couple of us cited him as a future skipper. I'm glad Sherwood saw it, after all, that is his job. Ditto Kane, another player I have defended often, Sherwood got him in there and good for him. This does not make Sherwood any less of a ****. Do not be fooled, a lot of criticisms about him came from his conduct, the way he carried himself, his self-protective ways and his total inability to keep quiet and do his job. If he had, chances are he'd have survived (Im glad he waffled on!)...
With regards to your new manager point, Poch is braver than Sherwood will ever be. he has kept his mouth shut, not thrown any player under the bus yet has once again found out that certain players in the dressing room have an effect on others, especially the younger ones, and polarize. He won't have it and isn't standing for it any longer. Sherwood brought one of those elements right back in and basically admitted that he let him do what he wanted because 'that's what you do' with players of that ability. What he DIDN'T gauge is their long-term affect and influence over the team if you just leave them alone.
Nabil Bentaleb is, and always has been a great player. Tim Sherwood absolutely deserves credit for bringing him in more. He does not, however, have ownership over the player or his improvement. I would argue the current manager has continued to work on him and improve him yet further.
He is Tottenham's success right now, let's at least agree on that.
As for Sherwood, we will obviously have to disagree mate.
