Where do Tottenham and Assou-Ekotto go from here?
‘Bale, Bale, Bale’ (what an imaginatively structured chant!) permeates the stadium at White Hart Lane these days. Against Bolton midweek, and Everton on Sunday, the Welsh left back was outstanding. However, whilst Gareth Bale may be the current darling of the Tottenham faithful, despite an impressive season, Benoit Assou-Ekotto finds himself back on the Spurs bench. So where does Benoit go from here? Assou-Ekotto is 26 this month, and in the past has become unsettled when not making the starting eleven. However, Tottenham should be loathe to lose the Cameroon international. Since last season he has turned into one of the better left-backs in the Premier League, and has actually been extremely good value for money when one considers how much Alan Hutton cost the club. However, will the Frenchman remain content while Bale continues to capture the plaudits at left-back?
Assou-Ekotto made an inauspicious start to his career at White Hart Lane. The Cameroon international joined the club from RC Lens for £3.5m in the summer of 2006, but in his first two seasons with the club, saw very little first team action (just 17 league appearances), largely owing to a knee injury. After watching opportunities under Martin Jol and Juande Ramos pass him by, Assou-Ekotto was outspoken over his desire to move on, and this should act as a warning to Harry Redknapp. Benoit told radio station RMC:
“I’d love to return to France… Above all I would love to join PSG.”
However, following a few poor performances by none other than Gareth Bale, Redknapp reinstated the Cameroon international and Assou-Ekotto has turned into a real talent after being given a chance by Redknapp. His performance against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Carling Cup final last season is his stand-out performance, but Assou-Ekotto’s overall performances since November 2008 have been impressive. As such Benoit was rewarded with a four year contract extension on 19 August 2009. Assou-Ekotto started 29 of Tottenham’s 38 Premier League matches last season, and has already clocked up 20 this season despite injury.
The problem is, if Tottenham do not achieve a European place next season, there may not be enough football for the likes of Assou-Ekotto to go around, and at 26 Benoit needs regular first team football. Against Bolton on Wednesday night, Assou-Ekotto was deployed at right-back in a bid to get some match fitness. However, he looked uncomfortable to say the least, and after a few poor crosses in the first half became visibly despondent, especially with Bale playing so well on the left. With Assou-Ekotto’s temperament, it may only be a matter of time before the French born defender once again becomes restless.
Despite Bale becoming first choice at left back, Assou-Ekotto may still have an opportunity to remind Tottenham supporters, and more importantly Harry Redknapp, of his worth. With Jenas and Huddlestone injured, Modric could be put into a central midfield position, and with Tottenham needing width and pace on the wing, Bale has shown he could be capable of filling in on the left hand side of midfield, leaving Assou-Ekotto to resume duties at left-back. Redknapp may be reluctant to move the young Welshman from a position in which he is thriving for the team, however with injuries taking their toll, Bale may be needed in midfield as Tottenham’s numbers dwindle further.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto has turned into a good squad player for Tottenham, and Spurs must hope they can find enough football for the former RC Lens player in the not too distant future. Otherwise come the summer, Benoit’s feet might start itching once more, and there would be no shortage of potential suitors in that eventulity…
You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mark0turner
Football News 24/7
I’d put Bale straight in to left midfield and stick Modders in the centre with Wilson if Tom is injured.
I think Gareth Bale could become an unbeliveable left sided midfielder. Him and BAE on the left would be incredible
Reply
Easy to solve. Play BAE at left back, as his defensive qualities are better than Bale’s, then play Bale on the left wing, allowing Modric to move into the centre, replacing the injured Huddlestone and Kranjcar can play on the right again, in place of Lennon/Bentley. I seem to remember Modric playing better in the middle last season, and he always drifts inside anyway.
Our depth of squad is amazing, but i don’t see we can lose any more from the first team!!
Reply
Adrian’s idea would certainly be worth a try if the mighty Hudd is grounded.
Reply
surley with the lack of midfield options at the moment maybe moving bale to left midfield and AE to left back???
bale is awsome at going forward, but not great at defending
problem solved!!!
Reply
I agree with all the above – Bale left midfield, Luka in middle. Perfect.
Reply
haha seems like everyone has the same idea……….
just another idea why not get o’hara back on loan from portsmouth????
he could be the added steel we need in midfield??? hes not big, but he get stuck in!! better than jenas!!!
coys
Reply
Simples!! Play BAE at leftback, put Bale at LW(where he will defo score goals at the mo)and put modders in hudds central spot. This would be my choice set up rather than play super-slow hudd anyway.
Reply
agree with all the above and believe it could be a blessing in disguise.both guys on the left would be a dream.
Reply
akotto as never had a left footer playing in front of him so we could see a lot more overlapping from him as he is also good at crossing.
Reply
I agree. Bale on the left. BAE at left back. Imagine how attacking we’ll be when Lennon gets fit. Both on the flanks and through the middle.
Reply