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…
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I don’t really agree with the assessment that BAE is one of the better left backs around. I think he’s lazy defensively, tempremental, and rarely provides last ditch cover as the better hard working full backs should due to lack of work rate. I’d like to see the stats for goals conceded at the lane from crosses from opposing right side, as I’ve seen us concede plenty from BAE not closing down, or getting tight. He intermittently turns on solid performances, but the drive, energy and determination Bale puts in right to the final whistle is awesome. I don’t criticise our players, but I think BAE is a not over rated, Bale’s proof of that, and if he’s going to cause trouble or develop an attitude from not playing, then we’d be better off cashing in while his stocks high. Niko has been excellent, and links up well with modric… Bale LB, Niko LW, BAE to PSH for some decent Euros!!
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Watching Bale this season he is best when he has space to run into and behind on gthe overlap, he doesn’t necessarily have to beat his man. he wont get that playing left mid. It would be a massive mistake to move Bale forward.
Livermore has been recalled we also have Bostock, give one of these younsters a go.
I hope all the Hudd haters now realise what he brings to the team. No one in the center wanted the ball after he went off. he is always an option, As much as i love sgt his passing can be poor (thats not what he is there for). Hudd gives him an easy option and keeps the ball moving, without this we were awful.
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Comedy article, except it’s not even funny. The guy has just come back from injury and there’s talk of him leaving because we won’t get European footy next season, some people got too much time on their hands.
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if for some reason we cant recall o’hara
then why not move king into midfield???
he has been one of our if not the best midfielders at this club for the last 10 years ~(even though hes a defender)!!!! when needed to he has been awsome at the holding role and with wilson on 9 bookings we may not have a choice????
agree? or disagree???
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