Assou-Ekotto and Tottenham: a slow burning love affair
Tottenham Hotspur defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto may not know who he’s playing against on Saturday and he certainly doesn’t care but this hasn’t stopped him from cementing his place in the Spurs starting eleven and maturing into one of the best left-backs in the Premier league.
The Cameroon international has thrived under Harry Redknapp and now finds himself a permanent fixture in the side but it has not always been this way.
Assou-Ekotto arrived in 2006, when Martin Jol was manager and, although initially impressing, he struggled with injury. He played only 2 games during the entire 2007/08 campaign and found himself behind Lee Young-Pyo in the pecking order. His inability to break into the first team continued under Juande Ramos and even three years into his Tottenham career he had never entirely convinced the managers or supporters that he could consistently perform. He rarely smiled and constantly chewed gum, doing little to dispel the impression that he didn’t care.
However, since he managed to secure a run in the side, his performances have not stopped improving. Most notably, his concentration (which was certainly suspect at times) and physicality are far better. Now, at 27 years old he is reaching his physical prime and his fitness and strength have allowed him to find more penetration further up the pitch and take more time on the ball. Last year he declared that he was prepared to lose a tooth or an eye for the club and that level of commitment and professionalism (it is certainly not to be mistaken as love for the club) is what is pushing Assou-Ekotto forward in his career. It is nearly impossible to steal the show as a left back and Ekotto’s emergence as one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers has certainly been a gradual one, however now he is playing at the top of his game.
Ekotto has had a slow-burning love affair with the Tottenham faithful, gaining popularity for his candid remarks about being a mercenary and seeing the game just as a job. He gets his hair cut on Tottenham High Road and travels around London on his Oystercard, saying that his mum didn’t teach him how to live like a star. His honesty is refreshing in a game full of PR prepped players and rumours of him turning up for home games with his suitcase expecting to travel only served to endear him further.
He does not believe in friendships within football which may perhaps make him a slightly odd presence in the dressing room after 5 years, just that guy in the corner who doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t need to say anything, he’s a premiership footballer who drives a smart car and that says it all really.
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I think BAE sounds like a cracking bloke off the pitch, the total other end of the spectrum that includes muppets like stephen ireland and that creature diouf. But one of the best left backs in the country??? Ok hes in the top 20 but he is to inconsistent. Silly mistakes in the corners bug me no end. Leighton Baines would’ve done nicely but I dont think we have the money or the appetite.
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SpursintheUSA Reply:
August 16th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Are you a Spurs fan? If so then you obviously did not watch many games last year, or at least watch them closely. BAE was our most consistent player let alone defender and he has turned into one of the best LBs in the premier league behind maybe A. Cole, Baines, and Evra. Who else is better?
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SpursinMilan Reply:
August 16th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
I agree, BAE was my player of the season last year, hugely improved & does everything quietly & efficiently.
Sounds like a top bloke as well.
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rubble62 Reply:
August 16th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
My fave current player and the best left back I have seen at Tottenham. Can’t believe he is so under-rated by some fans.
man of the people, fast becoming a legend of the lane
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Not to be overlooked is his excellent chemistry with Bale on the pitch.
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Don’t you wish your left back was BAE…
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Absolutely love BAE. Was brilliant for us last year, is most definitely consistent. So calm and composed. And hey who doesn’t love your left occasionally doing a cryuff turn in his own six yard box. Quality.
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One of the three best left backs in the premiership. Very underated by the pundits, Hansen, Lawrensen et all, but what do they know. Spurs fans watch him week in week out and we know he’s top class.
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I was fortunate enough to watch Spurs train last December, assisting my mate, who was filming for Puma. I met Peter Crouch and BAE, who are sponsored by them. We all know Crouchy is a top guy, but I thought Benny would perhaps be a bit aloof. Couldn’t have been further from the truth. He was a top, top bloke!! Very engaging and literally had to be torn away from our conversation. Top player and top person, who despite his obvious riches. Still remembers where he came from and has his feet planted firmly on the ground.
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