FFC columnist Kieran Thievam is convinced that Tottenham fans have every reason to fill optimistic for the future, especially if they can keep Woodgate and King fit. 

In truth I am no Tottenham fan, but I write this article having just witnessed one of the finest defensive display from Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King. 

Having never played together for Spurs, and with Woodgate only making his third appearance for the club, you'd have thought that the pair had played together for years.  Didier Drogba was rarely given a chance by the bullish Woodgate, while King was more than comfortable dealing with the tricky Anelka.  I was especially impressed with Woodgate, who was never out-muscled by arguably the Premiership's most powerful striker, while he also nipped in with the winning goal, despite not knowing an awful lot about it. 

The one problem that could prevent this dream partnership from blossoming is the one thing that has hindered the careers of both players - injury.  Both King and Woodgate have been plagued with problems since their rise from Spurs and Leeds respectively, with Woodgate taking over a year to even play a game for Real Madrid, and King barely able to get a run of games for the North London club.

I honestly believe that if, and this is a big if, the pair can stay fit and steer clear of injuries, they could develop into the Premiership's finest central defensive pairing.  I look at the top three clubs as possible arguments against this, with Ferdinand and Vidic, Terry and Carvalho, and Gallas and Toure the alternative enforcers.  There is no doubt that Ferdinand and Vidic will win applause for their no nonsense, cool and calculated approach to defending, but I seem to remember Vidic taking a while to settle in before winning his well deserved applause.

John Terry is arguably the player most likely to put his body on the line out of those I have mentioned, but he is let down occasionally by partner Carvalho who has a tendency to have lapses in concentration.  Gallas and Toure are probably the most naturally gifted out of the group of centre backs, but when it comes to fighting the good fight, I'm not so sure they can cope. 

Both lack height and when the going gets tough, the pair are not always up for the challenge.  Its early days for King and Woodgate, but if were a Spurs fan, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of these two English defenders standing tall for seasons to come.  Time will tell whether the dreaded ‘I word' hinders their partnership in any way, but I for one will be watching with interest.