Tottenham looking to cash in come January?
It would not surprise many that the name that springs to mind is Robbie Keane. Redknapp clearly does not have great faith in him to spearhead the attack, having made only two starts this campaign. The rise to prominence of Van der Vaart being played in a role just off a lone striker in a new system, entails the club is unlikely to need four out and out strikers. Indeed even with Defoe being injured, a player who would surely be considered above Keane in the pecking order at White Hart Lane Keane is unable to muscle in to the first eleven. Yet there are many questions raised over the quality of the two strikers left who are rotating that sole striker’s position between them, Pavlyuchenko and Crouch. If a forward of the highest calibre to improve the first team is what is desired by Spurs fans, and I believe that it is, then there is no question that there is no room for Keane.
A player that is evidently considered so far from the first team by the management cannot continue to receive such high wages at the club. It is astonishing that being one of only two players to take home more than £50,000 a week as a basic wage, the other being Van der Vaart, he plays so rarely for the club. It is therefore important for Spurs to clear him off the books. Although Keane has previously been a great servant of the club, he cannot continue to be such a drain on their resources whilst not playing enough football to justify it. This is why he must be got rid off even if the transfer fee is not particularly high, which in all likely hood it would not be as he is a 30 year old striker who has not been playing much football.
Looking across the midfield of the team, I don’t think there is much justification in keeping onto both Bentley and Kranjcar. Neither are part of the first team and both seem to struggle when they do come into the team only sporadically as most players do. As I feel he has a more varied game, can contribute more and is a general more diverse squad player I would opt for keeping on to Kranjcar at the expense of David Bentley. Although putting in ok performances for the last two games, Bentley did not shine and based on last seasons form, particularly his scoring I believe given a chance Kranjcar would be able to.
Other than that I don’t think anyone else is ready for the exit unless someone is bought in first, but if that was the case in midfield I think both Palacios and Jenas positions could come under scrutiny. Whilst Jenas has improved on his rare outings this season meaning he is not an immediate tip for the exit. Palacios’ form however has gone drastically the other way and should only be saved form the exit door as he is the only mature midfielder at the club that’s game is focused around breaking down the opponents attack. A position where I feel at least one is required at the club, and Sandro is still a bit too young to be the only player to fulfil this role.
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Defensively there should be no need for exits again unless someone is bought in first. Despite the club having six recognised centre backs, the prevalence of injuries ensures that at the time being this is a necessity. Although I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bassong shown the door if both Dawson and King make full recoveries and reform a solid partnership, as Kaboul and Gallas for cover should be sufficient.