The Striker Debate

Its the question on every Spurs fans lips at the moment and the topic for much debate amongst Spurs supporters on messageboards, in pubs and on match day. Who should Martin Jol play upfront? And who should be on the bench?

The easiest way to try and answer this argument is to look at the strengths and weaknesses of each player and try and come to some conclusion from there.

Dimitar Berbatov

THIS SEASON: (sub)Games Played:  5  Goals Scored : 1  Assists: 0  Minutes on Pitch: 437  Minutes per goal: 437

Another slow start this season by the player coveted by so many of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer. Other than his goal at Craven Cottage and some customary sublime touches Dimitar has been largely disappointing this season and frustrated even his biggest fans with his languid approach to the game. He seems to be markedly more frustrated with his fellow teammates and has demonstrated his anger numerous times already this season. He is however, the one Spurs player who is undoubtedly world class and who can change a game with one flick of his magic right foot. He started slowly last season and once the European campaign got underway he came into his own and started scoring for fun. Difficult to leave out when he provides the perfect foil for all of Spurs other three strikers.

Darren Bent

THIS SEASON: (sub)Games Played:  2 (2)  Goals Scored : 2  Assists: 2   Minutes on Pitch: 280  Minutes per goal: 140

Bought for £16.5 million from relegated Charlton athletic in the summer, Darren Bent is both an England international and a proven Premier League goalscorer. He has pace, power and undoubted finishing ability. Dubbed by many as the answer to Spurs problems away from home where his direct approach and running would help us stretch teams when under the cosh. Has started two games at Spurs and scored and got an assist in both. His season has however been interrupted by injury and this may contribute to the fact that Bent’s famed finishing ability has been found wanting at crucial moments. Clearly needs time to settle and can be satisfied with his contribution so far.

Robbie Keane

THIS SEASON: (sub)Games Played:  7  Goals Scored : 1  Assists:  2  Minutes on Pitch: 561  Minutes per goal: 561

Last season’s top league scorer and Spurs’ vice captain has had a slow start to the new campaign despite being the player who has been given the most time on the pitch by Martin Jol. He has looked slightly off the pace and despite a lot of hard work and huffing and puffing, there has been a distinct lack of the usual class which has becomes Keano’s signature over the years he has spent at Spurs. In his defence he has been a proven marksman for Tottenham and should come good as the season progresses. Need to concentrate on the simple things such as putting the ball in the back of the net and being a nuisance to the opposition and we should see the real Robbie Keane we know and love before long.

Jermain Defoe

THIS SEASON: (sub)Games Played:  0 (6) Goals Scored : 2  Assists:  0  Minutes on Pitch: 130  Minutes per goal: 65

Has been seen to be the biggest loser in the fact that Spurs have four quality strikers at the club and has yet to start a game this season. Has found it hard to make an impact coming off the bench which has always been the case with the livewire striker. Having said this, proved that he could still do the business when called upon by scoring two sublime goals against Famagusta. Spurs best natural finisher which helps him achieve the best strike rate of all four strikers but his weaker team play may be one of the reasons he is not in the side and this is illustrated by the fact he has no assists to his name this season. Undoubtedly deserves his chance to start a game soon. 

In conclusion, I think Spurs and Martin Jol should maybe look at a Berbatov and Defoe partnership or Bent and Defoe partnership to start the next game and the opinion should be that the two striking positions are there to be won and claimed. It would then be up to the current incumbents to prove themselves and keep hold of the shirts. This will provide healthy competition and avoid the current situation which smacks of unfairness and favouritism. This is not to rule the fact that tweaks should be made to the team when tactics demand it. Though the mention of the words Martin Jol and tactics opens up a whole new debate...

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