So we're a few games into the season now and already some players are standing out as summer bargain buys. By that I'm referring to those sub 10m players picked up whilst the bigger teams were paying 15m+ for so-called "proven" or "potential" talent. POst 'em here, I'll start...
Scott Parker - In the process of transforming Spurs' midfield already. Off the ball he's tireless, mobile, crunching in the tackle. With the ball he's assured, does the simple things well and has real quality moving the ball forward with incisive passing. A top quality player bought for 5m(!) and they'll get a good 3 seasons out of him yet. A Lucas/Parker fulcrum------>Lucas/Adam, no doubt.
Cabaye - Arguably a bigger bargain than Parker (he's only 24). Integral to Lille's league/cup double at the heart of their midfield last season, he moved on (with 12 months left on his contract) for the paltry sum of 4m in the summer. Looks a bit lightweight to the eye but another tireless runner who can tackle with gusto. Moroever, he's a real "go-through" player able to keep the ball moving quickly and in the right direction. A hammer shot on him too. If we were intent on selling Meireles, Cabaye would have been a replacement/upgrade for peanuts.
Enrique - He's doing rather well isn't he? Quick enough, very strong, good on the overlap and crossing is good. Positionally could improve, but has shown over the past couple of seasons he's able to learn. 7m? Bargain.
Bellamy - Early days but he looks sharp to me. As ever full of enthusiasm and endeavour but looks like the autumn of his career might just be the time he's able to make most of his obvious talent - if he can stay fit.
Over to you...
Scott Parker - In the process of transforming Spurs' midfield already. Off the ball he's tireless, mobile, crunching in the tackle. With the ball he's assured, does the simple things well and has real quality moving the ball forward with incisive passing. A top quality player bought for 5m(!) and they'll get a good 3 seasons out of him yet. A Lucas/Parker fulcrum------>Lucas/Adam, no doubt.
Cabaye - Arguably a bigger bargain than Parker (he's only 24). Integral to Lille's league/cup double at the heart of their midfield last season, he moved on (with 12 months left on his contract) for the paltry sum of 4m in the summer. Looks a bit lightweight to the eye but another tireless runner who can tackle with gusto. Moroever, he's a real "go-through" player able to keep the ball moving quickly and in the right direction. A hammer shot on him too. If we were intent on selling Meireles, Cabaye would have been a replacement/upgrade for peanuts.
Enrique - He's doing rather well isn't he? Quick enough, very strong, good on the overlap and crossing is good. Positionally could improve, but has shown over the past couple of seasons he's able to learn. 7m? Bargain.
Bellamy - Early days but he looks sharp to me. As ever full of enthusiasm and endeavour but looks like the autumn of his career might just be the time he's able to make most of his obvious talent - if he can stay fit.
Over to you...
