- May 26, 2004
- 4,797
- 2,139
Back once again for the renegade master, D4 damager with the ill behaviour.
We consider the last ten days/two weeks.
Good Week
Erik Lamela
He's alive, and playing well. Pochettino's system should give him (and others) the freedom to roam and he is showing he has the technique to create chances for others. A bit anon at West Ham, not helped by us going down to ten so early, but outstanding against QPR and the spur for our recovery in Cyprus.
Nacer Chadli
Always thought there was some potential there, but finding a place for him in the team was difficult. Neither one thing nor another, he is another who should enjoy the fluidity in the new system. It was against Swansea (A) last season when I first realised he could be good as a second striker, getting in the box, on the end of crosses and scoring. His heading is very good and he took his first goal on sunday with great composure.
Eric Dier
Why weren't other teams in for him? Tall, strong, very mobile with good technique, Dier has potential to become a top, top player. Goals on his full and home debut, and crucial ones at that, he looks accomplished at right back as well as centre half.
Etienne Capoue
Certainly back with some ill behaviour, innit.
Harry Kane
Promoted to second choice striker behind Adebayor, the HarriKane has a goal and an assist from three games and I for one am glad he is going to get plenty of game time for us this season as I think he can really come on and thrive under Pochettino's management.
Alex Pritchard
Straight into the Brentford line up and making the step up to the Championship with ease.. A loan move that looks to be working very well.
Mauricio Pochettino
Three games, three wins, including two London derbies and getting some revenge against West Ham for the losses last season. On sunday we played the best football seen at the Lane in a long time.
Bad Week
Roberto Soldado, Sandro, Vlad Chiriches
All look to be out the door or on the outskirts. In a way its a shame that they are out of favour because they do have their qualities, but on the flip side it is good to see that Pochettino has a clear idea of the type of player he wants in his squad, and if we were being completely honest we can understand why he wants to get rid of them.
Kyle Naughton
The red card at West Ham was slightly unfortunate, but he did have his hands up and was very close to the goal. The bigger issue for the 'other' Kyle is that this was a make or break month or so. With Walker out injured, Naughton had the chance to impress his new manager or a new team, but now Dier has filled in so well I can see Naughton being offloaded without too much fanfare, and probably not quite to a level of club Naughton would have hoped.
Ben Davies
Our big summer signing (so far) and not in the starting eleven. We all expected Davies to go straight into the left back position, and most were surprised when Rose signed a new 5-year contract, so it was extremely surprising to see Rose start both leagues games and Davies to play Europa League football for the moment. I'm sure his time will come but it will have been a bit deflating to join a new team and find yourself playing second fiddle.
Jordan Archer
Sat on the bench at League Two Northampton, Archer must be wondering what he is doing there. With Matt Duke firmly entrenched as the Cobblers no.1, Archer is not going to learn much out on loan there, and someone at the club should take responsibility for such an obviously poor move.
We consider the last ten days/two weeks.
Good Week
Erik Lamela
He's alive, and playing well. Pochettino's system should give him (and others) the freedom to roam and he is showing he has the technique to create chances for others. A bit anon at West Ham, not helped by us going down to ten so early, but outstanding against QPR and the spur for our recovery in Cyprus.
Nacer Chadli
Always thought there was some potential there, but finding a place for him in the team was difficult. Neither one thing nor another, he is another who should enjoy the fluidity in the new system. It was against Swansea (A) last season when I first realised he could be good as a second striker, getting in the box, on the end of crosses and scoring. His heading is very good and he took his first goal on sunday with great composure.
Eric Dier
Why weren't other teams in for him? Tall, strong, very mobile with good technique, Dier has potential to become a top, top player. Goals on his full and home debut, and crucial ones at that, he looks accomplished at right back as well as centre half.
Etienne Capoue
Certainly back with some ill behaviour, innit.
Harry Kane
Promoted to second choice striker behind Adebayor, the HarriKane has a goal and an assist from three games and I for one am glad he is going to get plenty of game time for us this season as I think he can really come on and thrive under Pochettino's management.
Alex Pritchard
Straight into the Brentford line up and making the step up to the Championship with ease.. A loan move that looks to be working very well.
Mauricio Pochettino
Three games, three wins, including two London derbies and getting some revenge against West Ham for the losses last season. On sunday we played the best football seen at the Lane in a long time.
Bad Week
Roberto Soldado, Sandro, Vlad Chiriches
All look to be out the door or on the outskirts. In a way its a shame that they are out of favour because they do have their qualities, but on the flip side it is good to see that Pochettino has a clear idea of the type of player he wants in his squad, and if we were being completely honest we can understand why he wants to get rid of them.
Kyle Naughton
The red card at West Ham was slightly unfortunate, but he did have his hands up and was very close to the goal. The bigger issue for the 'other' Kyle is that this was a make or break month or so. With Walker out injured, Naughton had the chance to impress his new manager or a new team, but now Dier has filled in so well I can see Naughton being offloaded without too much fanfare, and probably not quite to a level of club Naughton would have hoped.
Ben Davies
Our big summer signing (so far) and not in the starting eleven. We all expected Davies to go straight into the left back position, and most were surprised when Rose signed a new 5-year contract, so it was extremely surprising to see Rose start both leagues games and Davies to play Europa League football for the moment. I'm sure his time will come but it will have been a bit deflating to join a new team and find yourself playing second fiddle.
Jordan Archer
Sat on the bench at League Two Northampton, Archer must be wondering what he is doing there. With Matt Duke firmly entrenched as the Cobblers no.1, Archer is not going to learn much out on loan there, and someone at the club should take responsibility for such an obviously poor move.