Krafty
Well-Known Member
- May 26, 2004
- 4,781
- 2,108
Ledley King may not be able to play every game, he may be susceptible to breaking down and unable to perform to the exceedingly high levels of yester year but do not fret, because there is a player waiting to take the throne – Michael Dawson.
After initially shining alongside King under Martin Jol, Dawson struggled when played alongside a less experienced partner (Kaboul) or a partner without pace (Woodgate). However, since an injury delayed the start of his season, ‘Daws’ has come back looking more athletic, quicker on the turn as well as in the mind. His reading of the game has stepped up a level. His positional sense and anticipation have sharpened. Rather than be a liability, with a fatal error hiding in wait around the corner, he now exudes an air of calm, a sense of solidity. He is now a rock that our defence can be built on.
However, there is one improvement that excites me more than the rest combined. For so long, maybe since Gary Mabbutt was captain, we have lacked a vocal leader. Ledley King leads by example; Robbie Keane leads with spirit (and not just the kind that comes in bottles); Jenas leads by....well you get my point. Too often we have been under the cosh, teetered on the edge of conceding, and there would be silence on the pitch. Since Dawson became temporary captain and, more importantly, cemented his place in the starting eleven he has marshalled his fellow defenders and roused his teammates, and five clean sheets in a row has been the result.
In the past we would have feared a partnership involving Dawson and a younger, less experienced defender who was new to the club. However, Michael’s leadership has helped develop a formidable partnership with Sebastien Bassong. Experience is a great teacher and one, it seems, Michael has learnt from immensely.
No doubt others have performed admirably and deserve credit, but Dawson now provides a type of leadership that filters through the team more effectively than his contemporaries. A no-nonsense, determined, vocal, English defender – reminiscent of a much hated rival of the 90s?
Dawson’s only mistake could be hitting form three months before the next England game! With question marks over the form and fitness of so many English centre backs Daws has a chance to force his way into a friendly squad, but if his form continues then he could have claims on a regular spot in the England team.
Dawson’s improvements are a welcomed sign, and indicative of Harry Redknapp’s tenure. Several players have improved their games and further improvement will move them from the heaving pool of players that had potential to the more select band that turned it into ability, and ability to play at international level. Now you have to wonder if King and Woodgate would get into the first eleven even when fit.
After initially shining alongside King under Martin Jol, Dawson struggled when played alongside a less experienced partner (Kaboul) or a partner without pace (Woodgate). However, since an injury delayed the start of his season, ‘Daws’ has come back looking more athletic, quicker on the turn as well as in the mind. His reading of the game has stepped up a level. His positional sense and anticipation have sharpened. Rather than be a liability, with a fatal error hiding in wait around the corner, he now exudes an air of calm, a sense of solidity. He is now a rock that our defence can be built on.
However, there is one improvement that excites me more than the rest combined. For so long, maybe since Gary Mabbutt was captain, we have lacked a vocal leader. Ledley King leads by example; Robbie Keane leads with spirit (and not just the kind that comes in bottles); Jenas leads by....well you get my point. Too often we have been under the cosh, teetered on the edge of conceding, and there would be silence on the pitch. Since Dawson became temporary captain and, more importantly, cemented his place in the starting eleven he has marshalled his fellow defenders and roused his teammates, and five clean sheets in a row has been the result.
In the past we would have feared a partnership involving Dawson and a younger, less experienced defender who was new to the club. However, Michael’s leadership has helped develop a formidable partnership with Sebastien Bassong. Experience is a great teacher and one, it seems, Michael has learnt from immensely.
No doubt others have performed admirably and deserve credit, but Dawson now provides a type of leadership that filters through the team more effectively than his contemporaries. A no-nonsense, determined, vocal, English defender – reminiscent of a much hated rival of the 90s?
Dawson’s only mistake could be hitting form three months before the next England game! With question marks over the form and fitness of so many English centre backs Daws has a chance to force his way into a friendly squad, but if his form continues then he could have claims on a regular spot in the England team.
Dawson’s improvements are a welcomed sign, and indicative of Harry Redknapp’s tenure. Several players have improved their games and further improvement will move them from the heaving pool of players that had potential to the more select band that turned it into ability, and ability to play at international level. Now you have to wonder if King and Woodgate would get into the first eleven even when fit.
