Seeking a winner

[djee]

A year ago a couple of mates and I were musing over the possible signing of Estaban Cambiasso. Heavily linked in the press following Pochettino's arrival, the argument was put forth that much like Edgar Davids ten years ago, his vast experience would have a great impact on the club and influence over the younger players in the squad. Being Argentinian it seemed a credible transfer - perhaps even to get the most out of our record signing. Here was a winner - someone who has claimed countless trophies and represented his country over 50 times.

Whilst a free transfer, there was a decent counter argument that at 33, the former Inter legend was perhaps seeking one last big pay check and would be unable to handle the pace of the Premier League. Where would he would fit in the side?

There are many factors that contributed to Leicester's phenomenal survival last year but it would be no exaggeration to claim that Cambiasso was instrumental to this extraordinary feat. Winning player of the year for his club, the man not only met the physical demands of the league but inspired his teammates through that tough season. I just wonder what the Argentine would of done for us last year.

I am not doubting or criticising several players in the squad who are fully committed to the cause and have the potential to make great captains. It is just that there appears to be no 'go-to guy' in the squad - someone who commands total respect on and off the pitch. Davids was awesome because he could lift his teammates with his presence but also demanded the best from those around him. Players realised they couldn't make a stray pass and just shrug their shoulders - they were playing next to a legend that would put them in their place! In addition, it seemed as though the opposition - many of whom had grown up idolising the Dutchman were awe-struck when facing him.

You may disagree but it is my sense that among the talented players we already have, we desperately need a winner. It annoys me that the likes of Pirlo and Xavi will go to the US and Qatar respectively (yes, yes I understand the money is a huge motivator) - these legends would be ideal for our young squad.

Who are the winners out there there that we could conceivably attract?

 

[danielneeds]

Big paydays in Qatar and the US make this a lot harder. Maybe 10 years ago Xavi would have been up for a little swansong in London for himself and the family, but the dollars talk now.

 

[Spurger King]

I think Pochettino had the same idea, but Levy misunderstood and signed a Wimmer instead.

 

[Lilbaz]

Tbh look at our older players last season. Instead of being a good influence on the youngsters they were the ones to be dropped and now we are trying to offload. Some couldn't adapt to Poch's style, some didn't train hard enough and one hardly turned up.
If it was someone who had worked with Poch before, who he thought would be a good role model then that would be great. Otherwise, I'd rather get young hungry players willing to go the extra mile.

 

[longtimespur]

Shame we never got Beckham when he came and trained with us at the end of his career. His work ethic and status would have helped the youngsters no end.

 

[defoe18]

I'm not sure of the "realistic" aspect of these targets but off the top of my head:

Pirlo
Iniesta
Alonso
Sneijder
De Rossi
Carrick
Drogba
Xavi
Negredo
Moretti

I remember the real surprise when we snagged Davids, it is possible to sign anyone of those players if we got the cheque book out but it is a gamble at their ages.

I think the last time we had a "winner" was back with Van der Vaart, we need that one "top" international player who has the experience of Champions League, World Cups and winning medals who's able to elevate our players to find that extra level inside themselves that wins games.

 

[danielneeds]

Tbh look at our older players last season. Instead of being a good influence on the youngsters they were the ones to be dropped and now we are trying to offload. Some couldn't adapt to Poch's style, some didn't train hard enough and one hardly turned up.
If it was someone who had worked with Poch before, who he thought would be a good role model then that would be great. Otherwise, I'd rather get young hungry players willing to go the extra mile.

I think young players do work better in the high intensity game Poch wants to play, because of their legs and natural enthusiasm. Still think the right wise head sitting in midfield or at CB could be a huge influence.

 

[Lilbaz]

I think young players do work better in the high intensity game Poch wants to play, because of their legs and natural enthusiasm. Still think the right wise head sitting in midfield or at CB could be a huge influence.

Agree. Just has to be the right one.

 

[vigospur]

A year ago a couple of mates and I were musing over the possible signing of Estaban Cambiasso. Heavily linked in the press following Pochettino's arrival, the argument was put forth that much like Edgar Davids ten years ago, his vast experience would have a great impact on the club and influence over the younger players in the squad. Being Argentinian it seemed a credible transfer - perhaps even to get the most out of our record signing. Here was a winner - someone who has claimed countless trophies and represented his country over 50 times.

Whilst a free transfer, there was a decent counter argument that at 33, the former Inter legend was perhaps seeking one last big pay check and would be unable to handle the pace of the Premier League. Where would he would fit in the side?

There are many factors that contributed to Leicester's phenomenal survival last year but it would be no exaggeration to claim that Cambiasso was instrumental to this extraordinary feat. Winning player of the year for his club, the man not only met the physical demands of the league but inspired his teammates through that tough season. I just wonder what the Argentine would of done for us last year.

I am not doubting or criticising several players in the squad who are fully committed to the cause and have the potential to make great captains. It is just that there appears to be no 'go-to guy' in the squad - someone who commands total respect on and off the pitch. Davids was awesome because he could lift his teammates with his presence but also demanded the best from those around him. Players realised they couldn't make a stray pass and just shrug their shoulders - they were playing next to a legend that would put them in their place! In addition, it seemed as though the opposition - many of whom had grown up idolising the Dutchman were awe-struck when facing him.

You may disagree but it is my sense that among the talented players we already have, we desperately need a winner. It annoys me that the likes of Pirlo and Xavi will go to the US and Qatar respectively (yes, yes I understand the money is a huge motivator) - these legends would be ideal for our young squad.

Who are the winners out there there that we could conceivably attract?

Couldn't disagree about Cambiasso and I remember Ravanelli being as good for Middlesborough. And VdV for us I suppose.
Still a massive gamble. I think it was George Graham who said "never go for a player who thinks he is doing you a favour by signing."

 

[THOWIG]

Again no chance, but Javier Mascherano.

 

[djee]

Tbh look at our older players last season. Instead of being a good influence on the youngsters they were the ones to be dropped and now we are trying to offload. Some couldn't adapt to Poch's style, some didn't train hard enough and one hardly turned up.
If it was someone who had worked with Poch before, who he thought would be a good role model then that would be great. Otherwise, I'd rather get young hungry players willing to go the extra mile.

The issue I guess is that these older players have won very little between them. None of them have enjoyed particularly inspiring careers...

I would love to see Zabaleta at the club - was captain under Pochettino at Espanyol if I am not mistaken.

 

[djee]

Tevez is also a great shout but wages prohibitive to a move.

 

[djee]

Oh and Nigel de Jong. Prem experience to boot!

 

[Khilari]

Agree, but every potential signing has its disadvantages- had we signed Cambiasso we may not have appreciated what Mason and Bentaleb had to offer us this season.

Sure he may have added steel to our horrible defence, but developing our youth products is also one of the longer term goals we have and we did that well last term.

 

[ecce_tottenham]

A mainstay of my Fifa 12 Serie A team. Want.

 

[Gaz_Gammon]

I think Pochettino had the same idea, but Levy misunderstood and signed a Wimmer instead.

After Sharron Davies turned us down apparently.....................

 

[djee]

Agree, but every potential signing has its disadvantages- had we signed Cambiasso we may not have appreciated what Mason and Bentaleb had to offer us this season.

Sure he may have added steel to our horrible defence, but developing our youth products is also one of the longer term goals we have and we did that well last term.

I am entirely in favour of promoting youth but there needs to be a balance. Wouldn't of expected Cambiasso to start every game, nor would or should Mason / Bentaleb. Surely one of the best ways to develop our youth is to nurture them alongside real legends of the game...they can only be inspired by them.

 

[Khilari]

I am entirely in favour of promoting youth but there needs to be a balance. Wouldn't of expected Cambiasso to start every game, nor would or should Mason / Bentaleb. Surely one of the best ways to develop our youth is to nurture them alongside real legends of the game...they can only be inspired by them.

Yes - ideally. I agree with you. I think what I almost meant was that in the absence of a senior experienced player on form, Mason and Bentaleb ended up getting vital minutes on the pitch (some where they were good and some rubbish) that can only benefit both them and us!

 

[TottenhamMattSpur]

Should have brought VDV home.

 

[Lilbaz]

Should have brought VDV home.

He struggled to manage 90 minutes under harry. A few years on and a team where he'd be expected to do double training sessions and press for 90 minutes?