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Goal.com Talk Tactics: How Giovani Dos Santos Can Give Tottenham Hotspur An Extra Attacking Dimension
Mexican international can give Spurs a much-needed Plan B.
Aug 13, 2010 7:00:00 AM
By Andy Brassell
This new season presents more new challenges for Tottenham Hotspur than most. The win at Manchester City back in May that confirmed a Champions League play-off place has shifted priorities at White Hart Lane, and the richest club never to have competed in the world's most prestigious club competition need a plan for Europe, as well as one to progress in the Premier League.
Until their stunning home wins over Arsenal and Chelsea in the space of four days back in April, Harry Redknapp's men consistently came up short in their biggest Premier League tests, retreating into their shells against the big boys despite being otherwise praised for their stylish football. The aftermath to these two stellar performances, in the trip to Manchester United, showed how Spurs could get into difficulties in tough away ties in the Champions League group stages.
Tottenham line-up v Manchester United (24/4/10)
Spurs arrived at Old Trafford full of confidence having enjoyed those successive wins over their London rivals.
Redknapp's failure to capitalise on this, with a far from adventurous selection to face United, garnered him as much criticism as at any other time during the season.
The Spurs manager opted to try and keep it tight - understandably, as received wisdom is that to go and try to attack United away from home is insanity - but this simply shaved off the verve that had made his side so irresistible before.
Gareth Bale was shifted back to left-back, and perhaps even more importantly Wilson Palacios returned to beef up the centre of midfield, pushing the outstanding Luka Modric out onto the left.
In the recent friendly with Benfica, Redknapp went for a similar plan to contain Jorge Jesus' flamboyant side. Tottenham spent much of their night in Lisbon on the back foot, and Modric was still marooned on the left - not an ideal situation by any means. But the rehabilitation of Giovani Dos Santos as a first-team option gave Spurs a creative outlet that they lacked when facing United.
Tottenham line-up v Benfica (4/8/10)
Buoyed by a fine World Cup with Mexico and a very promising pre-season Dos Santos has got his swagger back. Playing as a second striker, he can drop to link with midfield, or use his nimble feet in and around the penalty area. He came particularly to the fore in the second period, by which time Kranjcar had replaced Modric and, crucially, Defoe came on for Crouch.
Defoe linked well with the Mexican, pulling wide before feeding Dos Santos, whose cunning back heel set up Bale for the only goal. With Kranjcar ready to move inside at a moment's notice, the space opened up for Bale to attack.
Tottenham may face more matches under defensive pressure this season than they have been used to for a while. They will need genuine imagination to relieve that pressure and make the most of limited chances, and that is just what Giovani Dos Santos could provide.
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Until their stunning home wins over Arsenal and Chelsea in the space of four days back in April, Harry Redknapp's men consistently came up short in their biggest Premier League tests, retreating into their shells against the big boys despite being otherwise praised for their stylish football. The aftermath to these two stellar performances, in the trip to Manchester United, showed how Spurs could get into difficulties in tough away ties in the Champions League group stages.
Tottenham line-up v Manchester United (24/4/10)Spurs arrived at Old Trafford full of confidence having enjoyed those successive wins over their London rivals.
Redknapp's failure to capitalise on this, with a far from adventurous selection to face United, garnered him as much criticism as at any other time during the season.
The Spurs manager opted to try and keep it tight - understandably, as received wisdom is that to go and try to attack United away from home is insanity - but this simply shaved off the verve that had made his side so irresistible before.
Gareth Bale was shifted back to left-back, and perhaps even more importantly Wilson Palacios returned to beef up the centre of midfield, pushing the outstanding Luka Modric out onto the left.
In the recent friendly with Benfica, Redknapp went for a similar plan to contain Jorge Jesus' flamboyant side. Tottenham spent much of their night in Lisbon on the back foot, and Modric was still marooned on the left - not an ideal situation by any means. But the rehabilitation of Giovani Dos Santos as a first-team option gave Spurs a creative outlet that they lacked when facing United.
Tottenham line-up v Benfica (4/8/10)Buoyed by a fine World Cup with Mexico and a very promising pre-season Dos Santos has got his swagger back. Playing as a second striker, he can drop to link with midfield, or use his nimble feet in and around the penalty area. He came particularly to the fore in the second period, by which time Kranjcar had replaced Modric and, crucially, Defoe came on for Crouch.
Defoe linked well with the Mexican, pulling wide before feeding Dos Santos, whose cunning back heel set up Bale for the only goal. With Kranjcar ready to move inside at a moment's notice, the space opened up for Bale to attack.
Tottenham may face more matches under defensive pressure this season than they have been used to for a while. They will need genuine imagination to relieve that pressure and make the most of limited chances, and that is just what Giovani Dos Santos could provide.
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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