Tottenham’s season 2004/5 – Some general thoughts

By Nathan Tiflin
August 3 2004

With the season fast approaching here are some general thoughts on the - hopefully not to tough -season ahead. The Key players:

Mendes - I think is more of a midfield player maker than a DM. I think the official site defined him as a player maker who can tackle. I've seen a lot of people expecting him to the DM we've all been waiting for. I'd say his style of play is similar to Redknapp. I may be wrong, as I haven't really seen him play for us.

Davis - I would describe as a box-to-box midfield who's strong in the tackle and not afraid to get stuck in. I think we have bought him more for his tackling and than goal scoring ability. Basically to add some much needed steel in the midfield. I'd say his similar to Brown. What's very similar about these players is that both have played the more attacking role prior to coming to us, but were probably both bought to add steel to the midfield.

The partnership formed by Mendes and Davis is going to an important, not only will it provide the hardworking element that previous spurs midfields lacked but also will provide the chances for the strikers and attacking midfielders like Davies and Ricketts.


King, Gardner, Mabizela and Doherty are not ready to form a formidable CB partnership between them. All these players lack the leadership quality to be the organiser the defence. Even King is not ready for this duty, despite playing well for England recently. I sometimes wonder if he realises what the fans expect from him this season.

On the season ahead - I expect us to do better than last season, but I hope we will do much better. To put that into perspective I expect us to at least finish in the top 10, and hope we finish in a European place.
You may ask what I base this optimism on? Well firstly our signings (speaking of just the immediate 1st team players) have been decent players who will add value to the first team. But the main reason for my optimism is the shake up of the back room staff. If you look at what a difference David O’Leary made to Villa, then I expect a big difference from the appointment of Santini, and co. I think that we have some decent young players who just need the right coaching, In particular the CB's mentioned above.

The players that will have the biggest impact on our season(IMO):
Defoe - obviously, our main source of goals and his enthusiasm will be infections
Kanoute - could form potent partnership with Defoe or Keane.
Keane - always has important impact on our season. I don't think this season will be any different.
Mendes - hopefully will do what we expected from Redknapp since he arrived, i.e hold midfield together, link attack and defence and provide wingers and strikers with the balls they need.
Davis - will definite add a bit of bite to the midfield. And score a few goals too.
Davies - hopefully with quality along side him in midfield and if he stays fit after his op, he will become our Giggs.
Carr - if he stays (signs a new contract) I think this will be his best season for us.
King - will hopefully, finally become the rock our defence is built on.

Young players to likely make an impact this season (IMO):
Yeates - I think this is his year to become a regular first team player.
Kelly - can only get better and improve on last years performance.
Defendi – An unknown that I'm hoping he'll become the find of the season and show exactly why we got Frank Arnesen.
Ziegler - I'm sure he'll make an immediate impact.