Is King holding you back?

I had an argument with a Spurs supporting family member last night regarding the importance of Ledley King to Spurs.

My argument is he is not that important, in fact, I personally believe you are better off without him – this didn’t go down well.

IMO on form before injuries he was one of the best defenders in the EPL, even Henry once said he was the most difficult defender he played against in the EPL.

I did some research on the subject, these are the stats I worked out using the BBC website - only ELP 11-12 games:

With Ledley

Games: 20 *
Won: 11
Lost: 5 (25% of games played)
Draw: 4
Goals conceded: 24
Ave goals conceded per game: 1.2

* NOTE: (5 times) that's 25% of these games he played he came off injured. Forcing a re shuffle in you defence.

Without Ledley:

Games: 13
Won: 6
Lost: 3 (23% of games played)
Draw: 4
Goals conceded: 14
Ave goals conceded per game: 1.07

On AVERAGE Spurs concede more goals with Ledley in the team, and do slightly better without him. Although you could argue he is normally saved for the bigger games, but even so the stats are not looking great.

So I ask you, is Ledley King that important to Spurs? Does he really make that much difference?

Is it worth risking the development and confidence (when they get dropped for a crock) of your other defenders, for a bloke you love but in reality doesn't offer any more than the others?

He doesn't appear to make that much difference, in fact you could argue spurs perform slightly better without him. I don't think someone like fergie would continue to show such faith in a player who is basically a liability and doesn't actually add that much to you team.

Finally (Please bear with me) I did a similar article on the old BBC 606 for stats in 09-10 season and these show the same thing.

With Ledley

Games: 10 *
Won: 6
Lost: 4 (40% of games played)
Draw: 0
Goals conceded: 15
Ave goals conceded per game: 1.5

* NOTE: 4 of these 10 games he only lasted, 45,48,59 and 81mins. That’s an Ave of 58.25mins until getting injured. 2 were against the top 4 AWAY from home. (If that is not the definition of a liability I don’t know what is).

Without Ledley:

Games: 17
Won: 9
Lost: 3 (18% of games played)
Draw: 5
Goals conceded: 13
Ave goals conceded per game: 0.76

On average Spurs concede more goals WITH Ledley in the team, and generally do much better WITHOUT him

Would it not be better to have a decent new signing to replace him, who could play more often to form an understanding with the others, and not get injured during the games he actually plays?

I guess I will get some stick for this so please feel free to shoot me down in flames.