SPURS fans may have got the hitman they wanted in the summer but the selection process has to be fair or motivation will become an issue.
Roberto Soldado scored four goals in his first three games since arriving for £26million in the summer but his impact has waned in recent weeks.
That is not to deny his quality on the ball or in bringing others into the game - his awareness to set up Gylfi Sigurdsson's goal against Chelsea on Saturday was right out the top drawer.
But Jermain Defoe now has six goals in three cup starts and has to be banging loudly on the door for a Premier League return.
Many Spurs fans had written him off from having any sizable impact on the new campaign, so loud were the calls for TWO new out-and-out strikers.
But the arrival of Soldado and his immediate success seems to have jogged our England hitman into life.
And the manner of the strikes is just as impressive as the number.
Defoe's reputation is for explosive, powerful finishing but his goals this season have shown far more composure and maturity.
From a placed effort against Dinamo Tbilisi to delicate a chip versus Tromso and selling Aston Villa's keeper a dummy.
Not to mention a cheeky header earlier in that same game - the Londoner is starting to look a more complete striker than ever.
He has hit similar early peaks in the past, scoring five in the first five games of the 2009-10 season, including a hat-trick in a 5-1 away win over Hull.
That season, Defoe went onto score 17 Prem goals and last season he hit four in the first five games.
But for some reason, he still failed to hold down that No 1 striker position.
However, with Soldado brought in, Defoe is clearly playing for his place and that is exactly what we all want.
But that determination to fight tooth and nail for a spot on the weekend will soon disappear if it becomes evident that a step up is out of reach.
Besides which, there is a lot of pressure on Soldado and he too needs protecting as he settles in.
The negative statistics are starting to creep into the frame for the Spaniard; no goals in four games, no league goals from open play.
Some will argue that the figures are warped in Defoe's favour as it is easier to get goals against weakened League Cup sides and Europa League minnows.
If that is the case, then give Soldado a chance to rediscover his shooting boots against Anzhi this Thursday and let Defoe loose against his former club West Ham on Saturday.
Competition for places is what we had lacked until this season but, in order to keep everyone at the top of their game, those on the sidelines need to know that those on the pitch are not untouchable.
Give Defoe a shot on Saturday and this rate he'll take it in style - and it could force Soldado to rediscover his scoring form as well.
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Defoe must get reward for his goals
posted on 30/9/13
Chicken ✔
What about his goals from August 2012 to November 2012? Dont they count?
Not really, I prefer to work on the calender year, and Defoe has not been hitting the target much in the prem, agreed he has not had that many games, but he has still had a lot more than Soldado.
posted on 30/9/13
I think Soldado will 100% be an upgrade on Defoe long-term. He looks a better player, and has a better record overall.
Does this mean he should play regardless of form? No.
He has had 6 games to settle in and start scoring, in which we are lucky the defence has been so sound that lack of goals hasn't really been to our detriment and we have still managed the 2nd most points.
That can't continue, so if that means short-term we get Defoe in then so be it
posted on 30/9/13
sandy, the fact Defoe has been through dry patches is irrelevant. the fact he's scoring goals now means he deserves a start and it is a good message to send to the rest of the squad - you perform, you play.
Luka - I accept the article is premature but there's no point in all of us waiting to see at the end of the season as then I would have nothing write about, the papers would be empty and the forums would be bare.
posted on 30/9/13
Taxi
Keep the writing going mate. Always good stuff
posted on 30/9/13
TaxiForMaicon
sandy, the fact Defoe has been through dry patches is irrelevant. the fact he's scoring goals now means he deserves a start and it is a good message to send to the rest of the squad - you perform, you play.
Normally I may agree, but with Defoe he has had so many chances, and he never delivers when it matters, he only needed to score 3 or 4 goals second half of the season, and Spurs would have been a shoe-in for top four, and he was woeful, so thankfully AVB will be picking the team and not you.
Scoring goals against teams, most half decent strikers would get a hatful against is not the criteria for leading the line in the prem. Soldado score 2 goals in his only cup game.
posted on 30/9/13
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posted on 30/9/13
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posted on 30/9/13
I'm not pro Defoe or anti Defoe. I am pro Spurs
I don't think Defoe is good enough to be our #1 striker, and I'd probably look to upgrade him if possible. I'd start Ade over him if both were fit and available.
However, he is here at present, and is scoring goals. Our new signing isn't. As with the other area of the squad, you should earn your place on merit
posted on 30/9/13
HRH
However, he is here at present, and is scoring goals. Our new signing isn't.
Our new strikeer scored two goals in two 1-0 wins gaining the side half a dozen points, instead of just two without the goals. Not sure what more you want him to do.
posted on 30/9/13
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