Shoot me down in a hail of bullets, but if over the next couple of seasons we end up without Luka or VdV, I believe we will be ok!
VdV does bring us goals and a creative side - but only when he turns up. Luka, for me, offers the team much more but with less of a goal threat. So, if we lost them both, and Ade was not signed permanently, as long as the manager was allowed to bring in genuine quality forwards/strikers I see no problem with the following midfield:
Lennon Parker Sandro Bale
This midfield could stay together for another 3 years at least, allowing Sandro to grow into one of the most complete Prem centre midfielders. (Ps. Hudd to compete for a place/rotated!)
........imagine if the chairman went out and signed the strikers of the calibre of Falcao, Suarez, Hernandez, Llorente etc to make up a front two pairing, with that solid midfield four behind! Very strong team. I feel that the potential loss of VdV and Modders would not be felt that much. VdV's injuries starting to become a tad too frequent and Modders may still be eyeing a move.
I would sacrifice VdV's goals for a hardworking, skillful forward like Hernandez any day of the week - just my opinion.
I would let Modders go for a huge profit and invest the money immediately into a new strike force.
I admit I am not a big VdV fan, but I am a huge Modric fan, so my personal opinion on them as players has not tainted my view on what I think would work better for the club, which is bigger, and more important, than any player.
If Harry leaves for health/other reasons, Levy has to get someone in who will keep most of this squad together or we'll be shafted.
Anyhoo, bring on Villa!!!
VdV and Modders
posted on 14/11/11
The loss of any first team player is always that a loss but life goes on. When we lost Berbatov it was a major blow but a couple of seasons later we are a far better side than we were then.
The bottom line is whoever we might lose we will still be a damned good side.
posted on 14/11/11
Sorry, I guess I am playing advocate here but as the OP mentioned a hardworking striker like Hernandez (not a big fan, but he's a good example) would be more willing to help out in defence when necessary.
The point of the article was that we could survive without him, and I agree that we could do just as well with a top striker in his place
posted on 14/11/11
"I agree that we could do just as well with a top striker in his place"
Is Adebayor supporting evidence for your theory ... ??
posted on 14/11/11
Is Adebayor supporting evidence for your theory ... ??
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No, he's playing alongside VDV - not in his stead
posted on 14/11/11
And he's not scoring.
So do we need 2 "top" strikers, or is Ade also falling foul of the oft-discussed 'VDV effect' ??
posted on 14/11/11
Thanks Bales - glad someone has noticed the point I was trying to get across - the team moving forward without VdV and or Modric "if" the time came.
Now get Drogba/Anelka in January and we'll be laughing.....
posted on 14/11/11
So do we need 2 "top" strikers, or is Ade also falling foul of the oft-discussed 'VDV effect' ??
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Possibly, yes in my opinion. Unfortunately this theory could only be tested without VDV in the team and with our striker pairing getting a decent run. I would not suggest this given his amazing run of form, but the article asks us to question IF we were to be without him what would happen. He's a great player, but more important than the team as a whole? Not on your nelly.
Realistic - I dunno about the sulk Anelka, and Drogba's never been the same after the malaria. I'd rather a younger striker with a point to prove
posted on 14/11/11
*strike pairing
Also, just been reading the BBC blog about Uruguay's win on the weekend, and how their midfield is only average (their manager's sentiments) but they provided the platform for Suarez's goals:
Oscar Washington Tabarez:
"They know what we want from them," he said. "They are sufficiently humble to know their limitations, but always give their best with positive thoughts."
......
Tim Vickery:
"The golden evening enjoyed by Suarez also illustrates one of football's great truths - that the stars shine most brightly when the collective balance of the team is correct. "
posted on 14/11/11
"glad someone has noticed the point I was trying to get across - the team moving forward without VdV and or Modric "if" the time came"
But will it will be 2 steps backward before 1 step forward ??
Recent events (Carrick, Berba) suggest it could be the latter ...
posted on 14/11/11
I love the fact we have this discussion about not having VdV or Luka - 5 or 10 years ago I'd of loved to be talking about being without such amazing players. How times change! Good time to be a spurs fan. Long may it continue.