Tottenham 2013-14 Squad Preview – Central Defenders

Last summer Tottenham faced a season without Ledley King for the first time since his debut in 1999. Even without their retired captain who had been the cornerstone of the Spurs central defence in spite if his injury problems, Spurs had a surplus of central defenders and Andre Villas-Boas rotated them through much of the season. Twelve months on injury worries plus the sale of Steven Caulker caused a few tremors when Jake Livermore and Zeke Fryers had to be used in central defence against Monaco.

Michael Dawson totally to Tottenham [Photo: Alan Hill]

Central Defenders

Michael Dawson found himself behind new signing Jan Vertonghen, Younes Kaboul, William Gallas and Caulker in AVB’s plans this time last season. The newly appointed coach decided that Dawson was expendable and with QPR interested, it was thought that his captain would be leaving White Hart Lane. After consideration Dawson decided that he wanted to remain at Tottenham and fight his way back into the team. Dawson displayed the perfect attitude to this setback as a captain, a player and a person.

He accepted the situation of not being involved with the team on match days at the start of the season, didn’t complain and set about proving his point. He trained and played as required in the Europa League and Cup games waiting for his opportunity. That came at half-time at the Emirates as Spurs found themselves 3 – 1 down and reduced to 10 men. He came on and used his experience to help to steady the ship and although Spurs lost, he had shown that he could bring something to the team. He reclaimed his place and finished the season as first choice alongside Vertonghen.

Dawson is totally committed in every game – he gives 100% and leads by example – he knows no other way and will continue to give of his best in the season ahead.

Jan Vertonghen proved to be the perfect replacement for Ledley King. A footballing central defender, like King, he shows composure as a defender and his creative ability when he steps forward into midfield to set up and score vital goals. He has already repaid whatever fee Spurs handed over to Ajax last summer. He showed his versatility as cover at left back when Benoit Assou-Ekotto was out injured and will be looking to build on last season when he proved to be Spurs best signing of the season. With squad rotation he played with a number of partners last year and will be hoping to find a regular partner this season to form a stable partnership at the centre of the Spurs defence. Vertonghen is a potential future captain for Spurs.

The interest of Barcelona in Vertonghen to solve their central defensive issues is understandable but not one that Tottenham will want to encourage. A report and tweet by journalist @DuncanCastles indicates that Spurs have told the Spanish champions to look elsewhere.

Younes Kaboul played one match last August before injury brought his season to an early end. In the opening game against Newcastle United he had partnered Gallas and his reappearance for the second half against Espanyol was his first action in the subsequent period. Last summer many had expected him to be the perfect partner for Vertonghen but twelve months on, the two have yet to play together. Kaboul’s power and strength were missed last season and it’s great to see him on the way to recovery. He is obviously delighted to be back on the verge of playing again as his recent comment showed,

"I missed football so, so much. But this summer I got myself right to be ready and now I hope the injuries are behind me."

Speaking after the Espanyol game, AVB also showed his appreciation of the return of his central defender saying there had been positives to take from the game. Speaking to the club website he said,

"We saw great signs from Kaboul and Sandro coming back."

New Signings

The release of Gallas and the sale of Caulker has left Spurs with with only three experienced central defenders. Vertonghen is currently out injured while Kaboul is only returning to fitness so Tottenham are expected to make a signing before the transfer window closes with a number players being considered. The Ajax and Belgian international, Toby Alderweireld, is thought to be a possible target. Having played with Vertonghen for club and country, he would be an ideal signing who should be able to fit in quickly and provide cover at right back as well. Other options which are being considered include the signing of a young defender who could be used as cover while gaining experience in the Europa League and Cup games.

Duncan Castles suggests that one young defender in whom they are interested is with Barcelona and it is thought to be Marc Bartra.

The two young players who have had an opportunity in preseason are Zeke Fryers and Kevin Stewart. They can also provide cover at full back but are a long way off being ready for a first team place.

Spurs discovered the problems of lack of cover in the strikers last season so will want to avoid a similar situation arising this year in central defence and will surely complete some signings before the end of the transfer window.

Related Articles:

Tottenham 2013-14 Squad Preview – Goalkeepers

Tottenham 2013-14 Squad Preview – Full Backs