Tottenham: David Ginola In Ledley King’s Guest XI. Who Else Could Play?

David Ginola is to play in Ledley King’s Guest XI for his testimonial game at Tottenham at the end of the season. Who else could be playing in the game?

Ledley King [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Ledley King retired two years ago, having battled against injury through much of his career but especially in his latter years having to be selective in which games he played. In spite of this, King managed to maintain the highest standards and demonstrated great loyalty to Tottenham Hotspur through his career. In 2008 he captained Spurs to Carling Cup success, defeating Chelsea in the Final at Wembley.

In his testimonial at White Hart Lane on Monday, 12th May, the current Tottenham team will play against a Guest XI selected by King from players he has played with during his career which started against Liverpool at Anfield. Since retiring King has acted as an ambassador for the club, travelling around the world in that capacity as well as working on his coaching badges.

The money raised by the match is to go to various charities, selected by Ledley.

There is no confirmation of the full list of players who will be playing in the match and while many players would wish to be associated with Ledley King’s final game at White Hart Lane, their availability will be determined by their club’s commitments at the bend of the season.

One former player, David Ginola has acknowledged that he will be involved in the game. He tweeted,

David Ginola [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Ginola is always given a great welcome on his return to White Hart Lane but who else could be playing?

Darren Anderton and Teddy Sheringham have also confirmed that they will be playing in the game.

Some of the players who are still in the current squad played with King in his final years including goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Heurelho Gomes. Goalkeeper Paul Robinson was a favourite with many at Spurs and would be assured of a good reception, having battled back from serious illness.

In defence there are not as many options – Benoit Assou-Ekotto, at QPR this season could play. William Gallas would be an option as would Steven Caulker and Sebastien Bassong. Alan Hutton and Steven Carr could be options to play along with Pascal Chimbonda who has played for Carlisle this season.

The star attractions would be an appearance from Gareth Bale and Luka Modric but their commitments at Real Madrid will prevent them from making an appearance. Rafael Van der Vaart would be welcomed back to the Lane and could be partnered by Michael Carrick and Scott Parker. Jermaine Jenas would be another possibility in midfield. Steed Malbranque was also a member of that 2008 winning team and Edgar Davids who joined Spurs from Inter Milan could be considered.

Former strikers include Dimitar Berbatov who scored in the Wembley win over Chelsea and both Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe could return from America if their current clubs can release them. Peter Crouch who came through the Tottenham youth system at the same time as Ledley could also play.

Three members of the current coaching staff would also be eligible, having played with King in his early ears at the club – Tim Sherwood, Steffen Freund and Les Ferdinand.

If King were to consider players with whom he played for England, the likes of David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen could be options. If he were to consider calling upon some opponents, there are many options including the likes of Ryan Giggs, unlikely now that he has taken on a new role at Old Trafford, and a player who holds King in high esteem is former Arsenal star, Thierry Henry but he may not be as welcome at the Lane. Speaking of King, Henry said in an interview in The Independent,

"I don’t like defenders who hold the shirts of other players. The only defender here who doesn’t do that and sometimes still gets the ball off my feet easily is Ledley King."

Whoever plays in his testimonial, Ledley King is thoroughly deserving of the recognition for his years of loyalty and service to Tottenham.

The names of the players who are taking part have yet to be announced.