Tottenham Central Defenders: 2014-15 Squad Preview
By Logan Holmes
There is uncertainty over the Tottenham central defenders in the squad for 2014-15 as Spurs continue to look to strengthen that position while others may leave before the end of the transfer window.
The four central defenders Tottenham had available last season are experienced internationals and Spurs have added two younger players who as their careers develop will challenge for a regular place in the squad and in the longer term step up to claim a place in the team.
Tottenham Central Defenders
Jan Vertonghen: he has had two different seasons at White Hart Lane. An outstanding debut year in the Premier League followed by a less than impressive second season, hindered by injury with questions about his commitment. He has, however, returned from the World Cup finals with Belgium and is thought to be about to sign a new contract. With additional cover at left-back, Vertonghen should not have to move away from his best position in central defence and hopefully we’ll see him at his best through the coming season.
Michael Dawson: the arrival of a new manager and once again Dawson looks like he could be leaving Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino has assured him he will remain captain while he is at the club but he has been a transfer target for a number of clubs during the summer. A deal could yet be completed, if agreement can be reached with Spurs over the financial arrangements. Dawson has been a loyal and committed player for Tottenham since joining in 2005 but with his lack of pace, he doesn’t appear to be the best fit for the new manager’s style of play.
Younes Kaboul: like Dawson Kaboul has been linked with a move away from Spurs. Worries over his long-term fitness have hampered Kaboul over the past two seasons. In 2012, on the retirement of Ledley King and the signing of Vertonghen, many envisaged the development of a new central defensive partnership between Kaboul and the Belgium international. With injury problems they have rarely played together. Kaboul is another totally committed player but with injury issues he struggled to rediscover his best form last season although in pre-season he has looked more comfortable.
Vlad Chiriches: the Romanian captain took time to settle after signing last summer. He started to show his best form but was then out with injury for a lengthy period and on returning to the team was very unsure of himself. He missed the tour of North America with injury and hasn’t played in any pre-season matches. He has been linked with a move to Italy which is thought to be of interest to him as he has found it difficult to settle in England.
Eric Dier: the England U-21 international, signed from Sporting Lisbon showed promise in his debut alongside Kaboul in last weekend’s friendly against Schalke. He should get plenty of match time as back-up for Pochettino’s first choice pairing and if he continues as he started when playing in the European and Cup games, he will be pushing for a regular place in the team.
Richard Chandler (@rich_chandler) tweeted after Saturday’s win over Schalke,
Dier looked quite good, not 1st team ready yet but not far off. Plays better in left CH pos. Could make a good partnership with Vertonghen.
— Richard Chandler (@rich_chandler) August 9, 2014
Milos Veljkovic: the Under-19 Serbian international has impressed during the pre-season in central defence. He can also play in central midfield and will be hoping for more opportunities in the midweek matches in the Europa League and Cup ties.
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New Signing?
Matteo Musacchio: Tottenham are reported to have been in negotiations for the Argentine and Villarreal central defender for the past fortnight but contractual issues are delaying any progress at the moment.
Only if these can be sorted out will a deal be struck before the end of the summer transfer period.
If Tottenham strengthen the squad by signing a central defender, they should be in a stronger position than last season when injury left them without sufficient cover in the centre of the defence. It could also see the departure of at least one from Dawson, Kaboul or Chiriches, possibly dependent on which of the Tottenham central defenders brings in the best offer from interested clubs.
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