Most Spurs fans will have groaned when it was announced that the club would kick off the season with an away trip to Manchester United, but on reflection it could be the best time to take them on.
With United having made several signings and with more seemingly to come, perhaps it is best for Tottenham to go up against them when they are relatively disorganised.
In particular the defence looks like an area where United could be weak. They have failed to sign a new centre-half so far this summer and it currently looks like Daley Blind could start the season on the left side of the central defence.
Blind has started as a central defender in the last three pre-season games and Louis van Gaal has hinted that the side which began against Barcelona last week will line up against Spurs for the season opener.
The Dutch international mainly played as a left-back or central midfielder last season and though he has experience as a centre-back, Tottenham will hope to exploit his lack of physical suitability to the role.
Blind is only 5ft 11″ tall and doesn’t have great pace. Can Tottenham capitalise on this potential weak link on the opening day of the season?
5″11 is not short. Jones is an inch smaller and Otamendi who’s been linked with United is only an inch taller so the argument about height matters doesn’t weigh up. The fact that he is slow doesn’t weigh up either as John Terry is hardly rocket propelled but he makes up for that in positional sense and is covered somewhat by the players along the line. Height is important, as is physicality but what makes a really good defender is his ability in tackling, positional sense and assurance under pressure. The only thing I would question on Blinds part would be that he is untried in this position and his physicality. I think himself and Smalling compliment each other pretty well and partly the reason he is playing at CB is because it’s pre season and it’s a good chance to test him out in this position. Also Shaw is fully fit and looking impressive at right back and Van Gaal has shown trust in Shaw which is paying dive-dents. If anything the one area seem pretty sure in is their defense and midfield so far this pre season. I’m not saying this because I’m a United supporter but I think Tottenham will have to rely on playing as a team and play good football in order to get something from Old Trafford next month and not rely on some weakness or chink in the United team. I’ve no doubt Tottenham can get something from United but singling out one individual seems a bit naive. The one weakness in United’s team i would have singled out is their attack and if I were Pottechino I’d be looking at a low score draw. A point from Old Trafford on this first day would be a good result away from home and I think that is achievable if they play counter attack rather than high pressure game.
Good comment from eoin
great comment from eoin but i still dont understand either why Van Gaal has failed to strengthen that center back position yet we all know that is our weakest link…an undure defence is always putting pressure on th goalie and slows the attack.i dont like Evans and Jones is always a penalty waiting to happen.seriously whats the point of having all that money when u continue playing players out of position…Depay is a winger play him there, Blind is NOT a center back period….im losing gaith in Van Gaal by the minute
great comment from Eion but i still dont understand either why Van Gaal has failed to strengthen that center back position yet we all know that is our weakest link…an unsure defence is always putting pressure on th goalie and slows the attack.i dont like Evans and Jones is always a penalty waiting to happen.seriously whats the point of having all that money when u continue playing players out of position…Depay is a winger play him there, Blind is NOT a center back period….im losing gaith in Van Gaal by the minute