There was a moment during Arsenal’s visit to White Hart Lane on Wednesday night that highlighted just what a quality player Sandro is. The Brazilian midfielder, usually accustomed to seeing out Tottenham’s defensive duties bust a lung to pick up a stray pass, knock it forward and smash a dangerous shot in the direction of Arsenal’s goalmouth. The Gunner’s keeper Wojiech Szczesny may somehow have managed to smother it, but that moment served to underline something a lot of Spurs fans already believed – that this young lad can aid a Tottenham attack, as well as break-up opposition play.
He’s clearly a wonderful young player, who shows no fear in the big games – if this game and his performances against the two Italian giants are any testimony. The trouble Harry Redknapp has, is finding a space for him in an already congested midfield. At the moment Sandro seems to be favoured above the likes of Tom Huddlestone in games against opposition sides that are known for their ‘physicality’, or tough tackling, whilst Thudd is favoured in most home games.
I realise that Harry Redknapp wants his side to play attacking football, and thus the selection of Tom Huddlestone in the midfield seems like a positive thing, but I can’t help but feel as though Sandro would be a better choice. Apart from his goal against Arsenal, I thought Thudd’s performance was a little poor – his passing game was way off and he didn’t look as mobile as he usually does. Can you imagine Arsenal finding the space to create three goals had Sandro been on the pitch from the beginning of the game? It’s little coincidence, I think that Arsenal’s creative juices ceased to flow soon after Sandro’s introduction.
Of course, Tom Huddlestone’s been out injured for quite some time, so perhaps we shouldn’t expect so much from him so soon. It’s good to see that even when he’s not playing particularly well, he’s still capable of a rare sublime moment.
It’s possible for Tottenham to accommodate both players in a 4-5-1. Play Peter Crouch as the loan striker and have Thudd and Sandro sit a little deeper in the midfield, whilst granting Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale more freedom to get forward. That’s a fearsome looking midfield by any means. If Tottenham can bring in a decent striker next season and keep hold of their best players, they’re going to be a real force.
Tottenham’s midfield dilemma is one of those ‘good problems’ – they have a batch of quality footballers and not enough slots in the centre of the park to play them all. Sandro has rarely put a foot wrong since he’s entered into this Tottenham side and it’s clear that he’s still improving and adding to his game on a weekly basis. He’s got drive and energy, likes to join the attack and can still fulfil his defensive duties. He consistently delivers and it’s for this reason that if I had to choose between Sandro and Thudd, I’d go for the Brazilian every time.
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So, the guy had a shot on goal? That makes him an attacking threat!? Leave me out.
Sandro really does have it all. unbeatable work rate, has very good vision and ball control (for a dm)And the confdience to take the ball and attack. He is still young and still adapting to a faster stronger league than what he used to play in. He did show why he should be ahead of hudd in that match.
I’d looked at the side BEFORE the Goons game and considered the possibility of playing Sandro and Thudd in the same starting line up. Even though it would have meant dropping VDV!. In all honesty I couldn’t see Rafa’s performance being any better than those of the previous month or so. Glad to be proved wrong, but I feel Sandro will become everything we hope he’ll be and will hopefully go from here and a perhaps a partnership with a fully fit Tom and Modders will offer us a dynamic midfield when you consider Bale and Lennon on either flank in a five man midfield. 3-5-2 maybe?
I don’t pretend to understand the tactical issues. But i think I recognise a potentially great player when I see one. i would like to see SANDRO and hudd and modric in same midfield. alternate the attacking and defensive options depending on the opposition.
Simples!
i personally cant wait to see how far his potential and obvious hard work ethic take him. i think he has a great attitude i remeber a game early on in the season and a rare start for him when we went one down he was shortly subed off he didnt seem to care he looked like he knew when he did get a proper chance he would be able to take it and hasnt he just? easily the best player in the game Vs milan second leg IMO
It’s got to be this line up for the future –
Gomez
walker/Kaboul, gallas/new CB, Dawson, BAE
Sandro, Hudd
Rafa/Lennon, Modders, Bale
new striker
That’s got to be title winning formation….ok getting a little carried away but we could give them all a good run for it.
Give credit where credit’s due without rewriting Spurs history. Sandro did not play against Inter and wasn’t even in the CL squad in the group stage. So make that one Italian giant only although he was a giant in both games.