Only 18 months ago, Steven Pienaar was one of the Premier League’s hottest tickets. The former Everton star was in the kind of form that sees you linked to the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham and it was only a matter of time before the South African made a move to a ‘bigger club’. Pienaar made it clear that his ambition was to join a top club and before long his January move to Spurs was sealed.
The stage was all set for Pienaar to really push on and make something of himself. If he showed potential at Everton, he was supposed to actualise it at Tottenham. Sadly, this never happened. He has played only nine times for Spurs in a year and with hindsight the move was clearly a step back for his career.
The main problem for Pienaar is the quality of Tottenham’s midfield. There’s simply too many players above him in the pecking order and he’ll never get a fair shot if he stays at Tottenham. When you’re not even getting a shot as a substitute, it’s time to move on.
Like many players before him, Pienaar made the wrong move. He was never going to make it at Tottenham with the likes of Bale and Lennon ahead of him, and perhaps should have opted to stay at Everton for another year or move to a club that is lacking down the wings. It’s a similar situation to the one when Steve Sidwell signed for Chelsea. The move was never going to be a great success, but the player found it impossible to turn down because of the kind of money involved.
As for Pienaar himself, he finally appears to have come to his senses. Speaking to SuperSport.com, his Business Manager Rob Moore said:
“The bottom line is that he wants to play regular first team football, he had that Everton, where he was voted Player of the Season and was an automatic selection. But he wanted to progress in his career and try his luck at a club that would be competing for trophies. He has had incredible bad luck with injuries though since joining Spurs and in that time the team has been playing very well, and the players who are in his position have been playing very well.
So realistically it is going to be very difficult to get into the starting XI on a regular basis. For that reason Steven is open to other opportunities and we will see what this week brings. Of course, a lot comes down to Tottenham as well, whether they would be willing to let him go and at a reasonable price.”
QPR are said to be sniffing around the player, whilst Everton fans remain hopeful that he’ll make an unlikely return. For Pienaar’s sake I hope Harry Redknapp and Tottenham don’t hold his career to ransom. Let’s hope the South African’s Spurs career comes to a swift end and that he finds his way once more.
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“Bigger Club” Are you joking? Everton have won more league titles than both of them together you ignorant fool!
A fair and balanced article. Pienaar was a player I definitely liked at Everton and thought would be a good addition to the squad. However, a combination of injuries and excellent form from the current Spurs wide men has left him marginalised. A move to a lesser club, where he would be guaranteed first team action, is probably best for both parties. Don’t expect DL to sell him cheaply though!