Benoit Assou-Ekotto is a funny player. He’s never been shy of opening his mouth and letting fans know exactly what he thinks. Whether he’s telling every one he knows that football isn’t a passion of his, or that he’s just in it for the money, he’s always ready with a sound-bite of sorts.
But this apathetic attitude is also backed up by genuine talent. On his day, he’s one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. He has all the qualities necessary to succeed in this position: pace, craft, a fine tackle and a decent cross.
When he leaves Tottenham, he’ll be remembered as more than just a funky hair-do (though his hair is spectacular!).
And before long he may well just be a memory for Tottenham fans. The Mirror claim that Assou-Ekotto is close to joining ‘filthy-rich’ Monaco. Benoit would have to drop down into the French second division to complete this move, but since this is only a job for him, the pay-rise should provide him with enough motivation.
But how should Andre Villas-Boas go about replacing a player who has firmly established himself in the Spurs first team?
It’s thought that AVB is looking to bring his compatriot, Fabio Coentrao to White Hart Lane to fill the gap in their side. But that’s only if Spurs can secure a top four finish this season and provide the Real Madrid star with the Champions League football that he has become accustomed to.
This will be no easy task. Whilst Tottenham looked like sure things for a top four finish earlier this season, their North London rivals have closed the gap and they also have Chelsea to contend with.
If Spurs do miss out, they’ll have to rely on the likes of Danny Rose to hold the fort.
But should they get their hands on Fabio Coentrao, they’ll be getting a real player. Real Madrid were willing to spend around 30m euros back in 2011 and though they haven’t got the most out of him, the talent is still there.
He’s got bags of pace, technical ability and loves to bomb up and down the flanks. He’s definitely stronger offensively than he is defensively, but I’d argue that Spurs could use this spark going forward.
He’s cost Tottenham around £15m, but this would be a fair price for some one of his level of ability.
What’s your take? Would you swap Benoit Assou-Ekotto for Fabio Coentrao?
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I see us getting Álvaro Pereira either would be an upgrade even though I got allot of love for BAE.
Quality player, sign him.
BAE has lost his form since he came back from injury and he seems to have lost ABV’s patience to rediscover it. We look more stable with Naughton at left back although he is a right footed full back. I would like to thank Benny for his time at the club but is time for him to go and if we can get couple of millions for him from PSG then well done for both sides. Just add to the sell fee couple of millions and go for Coentrao. Then at least we will know that we have a good reliable left back for a very long time. Just as it was the case when we bought Benny. Coentrao is a finished article and will be an extremely good addition to our team.
Sign him now, no farting round like all the other transfer windows get the player in soon as, CL is needed no matter what otherwise some players could be leaving ???? COYS
NO!
As a season ticket holder since 1987 I gave watched benny for a few years now although a slow start at spurs he has been our mosycimprivrd and consistent players and one of the top 3 full backs in the league his link up play with baleis outstanding I for j e will be sorry yo see him go as other players mentioned are not certain they will make it in the premier league