Bad fit back then.....good fit now?

Are there any players you can think of who really did not fit in at Spurs - the style of play either did not suit them, and/or get the best out of them - but you feel they would thrive now.

Or a player who Poch could have got hold of at a young age, and had the raw materials to be moulded in to someone who would fit in now.


As starters...


Jermaine Jenas
442 was the standard formation when Jenas had his prime years with us. He never really had the freedom to drive forward as he could, and he was not a strong enough boy to anchor it, run it with is passing in a 2-man midfield. His early years with us were turbulent, with Jol and Ramos overseeing his development from 22 to 26.

The way it is now, with a higher line and the 2nd CM much freer to run with the ball, as there is better creativity ahead of him (Eriksen, Dele, Lamela, Kane et al) I feel his game would be far more tailored to this. Poch getting him at 22, and moulding him in to what he likes.


Tom Huddlesltone
Big Tom was another who often looked a bit lost in a 2-man midfield in his early days. Not mobile enough to get about. Tough love from Ramos did not seem to work We had a tantalising glimpse of what could have been in 2010 - we partnered him with Modric at the tail end of.one season and got CL football, then signed VDV and had a great group stage in the next, then he got a bad injury and never recovered fully.

Perhaps Poch getting hold of him early doors, with an arm around the shoulder and some proper coaching, may have made a difference. He improved defensively the older he got, and his long-range passing was a joy to watch. If he was fitter earlier, a Dier-esque role, anchoring the midfield, dropping between the CBs.....who knows?


David Bentley
Not really winger, not really good enough to play as a 10 in a 4411. Had flashes when he tucked in and had a runner behind him, but largely looked a bit lost.

Attitude would still be a problem I guess, but in terms of style this style of play would probably suit him. A bit of wing play when needed, tucking inside mainly and being involved in the build-up. Probably the most like Lamela in terms of style.


Giovanni Dos Santos
Much like Bentley - albeit different stylistically - a player who never really had a position for us in his time here.

Again like Bentley, the attitude may still gave been a problem, but him being allowed the freedom to do what Sonny does for us would probably have suited his game to a tee.