"Dawson could go to World Cup" says Venables

[southlondonyiddo]

He's probably as good as any of the young fringe CD's named trying to get on the plane to S.A

Not in the same league as a fit Terry/Ferdinand/Woodgate/King though

 

[The Apprentice]

What, peeling the oranges?

 

[Dr Know]

The only thing that worries me about Dawson is he tends to hold, grab shirts and when he come in for a tackle boy he comes in!!!!!!!!! It seems like its something the new coaches have brought in because BAE does some serious nudging when 1 on 1. I'm quite surprised we haven't had pens against them 2

I do think he has greatly improved and does deserve his chance in the national squad

 

[southlondonyiddo]

The only thing that worries me about Dawson is he tends to hold, grab shirts and when he come in for a tackle boy he comes in!!!!!!!!! It seems like its something the new coaches have brought in because BAE does some serious nudging when 1 on 1. I'm quite surprised we haven't had pens against them 2

I do think he has greatly improved and does deserve his chance in the national squad

Daws also has a tendancy to lose the flight of the ball from time to time that causes big problems but he can only get better with experience and his attitude is 1st class

 

[Adam]

Dawson is a much better player than Woodgate for me, but i would worry about his pace in a World Cup-i fear he might be a weeny bit slow to mix it with the best that the world has to offer

 

[kaz Hirai]

He's probably as good as any of the young fringe CD's named trying to get on the plane to S.A

Not in the same league as a fit Terry/Ferdinand/Woodgate/King though

not a young CB anymore, he's 26. in his prime, probably why he looks so much more improved, still quite reckless though.

and yes definately not in woodgates class yet alone King

 

[Dr Know]

Dawson is a much better player than Woodgate for me, but i would worry about his pace in a World Cup-i fear he might be a weeny bit slow to mix it with the best that the world has to offer

That is not a statement I would personally make but he has and still is improving

 

[Adam]

That is not a statement I would personally make but he has and still is improving

I know its contentious, and as ive been pulled up on it i might as well justify my comment in more detail.

Woodgate was maginficent for us in 2008. Great with Ledley in the back end of Ramos' season when they played together and was a real commanding force.

However, for me, it all went wrong for him when he was handed the captaincy. In those games, he seemed to shy away from leadership, and im not sure he ever really recovered from that as i dont think he's been the same player since '2 points in 8 games'-gate. Barring the Villa game last season, i think he's been extremely poor when he's played in 2009-i think it was the West Brom game when he was really poor as an immediate example that springs to mind; think he let the ball go over his head a couple of times which led to chances etc.

Dawson on the other hand has really grown into a very good player in the past 12 months. Pace issue aside (which i do ultimately think will stop him from becoming a top player), he has improved in almost every aspect of the game, and tellingly, he has thrived when asked to lead the side, whilst Woodgate shrunk into a shadow of himself.

The last issue that gives Dawson the edge in my opinion is there actual ability/mindset on the ball. When we play against weak sides, it is IMPERATIVE that our centre backs can carry the ball out of defence up to the half way line and distribute it forward. Alternatively, the long switch pass is an option albeit more dangerous. In both of these categories, Dawson shits all over Woodgate, and as more and more teams will start to come to the Lane (and even at home sometimes) with the goal being a draw, we need to be able to start play off from the back as much as possible, hence Dawson is a better outlet than Woodgate.

I appreciate that ill never change some people's opinions on this, but for me, as originally stated, id MUCH rather have Dawson in my team than Woody

 

[Damian99]

He may not have great pace, he's no slower than Woodgate or Terry. You can still be a top CB and not have great pace, as Woodgate and Terry have shown. It's speed of thought the ability to react quickly and above all, and ALL top players have this in their locker, the ability to read a situation and see things during a game other players cannot.

 

[southlondonyiddo]

He may not have great pace, he's no slower than Woodgate or Terry. You can still be a top CB and not have great pace, as Woodgate and Terry have shown. It's speed of thought the ability to react quickly and above all, and ALL top players have this in their locker, the ability to read a situation and see things during a game other players cannot.

Dawson would look like a carthorse in a race with Woody

Terry is of a similar pace but is 10 minutes ahead of Daws in reading a game

I like Dawson but he's not in those 2's class

 

[AirTito]

The great thing about Daws is his commitment to the club. He wears the shirt with pride. It seems like he fancies Spurs' success rather than playing for a spot in the WC. Selfless player. Based on current form Daws should be in Capellos plans.

 

[tRiKS]

kiss of death.

 

[kaz Hirai]

kiss of death.

of course, he'll be shocking on saturday and give away a penatly :lol:

 

[lukespurs7]

Dawson is just a slightly worse version of John Terry which is pretty much a compliment,really loving big Micky D this year!

 

[Dundalk_Spur]

I will probably get hammered for this, but looking at the footballing world outside of THFC watching Dawson reminded me very much of Tony Adams at his best. Now I have less than no love for Adams, but there was never any question over his leadership, determination or ability at his peak.

 

[StartingPrice]

I will probably get hammered for this, but looking at the footballing world outside of THFC watching Dawson reminded me very much of Tony Adams at his best. Now I have less than no love for Adams, but there was never any question over his leadership, determination or ability at his peak.

I have felt this in the past - alas, the boy may progress, but chances are he won't ever be a donkey (or should he be happy about that:grin

 

[spursman85]

His form recently has been absolutely fantastic, and as this football blog on the top four race notes, a critical factor in helping us look like one of the best prospects to break in. I've been thinking all season that for all the endless talk on forwards and midfield combinations on these boards, it's our defence that is by far the most significant aspect of our success. With Woodgate and Ledders so unreliable in terms of caps, we needed a settled pair to replace them, and Dawson and Bassong are really looking good. If they build a solid foundation, we all know the team can score. Nice one Dawson. Take the armband with pride!