SPURS NEWS
Martin Jol believes Tottenham are better equipped to challenge for a Champions League place this season and is looking for his young English talent to help qualify for the competition they narrowly missed out on last season.
Source: ESPNsoccernet
The Dutchman has changed some of his personnel after rivals Arsenal pipped them to fourth place in the Barclays Premiership last term, and the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon have Spurs handily placed going into the Christmas period.
Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, their summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, scored twice in yesterday's 5-1 rout of Charlton, but there is still an English feel to the spine of Spurs, starting with centre-backs Ledley King and Michael Dawson protecting Paul Robinson.
'Lennon was 17 and he came to Spurs, Dawson and Huddlestone were also young and they are all improving,' said Jol.
'We've got two or three big talents still coming through and hopefully we will see more of them in the next few games.'
With Didier Zokora's suspension for his part in the mass brawl against Middlesbrough, England Under-21 midfielder Huddlestone continued to impress against the Addicks and has been earmarked as Michael Carrick's long-term replacement with his composure on the ball and range of passing.
Jol added: 'Tom is outstanding in nine out of every 10 games. On the ball, he is probably one of the best in the Premiership in his position.
'He's a bit like Carrick, but a bit younger.'
Lennon was at the centre of Tottenham's vibrant attacking play against Charlton, showing his versatility on either flank and through the middle.
The England winger set up Berbatov for the opener before Teemu Tainio, returning to the team, doubled the lead with a deflected drive.
The Finland midfielder said: 'In every place we have two players and the spirit is wonderful and that is the main thing.
'We have played a few good games and that was one of our best. We have to remember it is only one game.'
Dawson put through his own net to give Charlton hope before half-time but Steed Malbranque's first Spurs goal restored the two-goal cushion after the break.
Jermain Defoe then scored against his former club before Berbatov completed the thrashing.
Charlton boss Les Reed kept his side in the dressing room for a 'frank' discussion following the defeat, and he believes there is hope in their battle against relegation.
'After a defeat like that, it would have been easy for them just to sit in silence, listen to me and all go home with their tails between their legs, but they haven't done that,' he said.
'I have got lots of confidence in myself and I have seen and witnessed games that have led me to believe this team of players can play and compete. So I know it is there.'
The Addicks, still second from bottom in the table, have not won away in the Premiership this season and face Liverpool at The Valley next week.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson, on loan from Anfield, admitted Charlton may have to play ugly football to fight their way out of trouble.
'The performances don't matter. As long as we get the points, that's all that matters,' he said.
'Everyone has to chip in and pull together. You can't have just a few characters in your squad at a time like this. You need everyone to step up.
'To be fair, no one has tried to hide out there. We've definitely got enough character to do it.'
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