Unexpected midfield headaches??

[Montasura]

Our transfer dealings are well documented of late and with the additions of Lamela and Eriksen our midfield will be crammed full of power and talent. However some of our existing squad really seems to have stepped up to the plate so far, Townsend has been brilliant, Holtby perhaps MotM last night, Carroll was also superb providing some forward thinking that we could have done with against Swansea and Palace. And then we have the new boys, nobody expected Capoue to hit the ground as well as he has, and Chadli (despite having many a critic on here already) has really impressed me so far. On the losers list we have Lennon and Siggy.

However what I'm wondering is whether AVB expected them all to be playing so well, especially Townsend and Carroll and whether this has given him a selection headache. Yes I know we will hopefully be competing on all fronts as long as possible and there will be many matches ahead. Before the season I had expected a loan at least for Carroll, some rumours now suggest a loan for Holtby and/or Siggy, and I had hoped (but certainly wasn't convinced) for some good performances from Townsend after being the star player in a shit team last season. I'm glad Lennon looks to have been displaced as I've been disappointed in him for a while, but I'm really gutted for Siggy who has been damned on here by so many.

So did AVB expect this? Will he have some selection problems? Winners? losers?

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Well we will only be playing 5 midfielders, so there will definitely be some losers but it's about how AVB handles the rotation. When everyone is fit they will want to play and being a world cup year even more so. What I'm hoping that means is everyone putting in 110% knowing that they won't be in the team if they don't. Our midfield options are looking so good that any slackers will be out in no time.

 

[Krafty]

What last night showed to me was that we will be playing a very, very strong team in the cups - AVB literally has no option but to play a strong team.

When we signed Capoue, knowing we also needed a no.10/playmaker, I was concerned we would end up either stifling Carroll's development or upsetting one of the internationals. But then again, it only takes an injury - Dembele seems to have a long running injury judging by his subs after an hour in every game he's started so far - or two and our strength in depth will be crucial.

What it also shows is AVB is not aiming simply for 4th, I think he wants more, a lot more.

 

[kazzah9]

A good problem to have, as they say... we should get used to having such quality options

 

[Wardy]

However what I'm wondering is whether AVB expected them all to be playing so well

This is exactly what he's planned, I can assure you of this. Basically having so much competition in every position, ensures that other players step up their game else they won't even make it to the bench. The proof is there with players like Townsend, Caroll and Holtby.

For me, only Lloris, Walker, Verts and Soldado are certs right now - none of the midfield spots pick themselves (except maybe Lamela when he joins)

 

[Gassin's finest]

Holtby, Siggy and Townsend simply need to step up. If they can do that then all the better for us. We've seen that the key to CL qulaification and cups is a strong squad and a commitment to good football.

 

[vegassd]

I think some of the headaches will work themselves out. You're right.. we are pretty much forced to play a strong team in every competition so there is a good chance we will progress in each of them. That means more games and more chance for rotation.

If Lamela and Eriksen both come in I think it would probably be good to send Sig out on loan to a PL team. It might raise his confidence and his stock, and he's the kind of player who can do damage to our rivals. I reckon keeping Holtby and Carroll within the squad atmosphere will be beneficial to both.

 

[Montasura]

I think some of the headaches will work themselves out. You're right.. we are pretty much forced to play a strong team in every competition so there is a good chance we will progress in each of them. That means more games and more chance for rotation.

If Lamela and Eriksen both come in I think it would probably be good to send Sig out on loan to a PL team. It might raise his confidence and his stock, and he's the kind of player who can do damage to our rivals. I reckon keeping Holtby and Carroll within the squad atmosphere will be beneficial to both.

I'll admit that on the basis of last night alone it would be great to keep Carroll around, but on the other hand Townsend is now showing the benefit of a loan to a PL team where he will get plenty of games. I honestly don't know what's best for Carroll at the moment but he has certainly shown AVB (albeit against weak opposition) that he has plenty of talent and is more than happy to fight for a place. Tbh it is brilliant that we are even able to have such a discussion.

 

[hellava_tough]

A couple of injuries and the need to rest a couple of players after mid-week European action, and the head ache quickly goes away

I think we'll be alright. I'm especially looking forward to Lennon getting some competition and the battle between Holtby and Eriksen

It can only be a good thing for the team

 

[fedupyid]

I think AVB and the board want silverware this season and fourth so we can build on things at the end of the day players want to join sides that want to win things. The fact is winning the Europa League will boost our reputation and allow Spurs to sign bigger profile names in the future and help us retain the stars we currently have at the club so we need a larger squad to compete on all fronts and prove that we have the ambition to be up there with the best in the world.