I think it's some collective hallucination. The truth is that Ricky Villa's wife was on holiday in Croatia and just got a Brazilian. Unfortunately it's all been lost in translation.
I have a funny feeling that in a few years time we will be looking back on this day as the one that truly kicked off a new glorious era at Spurs!
As Milhouse would say, 'Everything's coming up Tottenham!'
I'm wondering if we can expect much more after Paulinho/Villa. I've stated previously I think it could be feasible given impending player sales and the Moutinho/Damiao failure-fees money, but I'm wondering if Levy might view that as appeasing AVB.
I think the Croatian kids aren't going to affect the transfer budgets too much right now, so it'll be interesting to see if we've got much available to spend on 2-3 more targets that will immediately upgrade our squad either through starting talent or high-upside depth.
It is hard to say this one. But we all know that even if we sign David Villa we still have no answer to the problem of our striker in the long term. And it is probable that any current targets would be more expensive next year, with our need for a long term solution even more pressing. If it does not happen this window, they must hope one solution appears within the next 12 months
I'm wondering if we can expect much more after Paulinho/Villa. I've stated previously I think it could be feasible given impending player sales and the Moutinho/Damiao failure-fees money, but I'm wondering if Levy might view that as appeasing AVB.
I think the Croatian kids aren't going to affect the transfer budgets too much right now, so it'll be interesting to see if we've got much available to spend on 2-3 more targets that will immediately upgrade our squad either through starting talent or high-upside depth.
I suspect any further signings after Villa & Paulinho will be related to outgoings. I think our pursuit of a no9 will be dependent on the offers we receive for either Defoe or Ade and a LB & CM dependent on offers for Benny/Parker. I don't get the impression we're desperate for a wide forward but I do think we are sniffing around and should anyone come up for a reasonable price we'll have a go. Presumably as the ITK suggests, this could also be funded partially by Dempsey leaving.
If Villa plays as our left wide forward, we still need a striker. If he plays as our striker, we still need that creative left wide forward IMO. Despite the arrival of the croatians next year, i still think we will need that one extra player (whichever position it turns out to be) after Paulinho and Villa to really complete our team for this coming year. As you say, whether we have the funds for that I'm not sure. Levy seems to be going for it this summer so far though
If Villa plays as our left wide forward, we still need a striker. If he plays as our striker, we still need that creative left wide forward IMO. Despite the arrival of the croatians next year, i still think we will need that one extra player (whichever position it turns out to be) after Paulinho and Villa to really complete our team for this coming year. As you say, whether we have the funds for that I'm not sure. Levy seems to be going for it this summer so far though
Yeah some creativity would be nice. Holtby played in a more forward role for Schalke so it wouldn't surprise me to see him or Siggy playing there.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with Lennon. Along with Sandro he was probably our best player in the first third of last season, and AVB regularly singled him out for praise.
If we lined up with Sandro, Paulinho, Dembele, and a front three of Villa, Adebayor/A.N.Other striker, Bale, do you think that will provide enough creativity SK? When Villa has played as a left forward in the past has picking out creative/incisive passes ever been part of his game (in addition to his fine striking ability)?
I get the feeling tbh that Villa will play as the main striker and, as you say, we will see one of Siggy or Holtby playing (and playing well) as the left creative forward, with Lennon coming in when the opponent/game situation is suitable for him to do so
I bet we start off like this next year (Midfield forward because I have no idea who's playing LB for us, yet):
-------- Paulinho --------- Dembele --------
Bale ------------- Holbty ------- Sigurdsson
------------------- Villa ----------------------
This is only taking into account Paulinho/Villa signing.
Where do you see Sandro fitting in when he's fit? Something like this maybe?:
Sandro_____DembelePaulinhoBale____________SiggyVilla
I bet we start off like this next year (Midfield forward because I have no idea who's playing LB for us, yet):
-------- Paulinho --------- Dembele --------
Bale ------------- Holbty ------- Sigurdsson
------------------- Villa ----------------------
This is only taking into account Paulinho/Villa signing.
Where do you see Sandro fitting in when he's fit? Something like this maybe?:
Sandro_____DembelePaulinhoBale____________SiggyVilla
It's hard to tell. I think there's a few looks we could go with:
Say, against a strong midfield such as Man City, sacrificing some creativity for physicality:
-------------------- Sandro ----------------------
---- Paulinho --------------- Dembele ----------
Mediocre sides:
---------------------- Sandro ---------------------
------- Paulinho/Dembele ---- Holtby -----------
The Bottom-feeders:
----------- Dembele-------- Paulinho ------------
Bale ---------------- Holtby ------------- Siggy
---------------------- Villa ------------------------