Tottenham’s dream match
Tottenham Hotspur now belongs to an elite club. After having qualified for the Champions League group stages, they are embarking on a European adventure after a hiatus of almost 50 years. Furthermore, to make it all the more memorable, they have been put in a fairly demanding group which includes the champions of the Netherlands, the Champions of Italy and third ranked side from Germany. Yes, the list of dangerous opponents that faces the London side reads Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, and FC Twente.
Even though Tottenham’s chances of progressing into the knockout stages of the Champions League depends on the crucial fixtures against Werder Bremen both in England and Germany, it is the glamour match against the champions of Europe, Inter Milan which must have the Spurs fans drooling. It is a match-up that they must have been dreaming for a while now. Apparently it is also a wish come true of bean pole, English striker, Peter Crouch. Crouch said in the immediate aftermath of demolishing the Swiss side, Young Boys 4-0, that he will love to play the best in Europe. Without mincing words, he even mentioned the names of the clubs, namely, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Now Crouch has his wish; Tottenham will have to play two games against the holders of the Champions League. While recognizing Spurs advancement in the tournament does not depend on this glamour date, yet it is fascinating to see how a full-strength Tottenham side will face up against the Italian champions. More importantly, it will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the Spurs side. The following line ups are arguably the strongest that Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur can put out:
Inter Milan in a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 (depending on how you look at it) – Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Walter Samuel, Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Thiago Motta, Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto’o, Goran Pandev, Diego Milito
Tottenham Hotspur (in a 4-4-2) – Huerelho Gomes, Vedran Corluka, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Assou-Ekotto, Luka Modric, Tom Huddlestone, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch
The teams outlined above are the strongest that one can think of at the moment. Spurs in their customarily aggressive 4-4-2 and Inter Milan in their pragmatic yet solid 4-2-3-1. The benches have not been included as that will only complicate the analysis. Yet even a cursory look at the starting eleven shows that Inter Milan have a wealth of experience. They also have many big name players who could make a difference in an instance. Another important criteria is how tactics are dispensed by either side. While Harry Redknapp is more of a motivational manager whose reliance on tactics is not very heavy, Rafa Benitez is all about tactics. Furthermore, Benitez loves the European chess game and is arguably the best in the business in the European elite competition.
On a player-to player basis, it is evident that Gomes, despite being very good, would be second against Cesar who has become one of the top three goal keepers in the world. The defence of Lucio and Samuel seem way too imposing and accomplished than Dawson and King (the signing of William Gallas might help lessen the gap). The right back and left back positions are also hands down, positions in which Inter prevail. Arguably, the only two talents that Spurs can say are world class in their squad are the trickster Modric and the brilliant-yet-untested-in-Europe winger, Bale. In fact, these two players will arguably be involved in the biggest battles on the pitch. Bale has consistently been the best player for Tottenham in the last few months. While Lennon can scare defenders with his pace, it seems unlikely the experienced Zanetti might have problems facing him
Bale will line up against Maicon. That sentence says it all. One of the best right backs in the world against an up and coming winger, who can definitely rival legendary Ryan Giggs for quality. It is one contest, everyone will be salivating to see. On the other hand, can Modric play Sneijder’s role for his team? More importantly, can Modric escape the attentions of Argentinian lynchpin, Cambiasso? These questions might well, decide this fixture.
Of course, Inter Milan should win this on paper, but the game is not on paper. It is played on the field and even fantasizing about this game makes for a very interesting analysis. It is a game not to be missed. It may seem like a David vs Goliath battle but it can also be seen as a battle between European paupers just starting on a journey of glory against the artistocracy of Europe.
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