Believing in the impossible has to be part of what supporting Spurs is about. I am true Spurs supporter therefore I believe Andros Townsend has the potential to become a Tottenham & England regular. Forget Gareth , we have Andros. When Monaco thrashed Spurs on Saturday there was a feeling in the air that we […]
Andros Townsend: The Next Gareth Bale?
Believing in the impossible has to be part of what supporting Spurs is about. I am true Spurs supporter therefore I believe Andros Townsend has the potential to become a Tottenham & England regular. Forget Gareth , we have Andros.
When Monaco thrashed Spurs on Saturday there was a feeling in the air that we were in for a long season. It may have only been a pre-season friendly, but we were shocking. We lacked commitment, effort but we were full of players that looked like they didn’t want to play. That was of course until Andros Townsend came off the bench.
For a player whose game time in the first team has been minimal, Townsend has chipped in with two cracking goals this pre-season. A free kick versus South China and a goal against AS Monaco – if you close your were squinting at the TV, it could have been Bale scoring those goals.
When the youngster breezed past the opposition at the Louis II stadium on Saturday and rifled in an unstoppable drive past the Monaco keeper, I realised it, we had another Bale.
[linequote]For a player whose game time in the first team has been minimal, Townsend has chipped in with two cracking goals this pre-season.[/linequote]
It was just like the Welshman’s winner against Southampton towards the end of last season. As I celebrated a consolation goal, I had a moment with myself and came to the realisation that our Champions League qualification hopes rest with Andros Townsend.
Since 2009 the lad has been on loan at nine different teams, after each spell Andros has returned to the Lane with glowing feedback. Last season we were able to see what a match sharp and eager Townsend can offer a Premier League. At QPR he excelled, the West London club were a mess, yet his performances, goals and vibrancy on the wing offered them hope and relief from a terrible season.
Townsend can emerge as Tottenham’s most prolific attacking midfielder, he shares more than just speed with Bale. Both are originally wingers, both are left footed, both are quick and both share the knack of scoring wonder goals.
[linequote]At QPR he excelled, the West London club were a mess, yet his performances, goals and vibrancy on the wing offered them hope and relief from a terrible season.[/linequote]
After the Monaco debacle, I found myself surrounded by Gooners down the pub. To a man they were celebrating Bale’s departure, I however responded with:
“Bye Bye indeed Bale, we’ll take 100 million pounds and save up for our Champions League qualification party, we only need Andros Townsend, you watch it when makes a mockery of your lot at your place later this month”.
To their amusement, I stuck with the whole “Townsend’s the new Bale” all night.
The following morning I awoke with brief memories of the night before. Dread crept over me, perhaps it was the hangover, perhaps it was my lauding of Townsend or maybe it was the affect of being within close proximity of more than one Gooner.
Despite the hangover and everything else though, I spent Sunday reasonably confident. The forth coming season with or without Bale looks promising.
We’ve made the signings we needed to make. Paulinho will be great alongside Sandro and Dembele. Soldado is the first class striker we’ve had since Berbatov, those guys supported by Townsend makes the approaching season even more exciting than usual.
[author name=”John Payne” avatar=”https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/378800000124966033/f51e22d686a5db7027047be53ed0de13.jpeg” twitter=”John_Payne_93″ website=”www.facebook.com/ILoveSteffenFreundSteffenFreundLovesMe” tag=”JohnPayne[/linequote]
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8 Comments
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07/08/2013 @ 10:06 am
I agree. He has improved no end and should be an integral part of our 1st team. His potential has been seen for several seasons but it is now that he has matured and is able to play for the team and not just for himself.
07/08/2013 @ 10:07 am
The only problem i have with the kid at the minute is that he holds onto the ball for to long and most of the time loses it to the opposition. He has pace, control, a good cross and an eye for goal too and will get better with time, but his biggest target it to move the ball on quicker and pass when needed instead of trying to be bale and take on more players. So far in pre seaon i have been very impressed with young danny rose, again has pace and can pick a pass/cross, needs to work on his defence and strength but again another who will excell. Also i feel siggy will have a big season with us this year and is looking a more complete/confident player with each game.
07/08/2013 @ 10:19 am
John, I have said the same thing about Andros Townsend – of course losing Gareth is a major blow losing 23 goals. But the £100mill will help soften the blow. ! I think the money could be used for someone with ” Invention, vision ” in Midfield then I think we’re sorted. Think about it we have bought Paulinho £17m, Chadli £7 m, Roberto £26 and we have £80- £100 mill to come! Who’s down! Btw the Goon’s are a laughing stock this season everybody’s turned them down! lol,lol
07/08/2013 @ 10:24 am
I hope he will get enough game time this season because he is starting to show some positive signs. Young Danny looks like he is heading in the right direction also. Lets not let them go the same way as Caulker. It hurts to see young players with potential leaving I pray one day he doesn’t end up at a rival.
07/08/2013 @ 10:45 am
I agree and love the idea of one of our own, not only breaking into the
first 11 but also becoming a big influence in the side too!
So I,m gonna throw another name into the hat and that is Tom Carroll!
I am a big fan of this lad and think, like Townsend, given the trust of a consecutive
run of games, which I think now, with our very assured mid-field 3 of Dembele,
Sandro and Paulinho, we can do! Theses Two could well become the new Bale and Modric!
COYS!!
07/08/2013 @ 10:57 am
Townsend did indeed stand out against Monaco for all the reasons you stated. The majority of the players who started on Saturday would appear to not be in AVB’s plans and they know it.
Parker, Livermore and Huddlestone look particularly lacking in motivation.
Danny Rose deserves a run in the team at left back. He will make mistakes, like Kyle Walker before him, but; he could develop into a top player. Naughton should only be used as cover for Walker from now on but Walker should be dropped if he continues to make costly mistakes. Disco Benny is good cover for Rose and could step in if Rose has back to back mares.
Regarding Andros Townsend, before the Monaco game my opinion was Townsend is prem standard but not top five standard. He stood out in his cameo role because of the desire he showed to impress. He did more in ten minutes than Azza blud managed in an hour. Townsend was also more impressive than Chadli although it was his debut. Chadli looked off the pace.
Townsend and Danny Rose should be given their chance at Spurs this season.
07/08/2013 @ 11:05 am
Just read the remarks about Tom Carroll and Andros Townsend being the next Bale and Modric.
That sort of billing will not help them and could see them become the next Samways and Etherington.
Dip them in against the bottom half teams this season. If they get 15 – 20 games under their belt, in games we should win regarldless of how well they play, we will find out how far they can go.
07/08/2013 @ 4:44 pm
Among all the shite on the Internet…..regarding Spurs, this is a beacon of rational, good sense. let us hope Townsend and Carroll can step up.