Incoming: Banega - A possible Modric replacement or an accident waiting to happen?

Discussion in 'Tottenham forum' started by Spurspanyol, June 23, 2014.

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  1. Spurspanyol

    Spurspanyol New Member

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    You could ask most Valencia fans for their opinion on Banega and there wouldn't be a great difference amongst the answers. He is a player that is capable of producing something special, to make you leap out of your seat and believe your team is about to score. He can dictate the pace with ease. Ever is comfortable on the ball and able to produce a sublime 30 yard cross field ball to a delicate chip over the opposition's defence. That is, however, only one side to Ever Banega.

    You're probably licking your lips at the prospect of us finally replacing Luka Modric in our midfield. Arguably that little Croatian had been missed more than Gareth Bale in our side last year. Yet, what if I told you most Valencia fans would be happy to see Banega go? There are some that would even pay for his flight over to N17 if it meant they were rid of the little Argentinian. That's because it isn't as clear-cut as you would imagine with Ever.

    No one will doubt his ability, but almost every Valencia fan would question his commitment. He developed a reputation as a bit of a party boy. He was even insulted by the Valencia fans and called names such as 'drunk' & 'SpongeBob' due to his alleged high intake of alcohol and so-so performances. A lot of fans believed if he had put as much effort into training as he did boosting the local bars' economy that he'd be a much more consistent performer.

    In 2012 he forgot to put on the handbrake of his car while at a petrol station and when the car moved he found his leg caught between the wheel & curb. No easy feat, I'm sure you'll agree. He broke his ankle, tibia & fibula in the accident and missed the majority of the season. Then last January, he wanted out of Valencia at any cost. His first choice was to go back to Argentina where his family still live & he ended up seeing the season out with Newell's Old Boys.

    You could rightly argue that at 8-10M -- especially in today's inflated market -- it isn't much of a gamble. I'm inclined to agree. There is a huge red flag with Ever, though. Has he burnt himself out already due to poor lifestyle choices? Plus does 'running home' to Argentina instead of seeking a move elsewhere show that he's not got the bottle to stick it out in Europe?

    Finally you need to ask yourself whether he fits into Pochettino's system. He isn't renowned as a hard worker, more so an effective one. Is that good enough from a man out of the Bielsa school of managing? You could put two workers in alongside him, sure, but where would that leave Christian Eriksen, another player not known for his defensive work rate? Based on that criteria, he doesn't fit in the expected model of Spurs next season.

    There is one major tick in Ever Banega's column, however. He knows Robert Soldado's game as well as anyone, assuming he stays at White Hart Lane. Those two had an almost telepathic understanding at Valencia and Ever assisted, or started most of the moves with resulted in Soldado scoring. Could he be worth (the relatively small) outlay if it meant we got the maximum out of our 26M striker?

    I'll leave you with an Ever Banega assist from May of this year, while he was at Newell's.
     
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  2. notnats

    notnats Well-Known Member

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    Interesting and well written article. I think a lot of Spurs fans are undecided about ever, his reputation as a partygoer could make him a disruptive influence for the new manager but im sure MP knows this player well enough to make a decision. Id like a DLP in the team but I think that player needs to be able to put in a shift in defence as well as linking up with the fowards. without buying that type of player id like to try Holtby in that role with his creativity and work rate he could be an option.
     
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  3. Ramos43

    Ramos43 Active Member

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    (SIGN HIM, SIGN HIM, SIGN HIM!!!!)

    If Pochettino decides to sign him, it will be because he is confident he can get the best out Ever. And if he did manage to do that, Spurs will undoubtedly have a WORLD-CLASS talent on their hands- making the reported £5m-£10m price tag look like daylight robbery.

    Tenacious, strong, and two great feet, Ever has a skill-set that appears PERFECT for the English game, and more importantly Spurs. Like I have said MANY times before, having someone who can see a pass EARLY, dictate play, create opportunities from deep, and feed the attack in the areas of the pitch where they can do the most damage is IMPERATIVE to any side that wants to compete for honours, and if I were the new Head Coach at the club, I would make signing such a player a priority.

    There are OBVIOUSLY issues with Banega's attitude towards the game, and fitness levels, otherwise he would be playing for a far bigger club than Valencia right now, and currently starring for Argentina in their WC campaign. But on the flipside, if Banega was the model pro many would wish him to be, there would be VERY little chance of Spurs being able to land such a talent, at this stage of his career, in this moment in time.

    Ofcourse bringing him to London, one of the party capitals of the world, MIGHT be a considered foolish/naive given the man's reputation for enjoying the night life, but the possibility of him changing his ways, whilst working under the guidance of his fellow country , in the most watched league in the world, should also be considered, too.

    We all know that Poch has a thing for 'bad boys' with a considerable amount of talent (Osvaldo being a case in point) and there would be no guarantees any transfer would work, but instead of going through life wondering what if, I would much prefer to get a definitive answer and see the club take the risk on a player who has the potential to help guide Spurs towards the promise lands of the CL football.

    Played in a three, alongside Dembele and Sandro/ Capoue, I have no doubt that Banega has the ability to set not only WHL, but the EPL, alight, with his quick feet, vision and superb passing range.

    Like I have said before, at £5m-£10m for a 25 year old player of his talent, it's pretty hard to see too much of a downside to any potential deal.

    To Dare Is To DO...



     
  4. Felon82 Well-Known Member

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    Far more football inteligence than the majority of our limited midfield we need footballers not headless chickens.
     
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  5. big fran Guest

    Think tho he looks a tidy little player he should probably be avoided with the baggage he comes with and the fact that we have very capable MIDs(too many) already. Pochettino first aim must be to get the best out of what we have already considering what we payed for one or two capoue and paulinho eriksen in particular. Dembele also didn't come cheap and he is certainly capable of playing from deep or advanced. Signing another player of similar ilk and also out of form and unlikely to add goals from a famined midfield over the left bk and centre half berths that clearly need filling would not be wise IMO.. If we were to add a midfielder it would be one to put 15 goals a season away as this is what we are missing along with a 25 goal striker. ..them 40 goals we are short need to be found to even think about champs league.
     
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  6. Ramos43

    Ramos43 Active Member

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    You make some very good points there Big Fran!

    It's funny that you mention the need for a MID who can contribute REGULAR goals as I think we have had one for the past couple of seasons, but have desperately UNDERUSED him.

    Gylfi Sigurdsson has NEVER really had a fair crack (or any crack at all) playing in his favoured no10 role for Spurs, which is a shame considering his abilities are perfectly suited to performing in that very position.

    A quick thinker, with good vision, an eye for a pass and a excellent strike (with either foot), Gylfi has yet to be given the run of opportunities in the 1st team, to feel CONFIDENT/ SECURE enough to show the Spurs crowd his best form.

    Ofcourse we have seen flashes of his quality in a Spurs shirt, but I have always got the impression that we have only seen 60% of what the Icelandic set-piece specialist, is really capable of.

    It will be interesting to see what Poch makes of the 24 year old, considering Sigurdsson EXCELLED playing in an aggressive, high-tempo pressing side (the style that Pochettino is likely to adopt at WHL) prior to making his transfer to Spurs, which means he will be more than familiar with the physical/tactical demands it requires to EFFECTIVELY carry out such a strategy.



    As for the over-crowded MID department, I would glad to see Spurs sell a few fringe players in order to free-up space and funds for three/four major signings to further compliment an already talented squad.

    Paulinho, Holtby (as much as I rate the kid, as a CLASS act) Sigurdsson (if he isn't going to be a key member of the squad) Dawson, Naughton, Adebayor (for age and financial reason) BAE, and perhaps even Kane (who I don't believe will EVER be anything other than a decent/good player) would all be on MY list to leave the club.

    To be to be replaced by, youngsters like Pritchard, Bentaleb, Fredericks and Carroll. As well as:

    LB- Albert Moreno/ Alex Sandro/ Ashley Cole

    DLP- Ever Banega/ Rueben Pardo/ Ander Herrera/ Miralem Pjanic

    CB- Dede, a HUGELY talented young defender, whose first season at Spurs would be more about adapting to the EPL. Or, another CB who would START the season fighting for his place as 4th choice (young or experienced)

    ST- Christian Benteke (my clear 1st choice)/ Bony/Michu/ Atem Dzyuba/ Mario Mandzukic alongside a talented youngster with a considerable amount of potential. Perhaps Divock Origi.



     
    Last edited: June 24, 2014
  7. big fran Guest

    Totally agree with your points on Gylfi as I was genuinely excited when we signed him he was averaging almost a goal every two games and thought he could be our answer to frank lampard feeding off lay offs from adebayor in a no 10 position but like u say he has played
    anywhere but. I would probably expect eriksen to play that role in the hole so to speak but would be happy to keep Gylfi as a key squad member who can add goals.
     
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