Tottenham v Liverpool: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

May 10 2008

WITH little to play for but pride, both sides will be hoping to finish the season on a high.

Defence

Radek Cerny has been on a season-long loan from Slavia Prague, but has been impressive enough to suggest the deal might be made permanent.

Good shot-stopper, calm approach and agility means he is giving England’s Paul Robinson a run for his money.

Alan Hutton was brought in from Glasgow Rangers in the January transfer window and looks an excellent purchase. Already the regular right back for Scotland, his pace and aggression make him difficult to get past while he is equally adept at getting forward himself down the right.

Da Silva Gilberto, like most Brazilian internationals, is very comfortable on the ball and delivers good service to the front players.

It has been injuries not ability that has restricted the number of times Jonathan Woodgate has appeared for England. Now playing with experience and poise, he is calm on the ball and quick. Endeared himself to the fans with the winning goal against Chelsea in the Carling Cup final.

Midfield

Steed Malbranque is one of those players who has enjoyed a new lease of life under manager Juande Ramos.

Played over 200 games for Fulham, but had struggled to establish himself at White Hart Lane. But his excellent touch and ball control means he will open up chances for others. Like to run at defenders and get them back-pedalling.

Jermaine Jenas is another player who has been showing his best from under Ramos since his move from Newcastle.

Has great energy to keep Spurs pushing forward and likes to drive into the penalty area. Has chipped in with four goals and has the kind of pace that he likes to use to get past defenders. It has been a hallmark of Ramos’s time at Spurs that he seems to have injected more confidence into the side. Since the winning the Carling Cup, he has been experimenting a bit more to find the strengths and weaknesses of certain players, but they try and play passing football and will be a threat higher up the table next season.

Didier Zokora, who played in the 2006 World Cup with the Ivory Coast, adds a combative edge to the midfield which complements the work of Jenas while Tom Huddlestone has a great range of passes, while he packs a dangerous shot from open play or free-kicks.

Attack

Darren Bent had an excellent goal-scoring record at Charlton.

He scored 37 times in 77 games before his £17million move to Spurs. Found it difficult to get regular starts because of the form of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, who have scored 30 goals between them. Still managed eight goals of his own and when he does play, he offers a direct and pacey threat to defences. Robbie Keane has so much experience under his belt and has been involved in transfers worth £32m at clubs like Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan, Leeds and Tottenham. A tremendous professional who always gives his best; he is difficult to mark because his movement in and around the penalty area is so good. Dimitar Berbatov has been fantastic for Spurs and would be a big loss if he leaves. His ball control is first class, he is good in the air, can dribble and can obviously score goals.

Dangerman

ROBBIE KEANE – he sets the tempo for Spurs with his enthusiasm and work rate. Still a great finisher.

Overall verdict

Two sides with nothing major at stake to play for may result in a stalemate.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON