The Daily ITK Discussion Thread - £3,361..........5th August

[yankspurs]

There is definitely a different feel this summer, no pipe dream links, just smart additions that improve the functionality and balance of our squad. Despite the new post Covid world, we seem to be trying to get about our business early.
Interesting Trix’s and Herc’s comments about Mourinho being very clear and pragmatic with his requirememts. Maybe that approach is enough to grab Levy’s attention for once given Jose’s past success. If he’s saying with some subtly astute signings he can move us on without world beaters, just with better/more options, then happy days.

We have 2 world beaters in our squad already with a few potential world beaters. That should be enough for Jose. Honestly, with Hojbjerg signing and hopefully Celik, the only place i’d love to see a real quality addition at is CB. But i suppose we’ll make do with Toby being an automatic in the XI for another year.

 

[daveduvet]

Knowing the ceiling-spend due to Covid etc, has made for a more disciplined approach to targets and, in turn, produced a more creative approach to the acquisition of new players... I’m feeling a release of pressure as a result - it’s about getting the right balance across the squad and identifying areas to improve in, rather than spewing £60 million on a single player: too many choices can cripple ones thinking. There’s something quite freeing - in my opinion - knowing the boundaries within which we can operate; the links so far are a positivist approach given our circumstances

 

[spursfast]

zaha can rot at palace diving cad

don't forget Zaha playing at CP with no striker, at spurs with Kane an son diff proposition

 

[King of Otters]

While there is no doubt about Zaha’s talent there are many doubt about his mental and emotional fortitude. Too many times he’s put off his game by a hard tackle or two or some wind up comments. A top player doesn’t allow the opposition to get to him. Compare him to Hazard or Grealish. Both were among the most tackled but they just pick themselves up and get on with it whereas Zaha spends an eternity whining about it which means he’s not focused on the task at hand.
Beside Brooks Lewis Cook at Bournemouth might be the other player we’re interested in. We apparently had some interest in the past.

He does seem to get rattled easily, but at the same time I don’t think I’ve seen a player in this league since Bale get hacked down as much as he does.

It’s a testament to his ability that it’s often the only way he can be stopped.

 

[spids]

Zaha playing for us equals 5+ more penalties for Kane to tuck away.

 

[C0YS]

He does seem to get rattled easily, but at the same time I don’t think I’ve seen a player in this league since Bale get hacked down as much as he does.

It’s a testament to his ability that it’s often the only way he can be stopped.

Would be devastating on the counter too. Last season was a disappointment, but apparently they are asking for 30mill, It might be possible you know.

 

[Ionman34]

Generally, that'll be the BSoDL getting their old chaps out and shotgunning jizz everywhere.

Damn,

Rumbled...

 

[Joely]

Maybe Palace's last chance to cash in for a player turning 28 soon.. Still struggle to see Levy and Palace coming to a number they can agree on but who knows. Would also rely on us shifting a couple. Believe Zahavi represents him now so maybe he is trying to oil the wheels to get him to us but still think the chances are remote.

 

[bat-chain]

Pre season is such beautiful time.

Then by October/November you've signed a plodder from Southampton, a 28 year old bloke who couldn't hit a barn door in a relegated side, Zaha when he was clearly in decline and a no mark from the French league who makes you miss old Serge.

I'm joking here and actually think this approach could work well, we seem to be a better club shopping in the bargin bin. But it's hard not to feel you have been here so many times before.

 

[Dillspur]

Maybe Palace's last chance to cash in for a player turning 28 soon.. Still struggle to see Levy and Palace coming to a number they can agree on but who knows. Would also rely on us shifting a couple. Believe Zahavi represents him now so maybe he is trying to oil the wheels to get him to us but still think the chances are remote.

I agree, his value is only going one way. Next summer he'll be entering the final year of his contract and approaching 29. 30m might be the best Palace can get.

 

[phieffect]

Zaha playing for us equals 5+ more penalties for Kane to tuck away.

You forget that we probably won't get those decisions anyway ie. Bournemouth away

 

[thelak]

Fulham strong favourites if we loan out Skipp!

looking forward to Skipp coming back with a perfected 360 Pirouette and 4 yard pass routine

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Yeah, I don’t see a place for him in our team.

Yea it’s a weird one, he’d cost the earth and probably wouldn’t start so can only assume Lamela or Lucas would be sold but can’t see Lucas being sold so Mabye Lamela? Do people even want Zaha, he won’t play on his favoured left ahead of Son so seems a bit pointless, also he’s 27 now which to me would rule this one out as no way DL is signing off £60-70m for a 27yr old surely...

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

It's a lot easier when you have multiple targets to choose from and they are both gettable and affordable.

I have to say I'm happily surprised how JM has adapted to the budget and situation. No fuss, just straight in with his targets.

This is great to hear but I think a lot of people miss-read or miss-understand Jose, he’s a pragmatist and he works with the situation he’s given, he took the Spurs job because our squad and club have big potential and Levy will give him enough money to get him a balanced squad he’s happy with.

Sure our squad has stagnated somewhat but we still have a core of top top players and this is a club that only 3years ago was in a title race and only last season was in the CL final.

I don’t know and wasn’t sure if Jose will get the fans on board and definitely succeed but did I doubt he’d get on with Levy or not adapt to the budget and situation, not at all. He took a year out the game and waited and waited for the right opportunity and we know how through he is, he’d have got exact details from Levy to make sure he wasn’t going to get burnt like he was by Woodward, Levy and Jose are a strange fit but I think they’re a much better fit that Poch and Levy ever were tbh.

Thanks for the update Trix, hopefully even in this difficult market and time we can still now look to carry on with a big piece of the squad rebuild. Can’t remember a tw with this much consistent positivity tbh, it’s usually a rollercoaster but it’s all positive at the moment and gives the impression we really have our ducks in a row and I think Jose is a HUGE factor in that being the case.

COYS.

 

[snakehipsspurs]

Zaha is a player who didn’t contribute as much last year because defences figured out that shutting him down shut Palace’s entire attack down. And his head was clearly turned too.

I also think he’s the opposite of a Grealish-type, who would struggle without the ball. Zaha strikes me as one of those players who could be out of the game for 80 minutes, then skip past three and put it on a plate for Kane. Or, when he’s on it, would rip teams apart, i.e. exactly what we’re missing.

 

[Locotoro]

When did Jose come out ? This is news to me!!

When he said his name is Josie

 

[DCSPUR]

with lucas and bergwjin don't see the need for zaha

 

[Clark28]

Lots of positive news, if we're dropping cash I'd rather it be in the fullback roles than Zaha

Unless Levy is loosening the purse strings (I'll believe it when i see it)

 

[emiley heskey]

Great to see all the positives ITK. It's far more easy for club like us to target multiple players for one position and sign one of them.

Regarding Zaha: I don't really think we need another right footed inside forward anymore... Also he is not consistent in the final third of the pitch. And while we have son and bergwjin, don't really see the need for zaha anymore. I think we are more in need of a left footed inside forward/winger ala salah/mahrez mould rather than another right footed inside forward. Just my opinion regarding Zaha situation.


Thanks to all the ITK-ers for all the news.

 

[thebenjamin]

Would really much rather a crafty passer in the final 3rd than another dribbler like Zaha. We are crying out for more creativity.