Sean Kesluk
The January transfer window has come and gone and once again Tottenham Hotspur have not been reluctant to splash the cash. After an abysmal start to the campaign under the heavy burden of high expectations, Tottenham found themselves under the new management of Juande Ramos. Ramos and the chairman Daniel Levy had agreed that the January window was exclusively for ‘desperate teams;’ however, with a defensive record that Derby could be proud of, it came as no surprise that Tottenham spent almost twenty million pounds on four defenders.
The first signing of the window was the young Welsh fullback Chris Gunter. The versatile 18-year-old had recently debuted for the Cardiff City first team during the 06/07 season, and after impressive performances in the Championship Tottenham made their move early in the new year. Although not the solution to Tottenham’s defensive problems, the defender has put in a string of solid performances, most notably earning 90 minutes and a rare clean sheet in his Tottenham debut at Reading in the FA Cup.
Despite such a promising start, the young Welsh international has inevitably been plagued by comparisons to the other Welsh fullback picked up by Tottenham from the Championship over the summer: Gareth Bale. Gunter is ultimately a right-sided player and less of an attack-minded winger, but nevertheless the similarities in nationality, position, and manner of acquisition will keep the pressure on the youngster. And despite the potential for the multitude of fullbacks at the Lane to limit Gunter’s opportunities, Ramos has assured him that he will be involved in first team football for the foreseeable future, and hopefully the Welsh youngster can make an impact.
With the continued absence at the heart of defense of injury-prone captain Ledley King, the inconsistent performances of Michael Dawson, and the benching of the questionable investment Younes Kaboul it was inevitable that Tottenham would be in the market for a center half. Their efforts came to fruition with the £7 million signing of the experienced Englishman Jonathan Woodgate from Middlesbrough.
The former Leeds and Real Madrid man possesses unquestionable class and presence, which he displayed in his performances for Spurs in the clean sheet at Everton and at the Lane against the league champions. Most significantly Woodgate lends leadership and composure to a Tottenham back-line plagued by frailty and lapses in concentration in the absence of King.
However, throughout his career Woodgate has proven quite injury-prone himself, and therefore is perhaps not the greatest investment by Ramos. If he can retain his fitness he could prove a crucial signing in a desperate attempt to save Tottenham’s mediocre season.
Tottenham’s month-long courtship of 23-year-old Rangers fullback Alan Hutton ultimately produced the signature of the Scotland star. Impressive performances this campaign for Scotland in Euro 2008 qualifying and for Rangers in the Champions League quickly sparked interest down south from the Premier League. Although Tottenham were the first to make a substantial bid, speculation still linked the high-flying right back with Manchester United and his fellow countryman Sir Alex Ferguson.
Hutton was initially reluctant to put pen to paper for Spurs, citing his contentment with his situation at Rangers, and perhaps having a little to do with the dismal situation at the Lane at the start of the new year.
However a turn in fortunes in North London which saw Tottenham reach the Carling Cup final at Wembley as well as the lack of a bid from Ferguson eventually catalyzed the record transfer of the £9 million Scottish export in the final days of the window. Hutton was quick to announce that his hesitancy was due to personal issues, specifically his partner’s impending pregnancy.
Despite some reluctance amongst Spurs fans to support Hutton for his questionable desire to play for the Lilywhites, his stunning display against Manchester United will surely silence his few critics. The solid defensive performance accompanied by his powerful runs up field was sure to delight the crowd at the weekend. The Scottish international promises to be a staple at right back for Spurs in the coming years; the displaced Chimbonda however will likely move on in the summer.
The final transfer window acquisition by Tottenham Hotspur was the 31-year-old Brazilian international Gilberto da Silva Melo, not to be confused with Arsenal’s Gilberto Silva. When he makes his debut he will be the first ever Brazilian national to wear the Lilywhite kit for the first team. The versatile left back’s £2 million transfer from Hertha Berlin was completed late on in the window despite reports suggesting that he had not passed a medical. Gilberto was part of the World-Cup-winning Brazil side in 2002, scoring a critical goal against Japan, as well as participating in Brazil’s 2007 Copa America success.
The fullback was signed as he is able to operate both on the left side of the defence and the midfield, areas where Tottenham have struggled to find a consistent balance without a left foot. The emergence of Steed Malbranque on the left side of midfield will likely limit Gilberto’s opportunities there, but an inconsistent Lee Young-Pyo at left back will allow the Brazilian plenty of chances in the continued absence of Gareth Bale.
At 31 years of age it is unlikely that Gilberto represents the future of the Tottenham back-line under Ramos, but he provides a left foot, the versatility, and most importantly the experience that Tottenham so desperately need at the back. Gilberto will lend balance and a new look to a Tottenham side that perhaps doesn’t need Brazilian flair with their attacking prowess but will surely welcome it.
