Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp continued with his policy of playing fringe players and youngsters last night in a 4-0 defeat of Shamrock Rovers. Despite this Spurs slipped out of the Europa League, finishing third in Group A on 10 points. Redknapp has rested his first team players during the competition to keep them fresh for the Premier League. However, with Spurs’ European run now over, what next for these Europa League players?
Heading for the exit?
Heurelho Gomes, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovani Dos Santos have arguably failed to convince the manager during this Europa campaign of their worth to the first team. Accordingly all have been linked with moves away during the last several transfer windows and fans may be surprised if these three are still at The Lane come the end of January.
Sebastien Bassong has fallen down the order with the emergence of Younes Kaboul and a return to a more consistent fitness of Ledley King. Almost off loaded in the summer, Bassong should be allowed to leave, though a replacement may be needed considering the injury record of Spurs’ centre backs. The one player maybe going that Redknapp would like to stay is Vedran Corluka. With injury giving Kyle Walker a first team chance, unlikely to be relinquished, Corluka’s opportunities may be limited, crucial for the Croatian who wants first team football to consolidate a place in their Euro 2012 squad.
Staying put?
Despite various rumours linking them with moves away, Jermain Defoe and Sandro are unlikely to go, being too valuable to the first team squad. Carlo Cudicini appears settled as a squad member as does for the moment, the experienced Niko Kranjcar and Steven Pienaar, whilst Iago Falque is on season long loan to Spurs.
The Loanees?
Dean Parrett, Jake Nicholson and Ryan Fredericks have all featured in the Europa League and the NextGen Series and though Spurs are progressing in the U-19 competition, Redknapp may feel they will gain more experience on loan at a lower league club.
Harry Kane has continued his promise following a successful loan spell last year and may now expect to gain further experience at a Championship club. Arguably the rising star of the Europa League for Spurs has been Tom Carroll, rewarded with a new contract until 2016. A potentially exciting prospect, Redknapp should want to loan him to gain further experience, with a Championship side a potential destination.
To Loan or not?
Jake Livermore has improved, broken into the first team and similar to Carroll been given a new contract until 2016. Whether he goes on loan may depend on Tom Huddlestone’s recovery schedule from a long term injury. If he does go on loan, it may be to a lower Premier League club. Though not a natural in the position, Danny Rose is seen as cover at left back. The conundrum being he needs experience in that area as perhaps the only cover, but is blocked by the consistent and excellent Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Finally Andros Townsend looks to have impressed but may find he is behind Kranjcar and Pienaar as cover for Gareth Bale. However, Townsend offers perhaps the most going forward with his pace and dribbling ability, behind the Welshman. Again a Premier League club should be willing to take him, if he goes on loan. Many fans may prefer him to stay.
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