Lewis Holtby has recently voiced his desire to play a bigger part in Tottenham’s starting eleven.
He has scored one goal in the league this season in 12 appearances , which was a very important one against Fulham. But, in the Europa league in 4 appearances he has grabbed two goals and two assists. In comparison to Mousa Dembele (one goal one assist) Paulinho (two goals two assists) and Christian Eriksen (1 goal one assist) Holtby has contributed the least in the league on paper. Though in the actual game Holtby does provide a vital role in which he buzzes around in midfield with his energetic yet creative mind. He is a man who links up the play to assist the assist so to say. So perhaps comparing the Tottenham midfielders in pure goal getting and assists alone is not a fair way of deciding who is worthy of a start.
Sometimes fading in and out of games, Holtby has not been on fire all the time. But neither have the other midfielders at Tottenham. It’s a great bonus to have such a deep squad and if one of Spurs’ midfielders is looking a bit jaded in training or just hasn’t been clicking in the game, then another can be slotted in his place. Tottenham are still in the Europa league and FA cup so it’s a great opportunity to change things around a bit, however with Arsenal away in the FA Cup, the strongest side possible will be fielded. I believe Holtby is the right man for the North London derby clash. He understands how important the game is, and will be fired up to start the game if selected. Arsenal have been in great form recently, but in a derby things are a little different. Sometimes a derby can become more about which team wants it more in the challenge and the sheer desire to win rather than playing good stylish football which both of the North London clubs are capable of. Whichever way the game goes, Holtby can provide both a passionate physical side but with a steady foot to guide the ball up to the strikers.
Lewis Holtby certainly has the ability to start most matches but perhaps a rotation system in which Lewis starts every other game would be the best way of utilising Spurs’ collection of midfielders. It would allow him to get his desired first team action but would also be fair on the other midfielders.
Tim Sherwood has done a decent job so far though it’s still very hard to judge him on the three games he has managed in the Premier League, but so far so good. A traditional 4-4-2 formation has seen Roberto Soldado finally put to good use thanks to support from Emmanuel Adebayor. Holtby and Dembele/Paulinho could provide a pivotal midfield in which to get the team moving. Holtby would play a more advanced role, although he is capable of dropping back if needs be.
Give Holtby some game time and the opportunity to impress. If he is, I’m sure he will.
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