Joe Hart can inspire Tottenham Hotspur to achieve silverware again, according to former Manchester City teammate Micah Richards. Hart recently made the move to Spurs in July following his release from Burnley.
Richards believes the former England international’s character and big game experience can benefit Spurs in their search for silverware.
Joe Hart’s Influence Can Inspire Tottenham Hotspur to Win Silverware Again
Dressing Room Presence
Since losing his place under Pep Guardiola at Man City, Hart has endured a downward spiral in his career.
Unsuccessful loan spells with Torino and West Ham United, followed by a two-year stint at Burnley have all failed to reignite the former England international’s form. Since being released by Burnley, Hart has made the move to north London at a choke-point in his career.
Former City defender Micah Richards believes the vast experience and dressing room presence Joe Hart brings can help Tottenham bring silverware back to the club.
“Joe is an inspirational character”, Richards told the Evening Standard. “I couldn’t speak any higher [of him]. When he was England keeper he was always knocking on your door.
“He doesn’t shy away, he is a real character. People thought [he left City] because he couldn’t play out with his feet, which was ridiculous. It was because he was a big character in the dressing room and some managers don’t like that,” he added. “They want to be the boss. When I was at City, there were big characters.
“For Spurs, that is exactly what they need. Every time they get to a big game they freeze a little bit. They have the quality but it is just the characters to get them over the line. Joe Hart, whether playing or in the dressing room, is a massive character.”
Chance For Game Time
With Hart’s reputation seemingly in a rebuilding phase, he’ll have to work hard in order to make his way up the pecking order. He finds himself rivaling Paulo Gazzaniga for the backup spot behind starter Hugo Lloris.
Continuing, Richards said: “He won’t be going as a No.3 [goalkeeper]. He knows he’s going to be No.2, that’s the reason he has gone there.
“When I see people throwing stones at him, it is disheartening because he has played so many times for England, a Premier League winner, saved City so many times in the Champions League.
“In terms of character he is one of the best. Is he still able to perform at the highest level of the Man City days? I can’t say but I believe he will get an opportunity at Spurs in some of the big games to play.”
Jose Mourinho’s side faces a daunting opening schedule, filled with Europa League qualifiers and Carabao Cup fixtures between the Premier League schedule. Rotation will likely be on the cards and Hart may see himself being called into action, gaining the chance to prove he can still reliably mind the net.
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