I Can't Pick My Greatest Spurs XI, So Have A Squad Of 23 Instead
So the football season in England is over bar the Championship playoff at our temporary home this afternoon. So my thoughts have turned to our (Spurs) season and how the current players fit into the parthenon of Tottenham Hotspur greats.
Its a bit of a classic pub or family gathering type conversation. You're all sitting there talking about football, whether it be good, bad or just downright England at an International tournament and someone is guaranteed to pop up and ask the question 'So, who would be in your all time <insert favourite team> XI then'? It doesn't matter whether you and your family or group of mates follow Real Madrid or Forest Green, what will ensue is discussion, sometimes heated, regarding the merits of the clubs all time record goalscorer over his modern day counterpart or whether you should be able to include that amazing French centre back who only stayed for one season because his wife got homesick in preference to the one club man who was a bit of a clogger but stayed fifteen seasons and holds the record for yellow cards.
Football has undoubtably changed (not all for the better in my opinion) in the years I've been attending matches. The wages, ticket costs, television coverage etc have all been discussed and written about ad infinitum. Something that hasn't changed however is that good players, at whatever level, are still good players and good managers get the best out of those players. Obviously the players have much better diets and the improved technology with regard to fitness is now incredible. Generally todays players have much healthier lifestyles than even twenty years ago. This all has to be taken into consideration. However, players from the '60's for example cannot be dismissed against today's crop as it is implausible to think that Dave MacKay or Alan Gilzean wouldn't adhere to the modern players fitness regime. They would accept it in the same way that they used to accept players smoking in the changing room before, at half-time and indeed after the game. Certain players look after themselves correctly, but certain players don't. That's something that's in the character. You only have to look at Wayne Rooney, chugging around White Hart Lane the other Sunday. He's only 31. Then compare him to Teddy Sheringham, 20 years his senior, who strolled onto the pitch during the celebrations looking like he could still pull on the kit and at least be on the bench.
Tottenham Hotspur have not won that much since I started going to the games. Its more than some, but not as much as others and certainly not as much as it could or indeed should have been. Despite this we have been fortunate enough to have some great players. It makes naming a Best XI for me an impossibility. I could do it if really pushed but in all honesty it would change daily. There would be six definate starters (more of that in a minute) but I have no idea what formation I'd want to use. It used to be so simple either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 but now there's wing-backs, false number 9's, sweeper keepers. Its a job and a half trying to keep track. No wonder some of the older managers who've been in the game for years have been struggling to keep up with younger coaches.
My 23 man squad breaks down in the following way:
3 Keepers
3 Full Backs
3 Central Defenders
5 Midfielders
6 Attacking Midfielders
3 Forwards
Ok, its a bit biased towards attack, but hey, this is Tottenham Hotspur we're talking about. The only caveat I put on my selection is that I've had to have seen them play so unfortunately no Greavsie or Cliff Jones among countless others. I placed no restrictions on myself here regarding foreign players and didn't require a percentage of them to be homegrown although for the sake of good order there are fifteen Brits and eight foreigners. Five of the players came through the Spurs Academy or Youth System as it was called in the old days. Unsurprisingly, all twenty three of them are full internationals (criminally underused in some cases) and there are two World Cup Winners included.
MY ALL TIME TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SQUAD
Pat Jennings O.B.E.
Squad Number: 1
Born: 12-06-45, Newry, Co. Down
Honours: FA Cup 1967, League Cup 1971, 73, UEFA Cup 1972
Appearances: 591
Goals: 1
International Caps for Northern Ireland: 119
Simply the best ever between the sticks. Even being sold to them lot down the road (he never wanted to go) hasn't diminished his legendary status at the Club. Basically re-invented goalkeeping for the modern era. Hands like saucepans.
Steve Perryman M.B.E
Squad Number: 2
Born: 21-12-51, Ealing, Middlesex
Honours: League Cup 1971, 73, UEFA Cup 1972, 84, FA Cup 1981, 82
Appearences: 866
Goals: 39
International Caps (England): 1
Made his debut at 17 Stevie played more games for Spurs than anyone else. Of course he'll Captain this squad. He was Mr Consistant, but that underplays his ability. Started as a busy midfielder, his finest night coming at The Lane when he scored twice against AC Milan, later becoming a brilliant right full back.
Chris Hughton
Squad Number: 3
Born: 11-12-58, Forest Gate, London
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82, UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 398
Goals: 19
International Caps (Republic Of Ireland) 53, Goals 1
Came through the Tottenham Youth system and went on to become one of the clubs most popular players. Scored twice in the 5-0 win at home to the enemy in 1983. Came back to the club to eventually work under ten different managers at Spurs before becoming a Boss himself. Has just guided Brighton to the Premier League.
Osvaldo Ardiles
Squad Number: 4
Born: 03-08-52, Cordoba, Argentina
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82 UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 311
Goals: 25
International Caps (Argentina) 52, Goals 1 - World Cup Winner 1978
When 'Ossie' arrived with compatriot Ricardo Villa after the '78 World Cup its fair to say the eyes of the football world was on N17. Ossie went on to be the clubs greatest foreign import later becoming manager, unfortunately without the success his love for the club would have deserved. Made Glenn Hoddle a better player. There's nothing else to add to that.
Gary Mabbutt M.B.E
Squad Number: 5
Born: 23-08-61, Bristol
Honours: UEFA Cup 1984, FA Cup 1991
Appearances: 581
Goals: 38
International Caps (England) 16, Goals 1
Sixteen years at Spurs, distinguished Captain, played for his country, had his face literally smashed in, broke his leg, diabetes. All things people will remember Gary Mabbutt for. Cost just £105,000 from Bristol Rovers in 1982. People said 'Gary who?' but he soon showed us with a goal on his debut. The Mr Spurs of his generation and a true club legend.
Ledley King
Squad Number: 6
Born: 12-10-80, Bow, London
Honours: League Cup 2008
Appearances: 321
Goals: 15
International Caps (England) 21, Goals 2
The best defender to have played for the club in my time. A one club man, but we all know that his chronic knee problems prevented him from plying his effortlessly classy defensive abilities at somewhere like Real Madrid. Towards the end of his career he couldn't even train but still went onto the pitch and moved like a Rolls Royce. Thierry Henry said he was the best he ever faced. And who can ever forget that tackle on Arjen Robben? Now deservedly working as a club ambassador.
Chris Waddle
Squad Number: 7
Born: 14-12-60, Felling, Tyne & Wear
Appearances: 173
Goals: 42
International Caps (England) 62, Goals 6
Joined in '85 from Newcastle. After initially struggling Chrissy Wad went on to become one of the best in Europe. Especially effective cutting in from the right. When he dropped that shoulder most of the fans in The Paxton End went the wrong way. Basically carried the team in his final season before being sold to Marseille for £4.5m. At that time only Gullit and Maradona had been sold for more. Also duetted on the best single of the 1980's 'Diamond Lights'.
Luka Modric
Squad Number: 8
Born: 09-09-85, Zadar, Croatia
Appearances: 159
Goals: 17
International Caps (Croatia) 95, Goals 11
Its 9 years since this little genius signed for Spurs. He gave us 4 fantastic seasons, always demanding the ball, able to get away from tight spaces, brilliant vision and work rate, accurate passing and the occasional blinding goal. One PL manager who at the time of writing is still clinging to his job in N.London said he was too lightweight to make it in England. Perhaps he was losing it that long ago. The best Tottenham player of the Premier League era and now after 5 years at Real Madrid, arguably the best midfield player in the world.
Harry Kane
Squad Number: 9
Born: 28-07-93, Walthamstow, London
Appearances: 165
Goals: 99
International Caps (England) 17, Goals 5
He's 'One Of Our Own' and we love him. Big statement time from me, he's the best striker I've seen in a Tottenham shirt. Scores every kind of goal, which combined with his workrate and his all round game makes him a world beater. Fits the current system perfectly and I genuinely wouldn't swap him for anyone. All this from a young man from Chingford who missed a penalty in his first appearance for the club and let a goal in through his hands the time he went in goal. Two consecutive Golden Boots despite missing weeks through injury. Simply wonderful.
Glenn Hoddle
Squad Number: 10
Born: 27-10-57, Hayes, Middlesex
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82 UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 490
Goals: 110
International Caps (England) 53, Goals 8
The Greatest there was, the Greatest there is and the Greatest there will ever be.
David Ginola
Squad Number: 11
Born: 25-01-67, Gassin, France
Honours: League Cup 1999
Appearances: 127
Goals: 22
International Caps (France) 17, Goals 3
Oh David. Quite often the only reason for watching Spurs in the dark days of G***** G*****'s reign as manager. Was he worth it? He sure was. Beautifully balanced and able to beat players and score with either foot David had a personality to match and was the archetypal Spurs player. Sadly for him it was during a time when generally we didn't have the personnel around him. Scored one of the best goals in the clubs history at Barnsley in the FA Cup.
Darren Anderton
Squad Number: 12
Born: 03-03-72, Southampton, Hampshire
Honours: League Cup 1999
Appearances: 364
Goals: 51
International Caps (England) 30, Goals 7
Arriving as a scrawny looking 20 year old, Darren firmly established himself as a Spurs regular for over 10 seasons. Despite his many injuries, he still clocked up a fair amount of games. His game improved dramatically when he switched from the wing to central midfield. Scored some spectacular goals, one in particular against Leeds in the FA Cup at The Lane.
Ray Clemence
Squad Number: 13
Born: 05-08-48, Skegness, Lincolnshire
Honours: FA Cup 1982, UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 330
International Caps (England) 61
Subject of the last line in one of my favourite 80's chants "We've got the best team in the land" our very own 'Big nosed Scouser in goal' really was one of, if not the best. Came to Spurs at 33 having won everything with Liverpool, Clem kept goal and marshalled our back four for 7 years before injury forced his retirement. Would be the No1 keeper without a doubt if it wasn't for Big Pat. Went on to the coaching staff before retiring from football in 2013.
Chistian Eriksen
Squad Number: 14
Born: 14-02-92, Middelfart, Denmark
Appearances: 171
Goals: 42
International Caps (Denmark) 66, Goals 12
He has more assists, he creates more chances, plays more key passes and covers more ground than any other current Spurs player. Our set piece specialist also chips in with his fair share of goals. The best of the 'Magnificent 7' bought with the money from the Bale sale, we all hope he stays and becomes a club legend.
Gareth Bale
Squad Number:15
Born: 16-07-89, Cardiff, Wales
Appearances: 203
Goals: 55
International Caps (Wales) 66, Goals 26
Came in as a lanky young left-back from Southampton, left 6 years later as an astounding athlete for a then World Record Fee to Real Madrid. Just about everything happened in between from going his first 23 games not being on the winning side, then three long term injuries to then scoring 26 times in his final season and being only the second player ever to win PFA Young Player, Player & FWA Player of The Season in the same year. Gave possibly the best ever individual performance in the Champions League v Inter at WHL. Astounding.
Teddy Sheringham
Squad Number: 16
Born: 02-04-66, Highams Park, London
Appearances: 277
Goals: 124
International Caps (England) 51, Goals 11
Ninth on Spurs all time scorers list spread over two spells with the club Teddy's goals really don't tell half the story. His football brain was so good his supposed lack of pace was never an issue. A fantastic finisher who won the medals his career deserved in his spell away from the club.
Danny Thomas
Squad Number: 17
Born: 12-11-61, Worksop, Notts
Honours: UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 87
Goals: 1
International Caps (England) 2
Its just over 30 years since one of the worst tackles ever seen at The Lane by Gavin Maguire of QPR ended the career of Danny Thomas. It still makes me sad because as a player this young man had it all. Comfortable on either flank and having just broke into the national side he was set for an outstanding career. Famously missed in the penalty shoot out v Anderlect but the crowd sang his name immediately as one. Oh, what could have been.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Squad Number: 18
Born: 30-07-64, Goppingen, Germany
Appearances: 68
Goals: 39
International Caps (West Germany / Germany) 108, Goals 47 - World Cup Winner 1990, European Championship Winner 1996
People in this country generally don't go a lot on Germans but boy did the English take Jurgen to their hearts. When he joined the club we were -12 points in the League and already out of the FA Cup and a ball hadn't even been kicked. It was a massive boost. Scored on his debut, got stretched off, then scored with an overhead kick on his home debut and never looked back. Formed a fantastic partnership with Teddy, was voted FWA Player of The Year, then left for Bayern Munich. I think I cried. Came back for a second spell three years later and helped to save us from relegation including scoring 4 times in a 6-2 win away v Wimbledon. I cried again.
Mousa Dembele
Squad Number : 19
Born: 16-07-87 Wilrijk, Belgium
Appearances: 193
Goals: 10
International Caps (Belgium) 67, Goals 5
Ask any member of the current squad "who's the best player in the team?" and you'll get the same reply. Poch said recently he rates him as one of the best in the world. Mousa will be 30 in July and is playing the best football of his career thats previously been sadly blighted by injury. Despite this he's become the powerhouse that drives our current side. Brilliant on the ball and virtually impossible to dispossess. Strong in the tackle, with a wand of a left foot and God when he drops that left shoulder and glides past his opponent it borders on orgasmic.
Dele Alli
Squad Number: 20
Born: 11-04-96 (I've got shoes that are older tbh), Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Appearances: 96
Goals: 32
International Caps (England) 17, Goals 2
Is Dele the best young player in Europe? Well I'm not sure but if MK Dons have got anymore like him going for £5m I hope Spurs are at the front of the queue. Has that wonderful knack of arriving in the box at the right time but is also capable of sublime assists as well. Dele also has that bit of devilment in him that all the great players need. He's developed a great relationship with Harry, they seem to feed of each other perfectly on the pitch. It's inevitable that he'll be linked to the likes of Barcelona but lets hope he stays for a long time yet.
Paul Gascoigne
Squad Number: 21
Born: 27-05-67 Dunston, Tyne & Wear
Appearances: 112
Goals: 33
Honours: 1991 FA Cup
International Caps (England) 57, Goals 10
Gianni Agnelli, the owner of Juventus said after Italia 90 that Gascoigne had 'the face of a child but the heart of a lion.' That's the 'Gazza' I prefer to remember. The naive man-child that captured the nations heart and the following season propelled Spurs to our last FA Cup win. Able to dribble, pass and shoot brilliantly, at times he was completely unstoppable. Its easy with hindsight, but it was never going to last. Gazza was just too highly strung, surrounded by users and ponces who abandoned him when the money ran out. That's not to say of course that he was completely innocent. He would admit himself to many mistakes. We all just hope he can overcome his demons and gets the help he needs.
Toby Alderweireld
Squad Number: 22
Born: 02-03-89 Antwerp, Belgium
Appearances: 80
Goals: 5
International Caps (Belgium) 65, Goals 3
It can't be coincidence that in 7 of his last 9 seasons as a pro Toby has played in the leagues best defence. Without that awful 1-5 at Newcastle it would have been 8. Has formed what's generally accepted as the best central defensive partnership in England with Jan Vertonghen, Toby glides through matches, rarely fouling and has distribution skills most midfielders would kill for.
Hugo Lloris
Squad Number: 23
Born: 26-12-86, Nice, France
Appearances: 210
International Caps: 87
Being captain of club and country and playing behind the leagues best defence, life must be a bit of a breeze for Hugo. Signed from Lyon for £9m five years ago he regularly makes saves you don't expect him to make, although I would guess that more recently keeping concentration whilst not having that much to do is the most difficult part for him. Acknowledged as one of the best in Europe and probably the original 'sweeper keeper' Hugo is incredibly quick off his line. Comfortably our best keeper since Ray Clemence.
Footnote In case you thought I'd forgotten, the six definate starters: Jennings, Perryman, King, Modric, Hoddle, Kane.
Its a bit of a classic pub or family gathering type conversation. You're all sitting there talking about football, whether it be good, bad or just downright England at an International tournament and someone is guaranteed to pop up and ask the question 'So, who would be in your all time <insert favourite team> XI then'? It doesn't matter whether you and your family or group of mates follow Real Madrid or Forest Green, what will ensue is discussion, sometimes heated, regarding the merits of the clubs all time record goalscorer over his modern day counterpart or whether you should be able to include that amazing French centre back who only stayed for one season because his wife got homesick in preference to the one club man who was a bit of a clogger but stayed fifteen seasons and holds the record for yellow cards.
Football has undoubtably changed (not all for the better in my opinion) in the years I've been attending matches. The wages, ticket costs, television coverage etc have all been discussed and written about ad infinitum. Something that hasn't changed however is that good players, at whatever level, are still good players and good managers get the best out of those players. Obviously the players have much better diets and the improved technology with regard to fitness is now incredible. Generally todays players have much healthier lifestyles than even twenty years ago. This all has to be taken into consideration. However, players from the '60's for example cannot be dismissed against today's crop as it is implausible to think that Dave MacKay or Alan Gilzean wouldn't adhere to the modern players fitness regime. They would accept it in the same way that they used to accept players smoking in the changing room before, at half-time and indeed after the game. Certain players look after themselves correctly, but certain players don't. That's something that's in the character. You only have to look at Wayne Rooney, chugging around White Hart Lane the other Sunday. He's only 31. Then compare him to Teddy Sheringham, 20 years his senior, who strolled onto the pitch during the celebrations looking like he could still pull on the kit and at least be on the bench.
Tottenham Hotspur have not won that much since I started going to the games. Its more than some, but not as much as others and certainly not as much as it could or indeed should have been. Despite this we have been fortunate enough to have some great players. It makes naming a Best XI for me an impossibility. I could do it if really pushed but in all honesty it would change daily. There would be six definate starters (more of that in a minute) but I have no idea what formation I'd want to use. It used to be so simple either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 but now there's wing-backs, false number 9's, sweeper keepers. Its a job and a half trying to keep track. No wonder some of the older managers who've been in the game for years have been struggling to keep up with younger coaches.
My 23 man squad breaks down in the following way:
3 Keepers
3 Full Backs
3 Central Defenders
5 Midfielders
6 Attacking Midfielders
3 Forwards
Ok, its a bit biased towards attack, but hey, this is Tottenham Hotspur we're talking about. The only caveat I put on my selection is that I've had to have seen them play so unfortunately no Greavsie or Cliff Jones among countless others. I placed no restrictions on myself here regarding foreign players and didn't require a percentage of them to be homegrown although for the sake of good order there are fifteen Brits and eight foreigners. Five of the players came through the Spurs Academy or Youth System as it was called in the old days. Unsurprisingly, all twenty three of them are full internationals (criminally underused in some cases) and there are two World Cup Winners included.
MY ALL TIME TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SQUAD
Pat Jennings O.B.E.
Squad Number: 1
Born: 12-06-45, Newry, Co. Down
Honours: FA Cup 1967, League Cup 1971, 73, UEFA Cup 1972
Appearances: 591
Goals: 1
International Caps for Northern Ireland: 119
Simply the best ever between the sticks. Even being sold to them lot down the road (he never wanted to go) hasn't diminished his legendary status at the Club. Basically re-invented goalkeeping for the modern era. Hands like saucepans.
Steve Perryman M.B.E
Born: 21-12-51, Ealing, Middlesex
Honours: League Cup 1971, 73, UEFA Cup 1972, 84, FA Cup 1981, 82
Appearences: 866
Goals: 39
International Caps (England): 1
Made his debut at 17 Stevie played more games for Spurs than anyone else. Of course he'll Captain this squad. He was Mr Consistant, but that underplays his ability. Started as a busy midfielder, his finest night coming at The Lane when he scored twice against AC Milan, later becoming a brilliant right full back.
Chris Hughton
Squad Number: 3
Born: 11-12-58, Forest Gate, London
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82, UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 398
Goals: 19
International Caps (Republic Of Ireland) 53, Goals 1
Came through the Tottenham Youth system and went on to become one of the clubs most popular players. Scored twice in the 5-0 win at home to the enemy in 1983. Came back to the club to eventually work under ten different managers at Spurs before becoming a Boss himself. Has just guided Brighton to the Premier League.
Osvaldo Ardiles
Squad Number: 4
Born: 03-08-52, Cordoba, Argentina
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82 UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 311
Goals: 25
International Caps (Argentina) 52, Goals 1 - World Cup Winner 1978
When 'Ossie' arrived with compatriot Ricardo Villa after the '78 World Cup its fair to say the eyes of the football world was on N17. Ossie went on to be the clubs greatest foreign import later becoming manager, unfortunately without the success his love for the club would have deserved. Made Glenn Hoddle a better player. There's nothing else to add to that.
Gary Mabbutt M.B.E
Squad Number: 5
Born: 23-08-61, Bristol
Honours: UEFA Cup 1984, FA Cup 1991
Appearances: 581
Goals: 38
International Caps (England) 16, Goals 1
Sixteen years at Spurs, distinguished Captain, played for his country, had his face literally smashed in, broke his leg, diabetes. All things people will remember Gary Mabbutt for. Cost just £105,000 from Bristol Rovers in 1982. People said 'Gary who?' but he soon showed us with a goal on his debut. The Mr Spurs of his generation and a true club legend.
Ledley King
Born: 12-10-80, Bow, London
Honours: League Cup 2008
Appearances: 321
Goals: 15
International Caps (England) 21, Goals 2
The best defender to have played for the club in my time. A one club man, but we all know that his chronic knee problems prevented him from plying his effortlessly classy defensive abilities at somewhere like Real Madrid. Towards the end of his career he couldn't even train but still went onto the pitch and moved like a Rolls Royce. Thierry Henry said he was the best he ever faced. And who can ever forget that tackle on Arjen Robben? Now deservedly working as a club ambassador.
Chris Waddle
Squad Number: 7
Born: 14-12-60, Felling, Tyne & Wear
Appearances: 173
Goals: 42
International Caps (England) 62, Goals 6
Joined in '85 from Newcastle. After initially struggling Chrissy Wad went on to become one of the best in Europe. Especially effective cutting in from the right. When he dropped that shoulder most of the fans in The Paxton End went the wrong way. Basically carried the team in his final season before being sold to Marseille for £4.5m. At that time only Gullit and Maradona had been sold for more. Also duetted on the best single of the 1980's 'Diamond Lights'.
Luka Modric
Squad Number: 8
Born: 09-09-85, Zadar, Croatia
Appearances: 159
Goals: 17
International Caps (Croatia) 95, Goals 11
Its 9 years since this little genius signed for Spurs. He gave us 4 fantastic seasons, always demanding the ball, able to get away from tight spaces, brilliant vision and work rate, accurate passing and the occasional blinding goal. One PL manager who at the time of writing is still clinging to his job in N.London said he was too lightweight to make it in England. Perhaps he was losing it that long ago. The best Tottenham player of the Premier League era and now after 5 years at Real Madrid, arguably the best midfield player in the world.
Harry Kane
Squad Number: 9
Born: 28-07-93, Walthamstow, London
Appearances: 165
Goals: 99
International Caps (England) 17, Goals 5
He's 'One Of Our Own' and we love him. Big statement time from me, he's the best striker I've seen in a Tottenham shirt. Scores every kind of goal, which combined with his workrate and his all round game makes him a world beater. Fits the current system perfectly and I genuinely wouldn't swap him for anyone. All this from a young man from Chingford who missed a penalty in his first appearance for the club and let a goal in through his hands the time he went in goal. Two consecutive Golden Boots despite missing weeks through injury. Simply wonderful.
Glenn Hoddle
Squad Number: 10
Born: 27-10-57, Hayes, Middlesex
Honours: FA Cup 1981, 82 UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 490
Goals: 110
International Caps (England) 53, Goals 8
The Greatest there was, the Greatest there is and the Greatest there will ever be.
David Ginola
Squad Number: 11
Born: 25-01-67, Gassin, France
Honours: League Cup 1999
Appearances: 127
Goals: 22
International Caps (France) 17, Goals 3
Oh David. Quite often the only reason for watching Spurs in the dark days of G***** G*****'s reign as manager. Was he worth it? He sure was. Beautifully balanced and able to beat players and score with either foot David had a personality to match and was the archetypal Spurs player. Sadly for him it was during a time when generally we didn't have the personnel around him. Scored one of the best goals in the clubs history at Barnsley in the FA Cup.
Darren Anderton
Born: 03-03-72, Southampton, Hampshire
Honours: League Cup 1999
Appearances: 364
Goals: 51
International Caps (England) 30, Goals 7
Arriving as a scrawny looking 20 year old, Darren firmly established himself as a Spurs regular for over 10 seasons. Despite his many injuries, he still clocked up a fair amount of games. His game improved dramatically when he switched from the wing to central midfield. Scored some spectacular goals, one in particular against Leeds in the FA Cup at The Lane.
Ray Clemence
Squad Number: 13
Born: 05-08-48, Skegness, Lincolnshire
Honours: FA Cup 1982, UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 330
International Caps (England) 61
Subject of the last line in one of my favourite 80's chants "We've got the best team in the land" our very own 'Big nosed Scouser in goal' really was one of, if not the best. Came to Spurs at 33 having won everything with Liverpool, Clem kept goal and marshalled our back four for 7 years before injury forced his retirement. Would be the No1 keeper without a doubt if it wasn't for Big Pat. Went on to the coaching staff before retiring from football in 2013.
Chistian Eriksen
Born: 14-02-92, Middelfart, Denmark
Appearances: 171
Goals: 42
International Caps (Denmark) 66, Goals 12
He has more assists, he creates more chances, plays more key passes and covers more ground than any other current Spurs player. Our set piece specialist also chips in with his fair share of goals. The best of the 'Magnificent 7' bought with the money from the Bale sale, we all hope he stays and becomes a club legend.
Gareth Bale
Squad Number:15
Born: 16-07-89, Cardiff, Wales
Appearances: 203
Goals: 55
International Caps (Wales) 66, Goals 26
Came in as a lanky young left-back from Southampton, left 6 years later as an astounding athlete for a then World Record Fee to Real Madrid. Just about everything happened in between from going his first 23 games not being on the winning side, then three long term injuries to then scoring 26 times in his final season and being only the second player ever to win PFA Young Player, Player & FWA Player of The Season in the same year. Gave possibly the best ever individual performance in the Champions League v Inter at WHL. Astounding.
Teddy Sheringham
Born: 02-04-66, Highams Park, London
Appearances: 277
Goals: 124
International Caps (England) 51, Goals 11
Ninth on Spurs all time scorers list spread over two spells with the club Teddy's goals really don't tell half the story. His football brain was so good his supposed lack of pace was never an issue. A fantastic finisher who won the medals his career deserved in his spell away from the club.
Danny Thomas
Born: 12-11-61, Worksop, Notts
Honours: UEFA Cup 1984
Appearances: 87
Goals: 1
International Caps (England) 2
Its just over 30 years since one of the worst tackles ever seen at The Lane by Gavin Maguire of QPR ended the career of Danny Thomas. It still makes me sad because as a player this young man had it all. Comfortable on either flank and having just broke into the national side he was set for an outstanding career. Famously missed in the penalty shoot out v Anderlect but the crowd sang his name immediately as one. Oh, what could have been.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Squad Number: 18
Born: 30-07-64, Goppingen, Germany
Appearances: 68
Goals: 39
International Caps (West Germany / Germany) 108, Goals 47 - World Cup Winner 1990, European Championship Winner 1996
People in this country generally don't go a lot on Germans but boy did the English take Jurgen to their hearts. When he joined the club we were -12 points in the League and already out of the FA Cup and a ball hadn't even been kicked. It was a massive boost. Scored on his debut, got stretched off, then scored with an overhead kick on his home debut and never looked back. Formed a fantastic partnership with Teddy, was voted FWA Player of The Year, then left for Bayern Munich. I think I cried. Came back for a second spell three years later and helped to save us from relegation including scoring 4 times in a 6-2 win away v Wimbledon. I cried again.
Mousa Dembele
Born: 16-07-87 Wilrijk, Belgium
Appearances: 193
Goals: 10
International Caps (Belgium) 67, Goals 5
Ask any member of the current squad "who's the best player in the team?" and you'll get the same reply. Poch said recently he rates him as one of the best in the world. Mousa will be 30 in July and is playing the best football of his career thats previously been sadly blighted by injury. Despite this he's become the powerhouse that drives our current side. Brilliant on the ball and virtually impossible to dispossess. Strong in the tackle, with a wand of a left foot and God when he drops that left shoulder and glides past his opponent it borders on orgasmic.
Dele Alli
Squad Number: 20
Born: 11-04-96 (I've got shoes that are older tbh), Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Appearances: 96
Goals: 32
International Caps (England) 17, Goals 2
Is Dele the best young player in Europe? Well I'm not sure but if MK Dons have got anymore like him going for £5m I hope Spurs are at the front of the queue. Has that wonderful knack of arriving in the box at the right time but is also capable of sublime assists as well. Dele also has that bit of devilment in him that all the great players need. He's developed a great relationship with Harry, they seem to feed of each other perfectly on the pitch. It's inevitable that he'll be linked to the likes of Barcelona but lets hope he stays for a long time yet.
Paul Gascoigne
Born: 27-05-67 Dunston, Tyne & Wear
Appearances: 112
Goals: 33
Honours: 1991 FA Cup
International Caps (England) 57, Goals 10
Gianni Agnelli, the owner of Juventus said after Italia 90 that Gascoigne had 'the face of a child but the heart of a lion.' That's the 'Gazza' I prefer to remember. The naive man-child that captured the nations heart and the following season propelled Spurs to our last FA Cup win. Able to dribble, pass and shoot brilliantly, at times he was completely unstoppable. Its easy with hindsight, but it was never going to last. Gazza was just too highly strung, surrounded by users and ponces who abandoned him when the money ran out. That's not to say of course that he was completely innocent. He would admit himself to many mistakes. We all just hope he can overcome his demons and gets the help he needs.
Toby Alderweireld
Born: 02-03-89 Antwerp, Belgium
Appearances: 80
Goals: 5
International Caps (Belgium) 65, Goals 3
It can't be coincidence that in 7 of his last 9 seasons as a pro Toby has played in the leagues best defence. Without that awful 1-5 at Newcastle it would have been 8. Has formed what's generally accepted as the best central defensive partnership in England with Jan Vertonghen, Toby glides through matches, rarely fouling and has distribution skills most midfielders would kill for.
Hugo Lloris
Squad Number: 23
Born: 26-12-86, Nice, France
Appearances: 210
International Caps: 87
Being captain of club and country and playing behind the leagues best defence, life must be a bit of a breeze for Hugo. Signed from Lyon for £9m five years ago he regularly makes saves you don't expect him to make, although I would guess that more recently keeping concentration whilst not having that much to do is the most difficult part for him. Acknowledged as one of the best in Europe and probably the original 'sweeper keeper' Hugo is incredibly quick off his line. Comfortably our best keeper since Ray Clemence.
Footnote In case you thought I'd forgotten, the six definate starters: Jennings, Perryman, King, Modric, Hoddle, Kane.
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