Michael Dawson

[EliteKiller]

Having just turned 26 Michael is still a 'youngster' for a Central Defender. As we all know this season he has improved even further and may yet have an outside chance of an England spot if he and Spurs can keep up this form.

This thread is just an observation on the way 'Arry uses Michael (I am assuming we play to instructions) and the way Michael changes his style of play to suit the team.

Last away game against Fulham we had a changed midfield with Wilson playing the defensive role almost singlehandedly. This meant that more of our forward distribution came from the back four than normal.

In this game Daws attempted 31 passes, only slightly more than his average per game. However of these 31 passes 8 were 'long balls' aimed mostly in the direction of Crouchy. Of these 8 'long balls' four were unsuccessful meaning they didn't reach their target, and a further three resulted in lost possession where the receiving player did not gain control of the ball.

Now to the West Ham game: our midfield was back at full strength with a defensive pair in the middle.

In this game Daws attempted 28 passes. Not a single pass was more than 25 yards long with not one 'long ball'. All 28 passes were completed successfully.

This tells us a couple of things, firstly that Daws is prepared to take on the task of moving the ball from defense, you don't see Bass attempting to many 50 yard passes! Secondly that when Spurs play our quick short passing game we are a much more effective team. 'Arry can't be unaware of these stats and I hope the Fulham 'experiment' was a one off. If we need to rest, or more likely they get injured or suspended, Tommy or Wilson then the 'long ball' game is not the answer. We need an additional holding midfield player to slot into the gap - is this the time for Sandro?

[ImTottenhamTillIDie]

beautifully constructed article. Thanks!

Tbh, today we all loved Dawson.. I shouted I LOVE YOU MICHAEL DAWSON a few times haha! He's playing really well and I think he deserves captain if cpt.keano isnt around anymore!!

Really impressive observations. so short balls are the way forward!!

[PARKLANEMICK]

The guy has been awesome this season, I cant believe there was speculation that he may be sold earlier in the year he has been immense and back to his very best.

I can feel another 'player of the season' award coming his way, if it does it will be richly deserved - if only Woodie could get his sh*t together ??

THERES ONLY ONE MICHAEL DAWSON....... and hes ours keep your bloo*y mits off !!

HAPPY NEW YEAR YIDS!!

[P UNIT 1980]

He is one that stepped up.

Others follow his example and we have the best squad in the league.

It wont happen like that though.

[haverhill spur]

with Rio and Lescot finished, Dawson has timed his run to perfection to claim a place in the WC squad, imagine Ledley with Dawson's knees Terry wouldn't get a sniff!!!

[P UNIT 1980]

i'D STILL LIKE TO SEE sHAWCROSS LOOKED AT.

[charlotterio]

Thumbs up. This year Dawson has done immense job and I think his prime hours are yet to come. This boy is essential for Spurs!

[thfcire]

yeah hes a top man,really has cut out all the silly mistakes he used to make a couple of seasons back.when he got in the team early on in this season he was really sharp and i thought it was very harsh he was dropped the next game,but his attitude is amazing and given him the armband for a few games done him wonders,with him barking orders out,something hes not really know for.super player great attitude a yid for life

[Swanny]

I have been calling for recognition for Daws for the last 2 seasons, the guy is a great pro and headed for legend status I rate him that high, in fact I have named him as my favourite player replacing Jermain Defoe, that's how good Daws is.

[kevfball63]

Having just turned 26 Michael is still a 'youngster' for a Central Defender. As we all know this season he has improved even further and may yet have an outside chance of an England spot if he and Spurs can keep up this form.

This thread is just an observation on the way 'Arry uses Michael (I am assuming we play to instructions) and the way Michael changes his style of play to suit the team.

Last away game against Fulham we had a changed midfield with Wilson playing the defensive role almost singlehandedly. This meant that more of our forward distribution came from the back four than normal.

In this game Daws attempted 31 passes, only slightly more than his average per game. However of these 31 passes 8 were 'long balls' aimed mostly in the direction of Crouchy. Of these 8 'long balls' four were unsuccessful meaning they didn't reach their target, and a further three resulted in lost possession where the receiving player did not gain control of the ball.

Now to the West Ham game: our midfield was back at full strength with a defensive pair in the middle.

In this game Daws attempted 28 passes. Not a single pass was more than 25 yards long with not one 'long ball'. All 28 passes were completed successfully.

This tells us a couple of things, firstly that Daws is prepared to take on the task of moving the ball from defense, you don't see Bass attempting to many 50 yard passes! Secondly that when Spurs play our quick short passing game we are a much more effective team. 'Arry can't be unaware of these stats and I hope the Fulham 'experiment' was a one off. If we need to rest, or more likely they get injured or suspended, Tommy or Wilson then the 'long ball' game is not the answer. We need an additional holding midfield player to slot into the gap - is this the time for Sandro?

One of my all time points , people always accuse players of not fullfilling their role , but they must have to fullfill the task handed to them . Who knows how many coaches/trainers sit down and try to tactically outguess the other team . Then hand a dossier to Harry so he is armed to pick their pocket - at the start of the weeks preparations ..


I already stated that we shouldn't swap a winning combination but Harry has his reasons . Maybe he thought Murphy and Zamora would target The Hudd because although he was young he survived the chop ????


I seriously think that Harry went for gold too early in the season , and created monsters ( opposition teams trying to be the first to beat us ) . This second coming of form is no surprise to me because we are almost all fit again whilst most teams are suffering the losses we have already endured injury wise throughout our history . Man Utd , Liverfool and the scum are puzzled as to why they are in trouble = i say welcome to the real world that we have suffered for 2 decades = injuries = they are just not used to it . All of the top teams are finding it harder because we are now breeding supreme atheletes that can run at top speed and with a ball stuck to their foot , but a slight knock wipes them out for weeks .

Robin van Rapist is crocked , and CESC was on , and back off , as soon as the job was done . I think that the scum are preparing for hit and run football .

Whereas = We are in a prime position because all of our outfield players can score = so the threat is tenfold .

[Swanny]

One of my all time points , people always accuse players of not fullfilling their role , but they must have to fullfill the task handed to them . Who knows how many coaches/trainers sit down and try to tactically outguess the other team . Then hand a dossier to Harry so he is armed to pick their pocket - at the start of the weeks preparations ..


I already stated that we shouldn't swap a winning combination but Harry has his reasons . Maybe he thought Murphy and Zamora would target The Hudd because although he was young he survived the chop ????


I seriously think that Harry went for gold too early in the season , and created monsters ( opposition teams trying to be the first to beat us ) . This second coming of form is no surprise to me because we are almost all fit again whilst most teams are suffering the losses we have already endured injury wise throughout our history . Man Utd , Liverfool and the scum are puzzled as to why they are in trouble = i say welcome to the real world that we have suffered for 2 decades = injuries = they are just not used to it . All of the top teams are finding it harder because we are now breeding supreme atheletes that can run at top speed and with a ball stuck to their foot , but a slight knock wipes them out for weeks .

Robin van Rapist is crocked , and CESC was on , and back off , as soon as the job was done . I think that the scum are preparing for hit and run football .

Whereas = We are in a prime position because all of our outfield players can score = so the threat is tenfold .

Ok Kev so we all now know that you got some colouring pens for Christmas...very nice lol

Very good point though mate and spot on, I'm getting a bit brassed off listening to the constant whining about injuries from certain managers and who knows what we could have achieved if our injury problems had not been so severe in the last 10 years or so.

Taking you back to your earlier reply about our chats in the car and at HT.
I really do enjoy it mate you me and Bernie putting the world of football to rights, it's refreshing to have 3 adults sharing a common love for the mighty Spurs we don't always agree but always respect each others point of view and even being prepared to take a step back and change our own original view. I look back to the times when I used to go to the pub before the game and get tanked up and spout what was probably a load of old sh1te like a lot of others and although I will always look back with fondness of those great memories I am much happier now sharing these times we have to mull over the games past and future. really looking forward to our trip to Liverfool and we will have many hours on the road sorting out that fixture.

[P UNIT 1980]

FF sake kev has worked out how to change the colour of his posts!!!!!!

[Swanny]

FF sake kev has worked out how to change the colour of his posts!!!!!!

Next year he is learning how to change his pants