Partly because he was one of the Kaboul Cabal, and partly because he was lazy in training - which is a big no-no for Poch It has to be said he wasn't helped by both his seasons unfolding in the same way: he had some strong performances at the start of the season, picked up an injury, but when he returned he was putting in a fraction of the workrate on the pitch - which is why AVB, Sherwood and Poch all dropped him at various times
Gomes and Capoue v Luongo. The Aussie played well, but Capoue scored the winner, while Gomes kept a clean sheet and was MOTM.
Was it David Howells who wascaught on camera giving Roy Keane te ****er sign in 1991 cup final leading to the late great Brian Moore saying "well, there's no need for that kind of thing"?
Cue a quick search to see if Bentaleb qualifies as HG or not... https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...interview-tottenham-ucl-preview-a8785641.html
He said in the interview that he spoke with Poch a month or so ago, I wonder what they talked about? Reading between the lines it sounds like he would like to come home.
It could have been about the draws of City/Dortmund for the respective clubs. I was in favour of letting him go because of his attitude issues but he's definitely got his head round those, so he'd be a very welcome returnee. Not only a good player but he's got a cannon of a shot on him, something that we severely lack in all of our other deep-lying midfielders. It would be a very welcome addition to our playing style.
Just in case anyone's wondering, he does. Joined at 17 and stayed for five years, which is two more than he'd need to qualify. Homegrown and club grown.
Bentaleb is a player who had such authority on the pitch even at 19. He was a bit raw then in terms of quality but still very good indeed. If he's screwed his head on right by now I would welcome him back with open arms.
I was trying to remember which of Bentaleb or Veljkovic was the one who wouldn't qualify as HG as they joined or weren't registered until something like three days after their 18th birthday Bentaleb did, however, play for us in the NexGen before he was registered - which got us kicked out of the tournament
1. So proud that he is (to date) the greatest captain of the club I support. 2. Can you name ANY UK captain of an English club, in the last 40+ years, who could talk as eloquently as that about the game ??
