HITC Sport has been taking a look at some of the Tottenham Hotspur players who didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment policy has been largely very succesful. Bringing in players such as Toby Alderweireld and Hueng-Min Son, Tottenham Hotspur are again looking like a strong contender for both the title and for at least the top four this season. However, poor signings still manage to slip their way through, with the purchases of Vincent Janssen and Moussa Sissoko still raising Spurs fans’ eyebrows.
Over the years, Spurs have had some disappointments in the transfer market and when encouraging obvious talents to blossom, and HITC Sport is taking a look at some of those who have failed to live up to their hype. But have we missed any out? Take a look at our top five, and let us know who you’d have chosen!
1. Adel Taarabt
Tottenham’s XI’s Adel Taarabt (L)
Adel Taarabt is the epitome of a player who failed to make the most of his ability. The Moroccan midfielder was prodigiously talented but struggled with consistency, and never really manged to force his way into the Spurs first team. There were moments of quality during a loan, and subsequent move to QPR, but it was fleeting. Now on loan at Italian side Genoa from his latest employers, Benfica.
2. Giovani Dos Santos
New Spurs signings Giovani Dos Santos (L), Luka Modric, and Heurelho Gomes
Signed in 2008 from Barcelona, Tottenham fans were expecting big things from young Giovani Dos Santos. The Mexican midfielder had been impressing in Spain, and many thought he would bring an added flair to Spurs’ attacking line. However, after four years on Tottenham’s books, and subsequent loans to Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing Santander, Dos Santos departed permanently for Mallorca in 2012. The Mexican is now playing for LA Galaxy in the MLS.
3. John Bostock
John Bostock – Tottenham Hotspur
Signed from Crystal Palace in 2008, John Bostock was another youngster who arrived at Tottenham with a reputation as a future star. However, the former Palace man made zero league appearances during his five years at White Hart Lane, and found himself going out on loan five times to clubs such as Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday and Toronto FC before leaving North London. Currently rebuilding his career on the continent, Bostock is playing in France’s Ligue 2 for RC Lens, where he has scored 6 goals in 19 appearances this season.
4. Lewis Holtby
Tottenham’s Lewis Holtby in action
Tottenham Hotspur fans were very excited when the club brought in German midfielder Lewis Holtby in 2013 from Schalke 04. The goal-scoring midfielder looked like just the kind of players Spurs needed at the time, adding some creativity and flair to the middle of the park. However, Holtby struggled with the physical demands of the Premier League, and after successive loans to Fulham and Hamburg, Holtby departed the club in permanently in 2015.
5. David Bentley
David Bentley – Tottenham Hotspur in action
Many thought David Bentley could go on to be a big star for England back in 2008, when the former Arsenal youngster joined Tottenham Hotspur from Blackburn Rovers. The right-winger, had been sensational for Mark Hughes’ side, and the move to White Hart Lane seemed like the obvious next step. However, Bentley struggled to make his mark with Spurs fans and after loan spells at Birmingham City, West Ham United and FC Rostov, David Bentley eventually departed Tottenham, bowing out of the game all together.
Do you agree with our list Spurs fans? Is there anyone we’ve missed out? Let us know your thoughts!
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