Do Tottenham Hotspur have a true midfield hardman in their ranks?
It’s the 89th minute and Tottenham are defending resolutely to keep their lead against Southampton. A loose ball falls to Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin on the edge of the box and the midfielder hits the ball first time with extreme venom. The strike looks certain to hit the back of the net when up pops the head of Spurs midfielder Sandro Raniere to stop the ball in its tracks.
Most would be down for the count from such a blow, but in extraordinary scenes, the Brazilian climbed back off the floor in an instant, appearing barely shaken. Spurs fans on Twitter were quick to worship Sandro’s actions that have gained him instant cult hero status.
Previously the midfielder has received jibes for wearing a gum shield whilst on the pitch, an apparel choice more suited to a boxing ring than the football field. However as he has proved on various occasions, underestimating the Brazilian based on appearance is a very bad move, as Robin Van Persie realised in United’s recent defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford. With the score at 1-0 to Tottenham, RVP burst through the middle of the park to the edge of the penalty box, in a dangerous position, and was hit with a peach of a tackle from Sandro. Spurs consequently broke and Gareth Bale sprung forward to score an important second goal.
This pattern of play is not an event of exception for Tottenham, with Sandro often the catalyst for counter attacks, the ideal advertisement that the art of the tackle is still alive. Many have felt the brunt of Sandro steaming in over their shoulder and it’s a phenomenon to strike fear into even the most talented of players. Go back two years when Spurs faced off against AC Milan in the Champions League. Harry Redknapp threw the player in at the deep end, despite failing to impress in early performances for his new club, and his faith was justified when Sandro’s central performances against Pirlo and co were so dominant that Milan couldn’t break through once over two legs.
Of course there are arguments for other players as the Leagues toughest, players who have stood up and taken unthinkable hits for their team. First and foremost John Terry comes to mind. Like him or loathe him, any player willing to throw his head in front of a boot travelling at ferocious speed demonstrates tremendous bravery. Then there’s Martin Skrtel, a man born with a snarl on his face. Unconfirmed rumours have it that he sharpens his studs before a match and then tears the flesh off afterwards to feed to his dogs. Meanwhile Cheik Tiote and Andy Wilkinson of Newcastle and Stoke respectively are certainly players not afraid to shirk a tackle. The less said about Lee Cattermole, the better.
It’s a tough contest but what edges it towards Sandro is a recently emerged video this year of Sandro performing Kung Fu in the team dressing room. In what appears to have been a random moment, the tough tackling midfielder demonstrated a series of roundhouse kicks, punches and acrobatics that had Spurs winger Andros Townsend posting on Twitter soon after “Hahahaha this Guy’s got problem!!! #screwloose”.
So is there a tougher player in the Premier League than Spurs’ Brazilian at this point in time? Take a look at these clips and then decide:
image: © simonw92
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