Tottenham icon Graham Roberts has had his say about a selection dilemma Jose Mourinho is likely to face ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against West Brom on Sunday.
Spurs, like other top clubs, have had a hectic schedule so far. Mourinho’s men had a disappointing outing in the Europa League last time around as they were beaten by a very impressive Royal Antwerp side.
That clash was sandwiched between two extremely difficult games against Burnley and Brighton, but it doesn’t stop just there. Spurs travel to Bulgaria to take on Ludogorets on Thursday, and that is followed by another difficult away trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Mourinho needs to be careful with his squad to avoid injuries. The defence is an area where Tottenham are short at the moment. Japhet Tanganga is out with an injury, while Davinson Sanchez’s form is a bit of a concern.
Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld are Mourinho’s first-choice centre-halves, but the duo cannot start every game. Ben Davies has been used in that position, but he is better off playing in his natural left-back role.
That leave Spurs with summer signing Joe Rodon. Some Tottenham fans have urged Mourinho to start him against winless West Brom this weekend, but Roberts is completely against that idea.
Should Mourinho start Rodon on Sunday?
Rodon joined Tottenham for an initial fee of £11 million from Swansea last month. (BBC) The Welshman came on in the final minute of Spurs’ win against Burnley at Turf Morr, but he is yet to make his full debut.
Tottenham’s loss against Antwerp last week means Mourinho has to go for the win against Ludogorets on Thursday. Rodon is unlikely to feature if that is the case, which opens up the opportunity of a first Spurs start on Sunday against the Baggies.
It will be interesting to see if Mourinho gives him an opportunity in either game. Roberts is clearly against the idea, but it wouldn’t be a bad move to start him at the Hawthorns, especially if an experienced head like Alderweireld starts next to him.
Graham Roberts: Tottenham hero
- 80s hero
Graham Roberts played for Tottenham between 1980 and 1986, racking up more than 200 appearances.
- Crowd favourite
Roberts was a tough tackling centre-back who inspired fans at White Hart Lane. Graeme Souness even described him as ‘one of the hardest players I ever played against.
- Silverware winner
Roberts led Tottenham to trophy success. He won the FA Cup in both 1981 and 1982 and the UEFA Cup in 1984.
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