POCH’S CURRENT CROP EDGE OUT MY 1987 ENTERTAINERS
THIRTY years ago there was another Tottenham team hunting success in the league and FA Cup. Just like Mauricio Pochettino’s team that will face Chelsea at Wembley today, our 1987 side had some attacking flair and we tried to play in the classic Tottenham style. Built around the skills of England stars Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle, the team also contained the brilliant Argentinian Ossie Ardiles and benefited from Clive Allen’s incredible 49-goal season. The team had a lovely balance to it. Ultimately, we came up short in the First Division, finishing third to Howard Kendall’s Everton. In the FA Cup, we lost 3-2 in a thrilling final to Coventry, handicapped by injuries and a calamitous own goal in extra time. Here, is my perfect XI taken from both sets of players.
THE TWO TEAMS:
1987: Clemence; Hughton, Gough, Mabbutt, Thomas; Waddle, Ardiles, Hodge, P Allen; Hoddle; C Allen. 2017: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Son, Dier, Dembele, Alli, Eriksen; Kane.
COMPOSITE XI (4-2-3-1)
GOALKEEPER: HUGO LLORIS
Brilliant reflexes, a respected presence with excellent feet and command of the box. A close call ahead of Ray Clemence who was enjoying a swansong.
RIGHT BACK: RICHARD GOUGH
Strong-willed, a speedy athletic leader with a magnet in his head and a big heart. I have moved him from the middle to right back to accommodate him in this line-up.
CENTRE BACK: TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
Such power and quality, he reads the game fantastically. A wonderful passer with great timing in the tackle. A persistent pivot in a frugal unit.
CENTRE BACK: JAN VERTONGHEN
Made a great decision to ignore overtures from neighbours Arsenal and sign for Spurs. His left foot is a wand. Always looks to pass and when he does he does so with perfect accuracy. The game comes easy to him.
LEFT BACK: DANNY ROSE
Small and dogged, he can hit the by-line with drive and has a fine delivery. Took a while to prove his critics wrong but is now flourishing.
Showman: Chris Waddle was Tottenham’s talented wide boy
CENTRE MIDFIELD: ERIC DIER
Shades of Gary Mabbutt, he is quietly effective whatever his role. Youthful, talented, full of energy with a strong character. He has all the qualities.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: OSSIE ARDILES
Brainy, brave and gifted. Started the music, controlled and borrowed the ball and dictated the rhythm.
RIGHT MIDFIELD: CHRIS WADDLE
The entertainer. A wide man with skills who loved the ball and beating an opponent. Wanted the Hoddle role and went on to play it at Marseille.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: GLENN HODDLE
A schemer with a touch of two-footed genius. A brilliant playmaker who could hit short and long passes. Ideal in a 4-5-1 formation that would free him defensively.
LEFT MIDFIELD: DELE ALLI
His progress and success makes me so proud. A natural all-rounder with athleticism and all the qualities. A competitor with humility.
CENTRE FORWARD: HARRY KANE
Like Clive Allen, he has a brilliant temperament and visualises every single square foot of the goal. Adept with both feet and with his head. Puts the team before himself.