Completing our back four is Cameroon international Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Last seasons Spur of the Year was always the automatic choice for the left-back role, despite the impressive displays of Danny Rose in the position in the tail end of last year.
Arriving from Lens in 2006, it wasn’t until Harry Redknapp took over in 2008 that the France born full-back began to really find his feet in England. A serious knee injury, one that could have ended his career, hampered his progress but since becoming Spurs’ number one left-back, Assou-Ekotto has blossomed into one of the leagues finest full-back’s.
He has linked up excellently with Gareth Bale on the left and the two have formed a super understanding and partnership over the past 18 months. While his concentration may have left fans with high blood pressure in the past, he has managed to keep these silly errors to a minimum and despite being at fault for Diame’s goal in the 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last month, looks to have genuinely upped his game as he has matured.
A firm fan favourite with his laid back attitude and outspokenness has endeared himself into many of the Spurs faithfuls hearts. Admitting he only plays football because he ‘happens to be good at it’ surprisingly went down very well with many of the supporters and even though he confessed he rarely knows which team he is playing next, Redknapp often having to tell him on the day who their opponent is, he still gets his head down and does a superb job on the left.
His composure in a tight situation may be reminiscent of former Spur Timotee Atouba, but his knack of getting out of the tight spot only adds to his all-round ability while his willingness to support the attack and help defend is reason why he was awarded the aforementioned Spur of the Year last year.
He will forever be remembered for his big game performances against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Theo Walcott and it was his fine 20-yard strike, his only goal to date, that kick started the clubs first ever top four finish in 2010 will forever be remembered by Spurs fans.
So, a solid back-four of Kyle Walker, Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Assou-Ekotto providing cover for Brad Friedel rounds up the defensive side of things, up next is the midfield and one of the two players charged with protecting the defence, something both players do with minimal fuss but to maximum effect.
