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Since Sandro suffered a serious knee injury in the goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham have lacked his energy and athleticism in midfield.
Mousa Dembele and Scott Parker have formed a good partnership in his absence, but they aren’t quite the midfield they were before the Brazilian’s injury. Parker is an experienced player who gives 100% to the cause and really understands the importance of retention.
But with Dembele and Sandro, there was a perfect balance of athleticism, strength and guile. Sandro uses his power all over the pitch, convincingly winning the ball and keeping it. Although he has some way to go until he has the passing range of a Michael Carrick or a Luka Modric, he is good enough to nail a starting place down at Tottenham for the coming years.
Parker is often wasteful with the ball. An England international, he really struggles playing the long and diverse passes which require vision and composure. Although Tottenham’s recent problems have been because of a lack of goals, Sandro’s presence would free Dembele to play in a more advanced role, thus enabling him to have more influence.
Tottenham will be hoping that Sandro’s injury won’t affect him in the long term. He’s a tough guy, so I’m sure he can get back to the level he was.
Spurs are currently looking forward to an enticing clash with Manchester City on Sunday, a game which could have huge implications on their top four hopes. A win is required, and they could be without Gareth Bale, every Tottenham fan’s worst nightmare.
