|
|
|
|
As supporters, what do we consider to be the greatest trait of the English game? No doubt older readers will take great enjoyment from the old-fashioned physicality of traditional British league football. Players such as Norman Hunter spring to mind, someone who, if playing today, would spend the majority of the season suspended. Such is the football world we live in, players of that nature will never be seen again. For those of us that grew up during the early Premier League years, perhaps the thing that stands out the most is the great tempo often present in our games. By comparison, games in Italy and Spain are played almost at a stand still. Or maybe the purists among you prefer the current incarnation - the slower, more tactical, ‘European’ version of our game.
Regardless of what we each enjoy about the game, I’m sure we can all appreciate one man’s performance in Sunday’s Manchester derby. I speak of course of Carlos Tevez. The little Argentine plays the game in a true ‘English’ fashion - chasing tirelessly, working for his team mates; only stopping momentarily to draw breath before his next pursuit of the ball, or indeed a defender’s legs. The man plays with his heart on his sleeve and the Old Trafford crowd loves him for it. There can be no denying the qualities that Tevez brings to a team. Even the most ardent Manchester United hater would struggle to dislike him and his approach to each and every game. Surely then, it would be a massive mistake on United’s part not to sign him on a permanent basis this summer? Surely?
But for 30 million pounds? Absolutely not.
I love Tevez as much as the next United fan, but I cannot sit here and urge my club to spend that sort of money on a guy who will never be more than a squad player at Old Trafford. While that may sound harsh, particularly given his match-winning performance at the weekend, we must consider the basics. Goals win football matches. There is a reason that attacking players are bought and sold for the most money, that they are the ones given the most acclaim. As beneficial as a solid defence or goalkeeper can be to a team, it’s the attacking players that we pay to watch. They are the ones capable of producing the special moments, á la Ronaldo against Porto, that are so often the difference in a game.
Consider that Carlos Tevez is one of these players. Consider that, regardless of his work ethic, above all else he is a centre forward and he is paid to score goals. Consider that he has scored just 4 Premier League goals this season. It just isn’t enough from a purported 30 million pound striker. Tevez often finds himself compared with Dimitar Berbatov. Manchester United fans in particular have taken to criticising what they see as a lack of effort from Berbatov, and jumping on the Tevez bandwagon. Putting aside my belief that Berbatov works harder than people notice, I will draw your attention to the Bulgarian’s 9 Premier League goals this season. Doesn’t sound like much? Take a look at who has the most assists in the entire league this season.
The fact is, Berbatov contributes more to the team in terms of end product. When I’m watching a game and a chance falls to Berbatov in the box, I would back him to score 9 times out of 10. With Tevez I just don’t get that feeling. One occasion I am reminded of is our 4-1 capitulation at the hands of Liverpool. At 2-1, despite how poorly we were playing, Tevez was presented with a glorious chance and fluffed it. Big players - the Ronaldo’s of this world - score big goals in big games. Tevez doesn’t do this as much as he should.
Take Wayne Rooney for example. Rooney, like Tevez, works tirelessly for the benefit of the team, particularly when deployed on the left hand side. Yet Rooney still manages to score goals when the team need it the most. I just can’t see how you can ever include Tevez over an in-form Rooney, Ronaldo or Berbatov.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love the guy to stay. But I think that both the fans, and Tevez himself, need to realise that he will always be considered a squad player here. Reports suggest that he doesn’t want this, and it looks as if he will be on his way soon. It’s unfortunate, but surely that £30 million can be spent in far better ways than lining Kia Joorabchian’s pockets.
The man wants to leave. He isn’t happy. I commend him for the way he continues to perform, knowing that his future lies elsewhere. We’ll always have a soft spot for Carlos Tevez, but it’s time to let him go Fergie. Let him go and put some trust in the likes of Welbeck, Macheda and co next season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Fred, Manchester
wrote...
|
|
"Big players - score big goals in big games.Tevez doesnt do this as much as he should"
Lyon (a) 07/08
Liverpool (a) 07/08
Blackburn (a) 07/08
Tottenham (a) 07/08
Stoke (a) 08/09
Porto (h) 08/09
Wigan (a) 08/09
7 of the most important goals in our recent history. He's an impact player pure & simple, our modern day Ole. But will he happy with that?
Plus we've always been held to ransom when it comes to transfer fees Ferdinand,Berbatov,Carrick etc
This transfer would be no different |
|
|
|
|
|
Add Comment
|
All fields are required *.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Back To Top
|
|