Is Gabriel Heinze The Answer To Tottenham's Left Back Troubles?

Apart from calls from my fellow Tottenham Hotspur fans for that ‘world class striker,’ the loudest calls by fans for improvement in the Spurs' squad have been about the left back position. One name that has come onto Tottenham’s radar is that of Gabriel Heinze. With Benoit Assou-Ekotto unable to feature on Saturday against Newcastle United and his left footed counterpart Gareth Bale hobbling off after five minutes, it’s now clear that Harry Redknapp must bring in cover. Taye Taiwo has also been mentioned, but it is Heinze who seems to be first choice in Redknapp’s thoughts.

Heinze is a stranger to no football fan, having already played for illustrious clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid. His experience at those clubs would benefit our relatively young squad, much like Rafael van der Vaart’s presence has done.

Heinze is a solid and very rugged footballer. He’s also very experienced at international level with his native Argentina. Heinze would need no settling into the Premier League and it’s combative nature, as that sort of football suits him to a tee. He’s also decent aerially and chips in with the odd goal, this despite his slight frame and lack of height. He has the characteristics that Redknapp clearly likes and wants at Tottenham. 

However, on the downside, he’s susceptible to being beaten for pace and he wouldn’t provide as good as support on the left side as Assou-Ekotto does whenever he ventures forward. Heinze has also been in terrible form as of late and has looked a little boy lost whilst playing at left back and center back for his current club Marseille. He’d also command massive wages from Tottenham.

What is the likelihood of Gabriel Heinze joining Tottenham? His contract is up this summer, so Tottenham could get him cheap ala Steven Pienaar. I guess it’s a case of 'watch this space.'