Sherwood or not: The player Spurs need to get back in top four
Published:It won’t make many Tottenham supporters change their opinion of Tim Sherwood to know that the club could have theoretically finished fifth if he was in charge at White Hart Lane for the full season.
Sherwood led Spurs to 42 points from a possible 66, which would have brought a final total of 73 for the entire campaign if extending his points-per-game record.
This would have still left Spurs six points shy of north London rivals Arsenal in the battle to qualify for the final Champions League spot, which will be the objective of whoever kicks off next season in charge.
If one player should top the shortlist of players to help Spurs reach the top four next season, or win the title, then it is Christian Benteke, a striker they were heavily linked with before the latest campaign got underway.
One big problem for Spurs was their record against the five teams to finish above them, which was made up of one win, five points and only three goals, including none outside of White Hart Lane.
This is where Benteke would be an asset, as his five goals against the four clubs to qualify for the Champions League was more than anyone else in the division.
Furthermore, the Belgian was on target at the Emirates (twice), Stamford Bridge and Anfield.
Benteke is additionally fairly similar in the way he plays to current Tottenham line-leader Emmanuel Adebayor and his signing must be regarded as an upgrade in this department.
Despite playing in a far weaker team this season at Aston Villa, Benteke averaged more shots than Adebayor per game, played more key passes to teammates, was dispossessed less and won more free kicks.
Only Stoke, West Ham and Everton scored fewer headed goals than Tottenham in the Premier League this season and Benteke may help in this regard.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
