New Delhi: Despite debuting in Europe's elite competition, Wheeler-dealer Harry Redknapp has transformed this Tottenham Hotspur side from
nervous newcomers to seasoned contenders. Despite their first appearance in the Champions League, Spurs have already knocked out
European giants like AC Milan. So who makes this Tottenham side capable of springing an upset?
Rafael van der Vaart
The deadline day signing has proved to be the catalyst for a young Tottenham side. Having already played for
the likes of Ajax and Real Madrid, his European experience has added another dimension to the eleven. His forward runs and a
striker-like presence in the box have fetched him a lot of goals. The medio can play on the wing and can also shift to the centre
with Modric if needed.
Luka Modric
Touted as one of the best midfielders in the world, the Croat brings that creativity and vision in the midfield which
every top European team possesses. His immaculate slide passes and cross-field balls have left many a defender dead. Playing away
from home, Modric is the calming factor in the middle of the park as his sturdy control of possession and changing the tempo of the
game according to his own liking has made Tottenham a force to reckon with.
His combination with Gareth Bale an Aaron Lennon on either side of the wings has proved to be deadly and that is the reason why
every top club in Europe has been vying for his signature.
Gareth Bale
Undoubtedly the best left-sided player in the world, the 21-year old Welsh player took the world by storm in the previous season.
But he marked his arrival on the world stage by banging in a hat-trick away from home against inter Milan.
If that wasn't enough, the left-footed wonder-kid made a mockery of the best right-back in the world, Maicon. Outrunning him at will,
his pace with the ball and without it is like no other player. He initially started as a left-back but was drafted on the wings by Redknapp.
It is not only his whirlwind pace that gets the opponents trembling but his final product with the ball that makes him the man to watch out for when Real Madrid face off in the last 8.
William Gallas
At the twilight of his career, William Gallas has proved to be the cornerstone of Tottenham's successes as a defensive unit. After
making a much0hated switch from Arsenla to Tottenham, the French centreback has been a revelation at White Hart Lane. After
Tottenham scored a solitary goal at the San Siro, Milan came to the Spurs all guns loaded. But Gallas martialled the back four like clockwork and resolute defending that left Milan without a goal and out of the competition. His
lack of team spirit was nowhere to be seen. Instead he was the uniting force and the team functioned as a cohesive unit.
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