Spurs would be wrong to offer Gallas a new deal (Video)
Ask any Tottenham Hotspur fan about William Gallas and many will speak of their surprise on seeing the Frenchman handed the captains armband this season. At 35 years of age, the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender is the second oldest member of the current Spurs squad, behind record breaking Brad Friedel.
With head coach Andre Villas-Boas inheriting a squad that saw Ledley King retire over the summer, it was no shock to see Gallas undertake the role of experienced centre-back, especially with the youthful trio of Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen and Steven Caulker all available to the 35-year-old.
Yes, his knowledge and winning mentality may be vital to the relatively young backline, but it’s fair to assume that his age has begun to take its toll on the squad. Numerous times this season, Gallas has been caught out by a number of the Premier Leagues quicker and stronger forwards.
As a result, Spurs have often cheaply conceded goals, which has either put the team under unnecessary pressure or cost them vital points. Unfortunately for Villas-Boas, injuries to key players have seen the Portuguese tactician all but forced to utilise Gallas in defence.
However, with Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto set to return from injury later this month, it could well see the Frenchman’s position in the starting XI come under threat. Yes, he may be the current captain, but his flaws are beginning to show through week after week.
Now, with the news that Gallas is worrying about not being offered a new deal, Spurs would be foolhardy to hand him a new contract, especially at his age. With a little over six months to go, it would be wise of the club to simply cut their losses at the end of the campaign and allow Kaboul, Vertonghen and Caulker the opportunity to fight for a starting spot.
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