One player who’s contributions this season have gone slightly under the radar but have been critical in Tottenham’s recent improvements, with his goals moving us up to 5th in the Premier League has been Nacer Chadli. The extraordinary improvement from last season to this season is a just reward for the patience shown in him, something which was not a given in the wake of his difficult first season in England.
Throughout his first season in England he struggled to stick himself into the first-team on a regular basis, he was utilised on the left on the right, in a holding role and it seemed he wouldn’t make himself a success, but one game last season showed that there was potential in him. Away at Benfica late last season it was evident that Chadli was beginning to find his feet at Tottenham. The way he attacked from the central role showed that if managed right he could become a very good player for Spurs.
Even though most Spurs supporters expected him to be sold or only be a bit-time player this season, Pochettino made his mark early on in our first home game of the season against QPR when he started Nacer. And Chadli’s brace duly repaid the faith placed upon him in the 4-0 defeat of the Hoops served to reiterate his eye for goal, but the new found self-belief in his game shows what patience and the right management can achieve.
The sparkling implementation of his football philosophy in its fullest, most entertaining version yet is genuine cause for optimism, though. Especially against one of the top-four sides Spurs had been unable to get the better of for a good 18 months. Even as the north Londoners struggled to find a cohesive attacking identity, Chadli has proved one of their more reliable performers. He gave them the lead at Arsenal, was instrumental in a much-needed win over Southampton and helped instigate their successful comeback against Aston Villa.
As this Tottenham side has continued to develop, Chadli has helped ensure their heads do not go too often below water. Now they are looking like a genuine top-four-bothering prospect with hopes of maybe even winning a cup, the 25-year-old is in prime position to be involved. Chadli, as much as anyone, will understand that new projects take time. He is an example why we would all be smarter for having more patience with them.
