Spurs legend Hoddle lauds 'terrific' Redknapp target Van Nistelrooy

20 January 2010 13:49
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle believes Ruud van Nistelrooy would be 'the icing on the cake' for Tottenham given their defensive solidarity. [LNB]Spurs travel to Anfield to face struggling Liverpool on Wednesday in search of a club record of six successive clean sheets.[LNB]Up front Jermaine Defoe, twice, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane have all notched hat-tricks this season as the free-scoring Lilywhites maintain their assault on the top four.[LNB] Flying in: Ruud van Nistelrooy is desperate for first team football[LNB]However with Roman Pavlyuchenko itching to end his White Hart Lane nightmare, experienced Dutchman Van Nistelrooy has been lined up to replace the wantaway Russian should a move materialise.[LNB]Former United striker Van Nistelrooy registered a staggering 150 goals in 219 games on his previous stint in the Premier League, and he maintained a similar strike rate at Real Madrid. [LNB]Now Hoddle, who would have thrived in behind a striker as predatory as Van Nistelrooy, is confident the 33-year-old can take Spurs onto the next level.[LNB]'Harry's proved what a shrewd buyer he is in the past and the one thing you know about van Nistelrooy is that if you create chances for him he'll score,' he said. [LNB]'It would be the icing on the cake for Spurs given the way they are defending, bringing in someone who can pinch a goal from nowhere. He would be a terrific acquisition for Tottenham.'[LNB] Solid: Sebastien Bassong (left) and Michael Dawson (right) have excelled in the absence of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate[LNB]Further back, Hoddle has been most impressed with Spurs' formidable defensive record. [LNB]Despite injuries ripping through the heart of their rear-guard, Tottenham last conceded a goal on December 6, away to Everton. [LNB]'Any team that is going to have success cannot leak goals,' Hoddle said. 'The personnel at Tottenham is strong and Sebastien Bassong and Michael Dawson have developed well in the absence of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate. [LNB]'Harry [Redknapp] will tell you the team works hard from the front but they also have a lot of flair. [LNB]'Spurs have a stronger squad than Liverpool and are in a better position to finish fourth.[LNB]'The timing of the game is in Spurs' favour. Liverpool are under a bit of pressure and if they are going to secure fourth place they need to win.' [LNB] Bullish Benitez brushes off the threat of players past as Crouch and Keane prepare for Anfield returnRoman Pavlyuchenko offered Spartak Moscow return as Russians refuse to take no for an answer from SpursNo league win at big four in 16 years - it's time for Spurs to put up or shut upALL THE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail