This is an invitation I cannot refuse - it was an invitation, Loz, wasn?t it? - and I will start by echoing Barn?s implied words that, on what we?ve seen player for player in the Premiership, Tevez wins hands down on almost any comparison with Sheva, bar looks and G4?s extensive factual analysis. I know this doesn?t in itself mean he is a perfect fit for our team, but then neither was Sheva when he arrived, as evidenced by the accommodating switch to 4-4-2, and we didn?t see too many complaints as to suitability at the outset. However, two wrongs would not make a Tevez signing right, so here?s my (mainly) tactical justification for still wanting us to sign him, despite his excessive baggage?
1. Next season our predominantly 4-3-3 playing team will have Didier as its central striker whenever possible, so a player such as Sheva gets in as sub or is utilised down the flanks. The former situation sees him fighting for a place with both Pizarro and Kalou and in the latter, with four quality wingers in the squad, his chances are even more severely limited. Of course, Tevez would have the same competition to overcome, but would be more comfortable than Sheva in the wide role and, to date, has proved himself to be more effective in the Premiership in the central strikers role. Call it what you like, his commitment, feistiness, flair, all contribute to an overview that he is better suited to the Premiership and you have to admit that, when our 4-3-3 needs to be a 4-5-1, then he?d still be a right pain for defenders just as Didier is in any system.
2. There is a cavalier rumour going around that we might also be playing with a flat midfield four incorporating two wingers next season - hence the profusion of wide men and signing of Malouda - and if this proves to be correct the middle two will be an interesting choice, not only in themselves, but also in so far as the effect that choice would have on the selection of the front two. For instance, Essien and Lamps would put a lot of pressure on the Bison defensively, whereas Mikel and Essien would probably mean a shared workload. How nice it would be to have one of the two strikers linking the line of four by rolling his sleeves up and competing in any uneven midfield scrap when required to do so. I don?t need to draw a picture of the player I think would be more up to that task, do I?
3. If rumours of the diamond being dead turn out to be exaggerated it would be true to say that Sheva?s star would shine the brightest of the two, but just think how many other stars wouldn?t come out at all in that formation, as it would clearly be designed to cater for Essien, Mikel and Lamps plus one - take your pick out of Cole, Malouda, Robben, SWP or Kalou - at the tip. Suits you Sheva, but not many others, unless you believe that a second striker was a ?must have? accessory for Didier?s goals last season, in which case a player who could be utilised at the tip of the diamond or as an out and out striker would be very useful indeed. Hang on a minute, maybe I should revise even this acknowledgement of Sheva?s superiority.
4. Finally, no assessment of Tevez?s value would be complete without a reference to his attitude, which is pure Wisey in volatility and, if harnessed and channelled by someone like Jose, could become a driving force to match the Drog?s contribution, which will be sadly missed later in the season. I believe Fergie sees the same added bonus in this player and, with the likes of Neville and Scholes on their last legs, seeks to get him (on the cheap) if he can, even though he doesn?t really fit into their set up. In fact, I could accept Loz?s scepticism if it was directed at Tevez?s suitability for United?s team far more than I can when it is applied to Chelsea. Surely United?s need is for a Drogba or a Berbatov, but no, Fergie?s looked at what?s available and tried to do a deal, albeit dodgy, for a young player tailor made for the Premiership. Of course, I?m glad we weren?t involved with Joorabchian, but I?m also sad we haven?t gone for Tevez and I hereby rest my case.
