Michael Dawson insists Tottenham Hotspur are not a one-man team.
The White Hart Lane men narrowly missed out on a place in the top four of the Premier League last season, as Arsenal claimed eight wins in their last ten matches to secure the final UEFA Champions League place. That Spurs were in contention for so long had much to do with the form of Gareth Bale, the double PFA award winner.
The Wales international scored 21 league goals and assisted in several more, and this has led to Real Madrid showing an interest in his signature during the summer. The Spaniards are willing to smash the world record transfer fee to land the forward, who is believed to be desperate to make the move to the Bernabeu before the window closes.
Reports last week claimed the 24-year-old has told friends he has no intention of playing for Spurs again, but with the Londoners refusing to let him leave, the situation could get ugly. If the former Southampton man does seal his exit, though, Dawson believes there is enough quality in Andre Villas-Boas’ squad to mount another challenge this season.
“‘The goals Gareth scored last season were unbelievable but we have good players in the squad he couldn’t have done that on his own and I think he would be the first to say that,” he said. “We have brought in players that are going to hopefully get us to the next level.
“Roberto Soldado is a top signing. You look at his movement. He can send you one way and then another. As a club you never want to stand still, you want to keep improving and that’s what we’ve done this summer. As a football club it’s always been our aim, to be in the Champions League. Everyone wants to be in that top four and you have to earn the right.”
With the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea being widely tipped to fight for the title, it could yet again be a battle between the two North London giants for the final Champions League spot. Arsenal began their campaign with a humiliating 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, whilst a Soldado penalty gave Spurs a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
