Should He Stay or Should He Go?

I like Roman Pavlyuchenko. I can’t quite put my finger on why though, he’s played a handful of games this season and wasn’t too impressive last season either. Yet, I just like him. There is something about him which makes me want him to play in the white of Tottenham week in week out.

His goal against Leeds United in the FA Cup this weekend was a relief for many different reasons. Not only did it put Spurs back in front, but it showed what was capable of the Russian. A lovely pass and a placed finish past Casper Ankergren. That was, amazingly, his second goal of the season, it certainly felt like his first. (His first of the season came in the 5-1 League Cup win against Doncaster Rovers.)

The stats just don’t get better for Roman, out of a possible 22 Premier League games, he has appeared in four of them. Amazingly, two of those appearances coming against so called ‘Top 4’ opposition, Liverpool and Arsenal.

It is clear to anyone that something has happened between Roman Pavlyuchenko and Harry Redknapp. League games seem to have vanished from the radar, despite the fact he is a constant substitute week in week out (He’s done more bench warming than Carlo Cudicini, that’s for sure.)

I do rate him highly. He is better than Peter Crouch. But Pavlyuchenko has just never had the chance to prove it. Last year came off the back of half a season with Spartak Moscow in Russia and the Euros, where Russia managed to reach the semi-finals. He showed potential in the Carling Cup especially, scoring in every round except for the final.

But, it is looking as if he is going elsewhere. The Turkish clubs seemingly interested (who also seem to be getting a lot of half decent players recently as well), a move back to Russia or even across London to West Ham United, who are after every striker in the game.

I remain optimistic, the transfer deadline day is fast approaching, and no one has seemingly made a serious move for him yet. Harry Redknapp is holding firm, but Pavlyuchenko is the one getting itchy for a move. Every time I manage Spurs on Football Manager, I play him. He gets me goals, I like him. But that isn’t the issue, he can score, he will score (as proven by the FA Cup goal).

I doubt he will be reading this, but Roman Pavlyuchenko, please don’t go.