Tottenham Hotspur manager fears former recruit
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that he is worried that Adel Taarabt could run the game when he returns to White Hart Lane on Sunday, whilst claiming he’s a “fruitcake”.
Tagged ‘the next Zinedine Zidane’, Taarabt did not make much of an impact when he moved to Tottenham as a 17-year-old from Lens. Following this he was loaned to QPR for two seasons in which he shone, but despite his impressive performances for Rangers, Redknapp decided to sell the player for around £1million in August 2010.
Taarabt bagged 19 goals last season to lead Neil Warnock’s side to a Championship title and Premier League promotion.
It has been no secret that Taarabt has caused Warnock stress off the pitch, but Redknapp is fully aware of the player’s talents and is anticipating him to make an impact in their Premier League clash at the Lane.
The Spurs boss said: “He is a bit of a fruitcake but he’s got amazing ability.
“When he came here they called him the next Zidane. He isn’t in the same league as Zidane. He (Zidane) was a genius. But one day Taarabt could be up there, because he’s got that ability, and he could develop.
“He can play anywhere, he’s got that much talent, it’s just whether his head is right.”
Regarding selling Taarabt on, he added: “It was a difficult one really with Adel.
“I didn’t really want to get rid of him to be honest with you.
“I was scared to let him go because I always felt that he could come back and haunt you, or bite you.
“His skill is frightening, and he could be a great player. If his head’s right then he can be brilliant.
“Come Sunday I’m sure he’ll want to be brilliant again.”
