Tottenham centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is possibly one of the best English defenders of his generation.
However despite having tremendous ability he has never had a proper chance to prove himself because of injury setbacks.
Last Chance
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports: “It’s so sad for Jonathan; he’s such a good player and a great lad as well.
“He’s been all round the world really, trying to find a cure for this groin problem.
“He’s seen two specialists and he’s going to get one more opinion, but they seem to be of the opinion that the only chance is an operation.
It really would be terrible news for the former-Leeds star if he had to retire and it would also be a waste of undoubted talent. If he had had a career without injury he would surely have became a regular at international level.
Competition
Without so many injuries Woodgate would be competing with the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand for a berth in the centre of England’s defence. However he has spent a major chunk of his career sitting in the treatment room.
At 30 years of age he should have played far more games than he has but endured more injury misery than anybody deserves. In 12 years Woodgate has made just over 200 appearances in senior club football and just eight appearances for England.
Spain
His enormous potential even prompted Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid to sign him. He made just nine appearances for Los Blancos and in 2007 was voted the worst signing of the 21st century by the clubs fans.
That award was harsh on a player who made a bright start to his Real career. The move Real Madrid showed that he was highly-rated. The club could have moved to sign a less injury-prone player but instead they took a gamble on Woodgate, which unfortunately didn’t pay off.
Out In The Cold
With Tottenham having to name a 25 man squad on 1st September Woodgate could find himself out in the cold. Although Harry Redknapp has stated his admiration for the 30 year-old he looks set to leave him out of this season’s squad.
He can’t afford to select Woodgate as he doesn’t know when or even if he will be able to play again. Tottenham would lose an outstanding player; it’s just a shame that Spurs fans haven’t seen as much of the defender as they would have liked to.
Tottenham seem to like injury-prone defenders with fellow-England international Ledley King always occupying the treatment room with his dodgy knee. It’s a sad state of affairs that two such good players struggle with injury and some far less talented players get to play every week in week out.
Pessimistic
Maybe I am just a pessimist but I don’t think we will ever see Jonathan Woodgate on a football field again. It’s always sad to see a quality player have to retire before his time but sometimes players have to take the best decision for their health.
The sad passing of 31 year-old Exeter striker Adam Stansfield a few weeks ago showed that there is more to life than football. I’m sure Jonathan would have a number of options if he did have to retire and he would retire knowing he has given his best for the teams he has played for.
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