Loan deal for Mido nears completion

Last updated : 26 January 2005 By Alistair Murray

Mido is known for not taking being left out of the starting line-up lightly as has been the case at the Italian club this season, but he promises the same attitude won’t follow him to London.

"I will arrive at Tottenham with a different mentality," he says.

The former Ajax forward is already aware that the club he is joining, possesses a wealth of striking talent, but that has done nothing to hinder his desire to move to Spurs. He says he is already looking forward to pairing up with Jermain Defoe this season.

"I have heard marvellous things about Jermain Defoe. Alongside him I think I can do a lot of damage to opposition defences and drive them crazy. I think I am more than able to do well at Tottenham."

Defoe, scorer of ten goals so far in this campaign, agrees that the acquisition of Mido can only boost Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for Europe.

"It's good to have the competition for places because you know you have to play well in every game. That pushes you because there's always someone ready to take your shirt," he says.

Defoe, whose contract talks with Spurs will hopefully stave off interest shown by Chelsea, admits the prospect of playing in another club competition next season is particularly enticing at the moment.

"If Europe happens then it will be great because I've never played in it before. It will be a new thing for a lot of the lads. If we can qualify then I think it will really push the whole club forward. But right now I am content If I can keep scoring goals," he says.

Martin Jol is brimming with excitement at the prospect of Mido teaming up with Defoe, Fredi Kanoute and Robbie Keane in the Spurs forward line.

"We will have four of the best strikers in Europe," says the Tottenham coach.

"People say many things about Mido but they never seem to talk about his goals. His strike rate is fantastic. He has the potential to be one of the best young strikers in Europe. He scores a goal every two games," Jol adds.

The Tottenham coach admits he doesn’t know Mido personally, but he does have assurance from those who do, that the player won’t undermine the spirit among Tottenham’s squad of players.

"When I speak to other people, for example Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Mido's former Ajax teammate), he tells me 'Mido is my friend - the thing is you have to be honest with him,’" he says.

Among the Tottenham players that Mido knows already are Nourredine Naybet and Kanoute from their involvement in African competitions. He was also teammates with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba at Marseilles.

"I do not know much about London so this is an adventure and I am looking forward to it. My role is to help Tottenham qualify for European competition," says the striker.

Tottenham’s record of two goals in their last three games, both against Brighton in the FA Cup third round, saw the forwards fire blanks in tough back-to-back Premiership meetings with Manchester United and Chelsea.

Martin Jol’s side hopes to get back to winning ways, beginning at Crystal Palace this weekend.