David Ginola

This wonderfully talented Spurs' winger had his best season in English football to date in 1998-99, which was underlined with his capturing of both the Football Writers and PFA "Player of the Year" awards, along with selection for the PFA award-winning Premiership side, replicating the achievement of a few very special players. Unlike Clive Allen, who also achieved those honours while at Spurs, David was rewarded not for the quantity of goals scored but for the way in which he took his goals, his spectacular first touch, but mostly his breathtaking skill and pace when out on the flanks, attacking opponents' goals. Creating more goals than he scored, he will undoubtedly be remembered for his stunning 25-yard drive in the FA Cup fifth round replay victory over Leeds, and his exquisite individual effort in the 1-0 defeat of Barnsley in the quarter finals of the same competition. Adored by the White Hart Lane crowd, and grudgingly respected by away crowds alike, the Frenchman came back from the disappointment of not being selected to represent his country in the World Cup, to prove to even his fiercest of critics that he is one of the greatest players in his position in the world. Although appearing enigmatic, he shook off his label of lacking commitment to establish himself as the most exciting player in the Premiership and, most importantly, to prove his value to George Graham, who many had expected would make David his first casualty in the bid to build a title-challenging side. Rewarded when receiving a new three-year deal at the club, which rightly puts him in the ranks of the Premiership's highest earners, he promises more of the same to the Tottenham faithful this season, and relishes the opportunity to have his brilliance measured against the best in Europe. David has not quite reached the heights of his Player of the Year performances of last season but he remains Tottenham's most creative player. He has started in most matches although he does tend to be replaced before the end. David has not found the net as often as he would have liked but still managed a goal of the month effort in the game with Watford. As well as his football, David has also been involved in adverts and recently appeared in a celebrity "Stars in their Eyes" as Sacha Distel.

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