When Tottenham sold Michael Dawson to Hull, I was in two minds over the merits of the decision.
The former Nottingham Forest centre-half was the club’s captain and defensive talisman through a period of progression and led by example on the pitch.
Dawson returned to White Hart Lane with the Tigers on Wednesday night and his diving block to stop a Harry Kane shot in the second half typified his performances in a Spurs shirt for so many years.
However, with Tottenham having evolved into a different and more-sophisticated beast under Mauricio Pochettino, the reasons that the Englishman was allowed to leave became clear in the 3-0 Spurs win.
Dawson’s lack of pace was always an issue, but looking at the current incumbents of the North London centre-half positions shows a gap in quality.
Jan Vertonghen has been in talismanic form this season and his pass to set Danny Rose up for the Spurs opener was exemplary.
With Toby Alderweireld equally as refined and astute in his reading of the game and distribution, it is hard to imagine a Tottenham team with Dawson in it flying as high as they have been over the last 18 months.
Thank you Michael Dawson for your role in the Spurs team’s evolution to it’s current status. Your dedication and commitment were an inspiration – but times have changed.