Aaron vs. Andros: Has Townsend’s rise left Lennon out of Spurs picture?

Andros Townsend celebrates after scoring during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group H match between England and Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on October 11, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

After missing 11 games with foot injury suffered on the opening weekend of the season at Crystal Palace, Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has finally returned to training. “I’m extremely happy,” a delighted Andre Villas-Boas told the club’s official website. “It’s been a long time out for a player of Aaron’s importance and the team is delighted with his return. He’s proved year after year how important he is for us and to have him back is a major plus.”

Lennon will train during the international break with a view to possibly making an appearance versus Aston Villa on October 20th. “Let’s see how he works on the international break,” the Spurs manager added. “Azza has kept his fitness very high with our medical department.” But should Lennon just waltz his way back into the starting line-up? If so, in place of whom?

Andros Townsend has been his replacement in the line-up so far, with Erik Lamela still being eased into things following his big-money summer arrival. In truth, the 22-year-old Englishman has done a fine job taking up where Lennon left off, thus making it difficult for Villas-Boas to just drop him.

Townsend is currently Spurs’ joint third-best performer this season according to Squawka’s Performance Score rating, earning 207 points. He has maintained the level of pace on the right flank associated with Lennon, but he has also brought some variation to Spurs’ attack, doing more than just beating his full-back, pushing towards the byline, and crossing into the box.

Given he is left-footed, he often cuts inside onto his stronger foot to either link up with the likes of Paulinho,Christian Eriksen, and Roberto Soldado or have a long-range shot at goal.

Andros Townsend in front of goal this season

Areas in which Townsend has created chances so far this season

He has created an average of 1.5 chances per game so far this season, most of which have come from a central position. He has also attempted an average of 2.6 shots per game, with half of his efforts troubling the goalkeeper, though if his placement was better, he would’ve notched at least one goal.

Lennon in front of goal in 2012/13

Areas in which Lennon created chances in 2012/13

Lennon, meanwhile, was actually Spurs’ second-highest creator last season, setting up 66 chances in his 34 appearances, claiming seven assists. His final delivery has been criticised much over the years, but has steadily improved. He only attempted an average of 0.5 shots per game, however. He is an out-and-out right winger, while Townsend is a hybrid of part-winger and part-inverted forward. That in mind, Townsend brings an element of unpredictability to the right flank, as opposed to Lennon who is expected to do one thing and one thing only.

Even so, the 26-year-old still proves very effective. But given Townsend’s impact in his absence, Lennon won’t be able to walk straight back into Villas-Boas’ starting line-up. In fact, given both players are different in terms of style, Villas-Boas actually has himself a nice mix of options for his right flank.

Football graphics and stats from Squawka.