Tottenham Hotspur: 3 Players Who Left the White Hart Lane at the Right Time

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The earth has had time to cool since the closing of the summer transfer window, and football fans can now sit back and witness the results of the summer market. When the window is closed, completed transfers are scrutinized, players are criticized for either staying or going, and "almost" transfers are given a big "what if." This is one such article.

It's common knowledge that Tottenham had an excess of fringe players that were reportedly tying up wages for some "big name" signings. I'm not going to discuss the "big name," or lack thereof, depending on individual opinions.

I am here to talk about some Spurs players, or former Spurs players, that left the Lane at the right time.

Peter Crouch

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Peter Crouch definitely enjoyed some success at White Hart Lane. The lanky front man has a particular niche that he must try and fill for any team he plays for. During the last two seasons in North London, a viable option for the Spurs attack was to find their giant target man. Times change and strategies evolve, and I think Crouch lived out his usefulness for Spurs. In the pursuit of Champions League qualification, Tottenham has reached the time when they can bid farewell to the towering Englishman.

On a personal level, players often need some change to foster their own improvement. A move to Stoke City seems just right for Mr. Crouch. He can enjoy a change of scenery and settle in as the target man for yet another Premier League team.

Robbie Keane

Harry How/Getty Images

Robbie Keane enjoyed legend status at White Hart Lane for a long time, but recently it's been hard for him to get a game. Even a loan spell at West Ham couldn't produce the goods. Keano's time in the Premier League could be about done, and now he's off to America.

Life in LA is surely different for a footballer than any major city in Europe. Keane now plies his trade in Southern California with the LA Galaxy and is coiled, ready to make an impact and, hopefully, lead the Galaxy to an MLS Cup. 

I think Keane will do well in the MLS and, after he settles in, will be a regular goal scorer for the Galaxy.

Wilson Palacios

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Wilson Palacios was a regular at Spurs as a defensive midfielder. Tottenham have an excess in the midfield position, including a couple players who could be considered defenders or forwards but are officially classed as midfielders. In addition to Sandro, despite his recent injury, and the signing of Scott Parker, Tottenham have a versatile and numerous midfield that could use some thinning. Palacios fell victim to this thinning and will enjoy more success because of it.

Stoke City is his new team, along with former Spurs teammate Peter Crouch. He has the unique opportunity to make an immediate impact at Stoke City as a holding midfielder that most Premier League teams would like to add to their roster. Spurs would, I'm sure, love to wish Palacios good luck with Stoke and all the best to the Honduran.