The Dinamo Tbilisi Players Tottenham Must Shut Down

It may be seen as a mismatch on paper, but Tottenham’s Europa League opponents could give Andre Villas-Boas’ men plenty of headaches tomorrow night.

Dinamo Tbilisi’s glory days during the 1980’s are a distant memory, but there have been signs in recent years that a revival is well and truly underway.

Manager Dusan Uhrin Jr. has transformed a team that was severely lacking direction and brought back an exciting attacking mentality that saw the club win their first domestic double since 2009.

A mixture of Georgian and quality foreign players could make it an uncomfortable night for their top quality opposition.

Here are five names to watch.

5. Giorgi Loria, Goalkeeper

Giorgi Loria could be the busiest man on the pitch if many pundits predictions are to be believed.

But the club captain and current Georgia number one could provide a fine foil for Spurs, should they try and test the number one early in the game.

At nearly 6'6", Loria is an imposing figure both on and off the pitch and is widely respected in the dressing room.

During last September’s World Cup qualifier with Spain, the 27-year-old was in inspired form and almost single-handedly helped his country to a famous draw, eventually going down 1-0.

Roberto Soldado will have to show a lot more than he did against Crystal Palace if he is to beat this giant.

4. Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora, Defender

Ustatritz (first name is used for obvious reasons) is an experienced Spanish centre-back who has been an excellent acquisition.

The 30-year-old was never given a real chance to show his assets in La Liga during his spell with Athletic Bilbao, only featuring in 103 games over seven years.

He was certainly seen as more of squad player, but he appeared in plenty of Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup games during that span.

After being loaned out to Real Betis, Ustaritz left his contract by mutual consent and was picked up the following season by Tbilisi.

He is a class above many of his fellow teammates and reads the game very well under pressure.

However, his one weakness is lack of pace which could be a major problem should Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe be given starts.

3. Giorgi Merebashvili, Midfielder

Tbilisi will be looking for their attacking winger to provide the majority of the impetus going forward.

Merebashvili is gifted with pace and has an excellent scoring record for the club during his two spells with the team.

The Georgian international left to join Serbian side Vojvodina in 2010 but was back just two seasons later and wasted no time making his mark, scoring an impressive 19 goals in just 58 games since his return.

Still waiting for his first goal at international level, the 27-year-old will be given a free role by Uhrin Jr. Don’t be surprised if you’re hearing more about this player after the final whistle.

2. Xisco, Striker

Every good club needs a veteran striker and Xisco is as good as they come.

Vastly experienced at club level, the former Spain youth international has a prolific scoring record since joining the team from Levante in 2011.

Having started his promising career with Valencia, the striker signed a huge six-year-deal with Real Betis but struggled to make the impact many thought he make.

He made more consistent starts with Levante but it’s in Georgia where his goal scoring exploits have really hit the headlines.

The 32-year-old scored a career best 22 goals in last years competition and was integral to Tbilisi’s domestic double.

Having won the La Liga title, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super cup with Valencia, Xisco has the ability to hurt Spurs, should Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul lose concentration.

1. Jaba Dvali, Striker

He may look 10 years older than he is, but write-off Jaba Dvali at your peril.

The 28-year-old may not have international experience others have, but his scoring record in Georgia is superb.

Dvali is another player who is in his second spell with the club after moving from FC Zestafoni last season.

Goals follow the striker wherever he goes, and with a career average of a goal every two games he will represent the Tbilisi’s attacking threat on the night.

Look for Dvali to work just off Xisco, making late runs into the box—don’t give him space.

Spurs, you have been warned!