Tottenham youth players to get their ‘chance’ under Ange Postecoglou as ‘vital’ admission is made – Expert
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
John Wenham believes more of the Tottenham youth players will be given a chance under Ange Postecoglou and the academy’s style of play could help them to make an “effective transition”.
Spurs’ youth teams are flying high this season, with both the Under-21s and Under-18s sides top of their respective divisions.
Plenty of players within the Under-21s set-up in particular have been performing well and knocking on Postecoglou’s door.
Wenham believes that those players could soon get their opportunity and that the style of play within the academy could allow them to make a quick transition into the first-team picture.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “We now have a manager that actually believes in the youth and will give them a chance.
“We have seen a lot of academy players named on the bench in recent weeks, such as the likes of Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington, and Ashley Phillips. They haven’t got on to the pitch, but that’s fine.
“I think it’s all just part of the experience and it is all about normalising bringing academy players into the first team squad.
“It is really important that the Under-21 and Under-18 teams play the same style as the first team so that if those players are called upon, they know exactly what to do and how to play.
“In the Under-21s’ most recent game, the 2-0 win against Peterborough United Under-21s in the Premier League Cup, one of the two goals came from the central defender Dorrington pushing high up the pitch and winning the ball back.
“That high press is vital because that is what those players will be doing in the first team, so it is important that they get used to playing in that way in order to make an effective transition.”
In other Tottenham news, pundit Paul Robinson believes Postecoglou has earned the backing of the Tottenham board ahead of January.