View: Harvey White must put himself in shop window as Tottenham future hangs in balance
Harvey White has been an enigma at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years with the 21-year-old currently on loan at League One side Derby County.
White previously spent time on loan at Portsmouth during his first loan spell away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was a valuable experience, and, in fact, you could probably call his time at Fratton Park a success.
He featured regularly for Pompey under manager at the time, Danny Cowley, and managed to register a goal and an assist for the South Coast club. However, his time in the East Midlands hasn’t been as profitable. He hasn’t started a game since the Rams’ 2-0 loss to Peterborough on 25 March. Since then, White has been used sparingly as a substitute.
Unfortunately, Derby have gone on a six-game unbeaten run since his last start, winning three matches in the process. This run of form has propelled Paul Warne’s side to within touching distance of a playoff place, with their fate potentially sealed on Saturday if they can overcome White’s former employers Pompey at Pride Park.
There’s a golden chance for White to put himself in the shop window if the Rams can secure a top-six berth. All the playoff games are televised and that could allow the 21-year-old to show potential suitors what he’s all about.
He’s contracted to Spurs until the summer of 2024, so his next move is absolutely vital, and, unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his displays during his loan spell have been largely disappointing.
During Whites’ most recent start against Peterborough, he failed to make a significant impact in an attacking or defensive sense. According to Wyscout, he lost all of his aerial duels, only won 40 per cent of his defensive duels, failed with two sliding tackles, and lost possession nine times.
Things weren’t improved in an attacking sense either, with White failing to complete a successful dribble or cross. Furthermore, his passing was poor, with just four of his ten attempted passes to the final third reaching their intended target.
It’s understandable to see why Warne has taken the 21-year-old out of the firing line in recent games. It feels as if he’s not sure what his role is. Is he a creative midfielder? or is he a player who can break things up?
His half an hour cameo against Bristol Rovers was much improved, with his passing accuracy the big plus point. He managed 100 per cent pass accuracy and 100 per cent accuracy to the final third. Furthermore, he won all of his defensive duels.
The next couple of weeks could be huge for the Tottenham loanee. There’s a chance for White to break back into the starting eleven and be a mainstay in the Rams’ promotion push. If he can play a significant part, there’s a chance there could well be significant Championship interest.
The 2023/24 campaign will be the year we finally find out if the youngster has what it takes to be a first-team regular for Spurs.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs Women announce a new deal for defender Molly Bartrip