Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Josh Edwards

Wed 11 March 2026 19:40, UK

Igor Tudor can’t ignore Reiss Russell-Denny any longer at Tottenham Hotspur.

Though that remains dependent on whether or not he is still in a job come this weekend after yet another defeat.

Spurs were shockingly bad against Atletico Madrid, and while a lot of eyes are on the decisions made by Tudor, plenty of attention should be placed on the lack of quality offered by some of their so-called big-name players.

Randal Kolo Muani was shocking again for Tottenham, as was Mathys Tel, and their continued lack of impact simply needs to force Tudor into a decision with Russell-Denny, who has been thriving for Spurs’ Under-21s.

Reiss Russell-Denny could make Tottenham debut sooner than planned

At this stage, it seems almost impossible for Tudor to get fans on board with him, but one way to make positive progress towards that would be by doing what fans have been calling out for all season.

And that is in regard to their youth.

Tottenham’s senior players have faltered all season, while the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett and Russell-Denny have been thriving at the academy level.

Neither Tel nor Kolo Muani have had any positive impact under the Croatian, and if he has anything about him, he will realise that.

The North Londoners are lacking in the wide areas, but Russell-Denny has featured there frequently for their Under-21s, and with 10 goal contributions so far this season, he has been thriving.

Russell-Denny has two goals in his last three Premier League 2 appearances, and up until now, that form has been ignored by Tudor.

That has to end this weekend against Liverpool in some capacity.

What would Russell-Denny bring to Tottenham?

The first thing is a fresh mentality.

Tottenham’s struggles can be put down to a number of factors, but mentality is certainly right up there as the most damaged.

Russell-Denny will want to make his mark in North London, and he will bring that fearless attitude to a team that has been running scared all season.

But he has the quality to back it up as well, as showcased by the fact he has completed 17 dribbles in 16 Premier League 2 appearances; a stat bettered by only 1.9 per cent of players.

The teenager has created nine big chances this season, showcasing his ability to impact games in the final third, which has again been lacking.

Tudor can’t ignore him any longer, and if he does, he can kiss goodbye to his job.