Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 12 March 2026 12:10, UK

While everything else at Tottenham Hotspur is falling to pieces, academy sensation Jun’ai Byfield is continuing to quietly impress away from the spotlight.

Byfield has been tipped to become a future Spurs captain and will undoubtedly enjoy a bright future, with the defender having already forced his way into the first-team picture.

He signed his first professional contract with the North London club in December after turning 17 and has balanced his senior duties with turning out for the Under-21s.

But with rebel captain Cristian Romero reportedly on the chopping block this summer, Byfield could find himself thrust into the firing line earlier than he would have expected.

What has Jun’ai Byfield done this season?

The talented 17-year-old was previously described as “the best defender of his age in the country” by Spurs youth expert Lilywhite Rose, and is certainly living up to that billing.

So much so that Thomas Frank opted to call on him during Tottenham’s 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on January 20.

Byfield played the final 30 minutes and didn’t put a foot wrong, his crowning glory after putting pen to paper on his professional deal in N17.

He had also trained with the first-team under Ange Postecoglou and impressed the coaching staff with his imposing performances and superb athleticism.

Crucially, Byfield is comfortable in possession, a welcome balance to his menace in the air.

It is somewhat surprising, then, that he hasn’t played for the senior side since appearing for a one-minute cameo late on in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on February 1.

Any hope that he would be given more opportunities, especially given Spurs’ injury woes and suspension headaches, has fallen on deaf ears under Igor Tudor.

Indeed, he hasn’t made a single matchday squad under the Croat – a bitter disappointment.

Cristian Romero can learn from Byfield

Spurs’ most experienced players have let themselves down time and again this season, and Romero, who has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, is not exempt.

In contrast, Byfield has remained grounded away from the spotlight, performing week in, week out while demonstrating a superb attitude and willingness to learn.

The youngster has got on with the job quietly and professionally, and Tottenham could certainly do with more players cut from the same cloth as part of a cultural reboot.

Romero could fall victim to this dressing room clear-out, with Spurs perhaps tempted to cash in in light of his stinging comments on the board’s lack of direction.

The fact that he is also on the brink of his fifth different suspension this season is nothing short of unforgivable, and warnings over his conduct haven’t had the desired effect.

So, Byfield is one for the future, but in the here and now, Romero should follow his example.