Ange Postecoglou has one for the future as Tottenham Under-18 star Damola Ajayi signs first professional deal
Tottenham Under-18s ace Damola Ajayi has been rewarded for his bright form over the past two seasons by penning his first professional contract with the club.
Things couldn’t be going much better for Spurs’ academy at this moment in time.
Both the Under-21s and Under-18s are top of their respective decisions, while the latter are also through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
It has been a refreshing change of pace after a few uneventful years among the younger age groups at Hotspur Way.
Plenty of talent is beginning to emerge from within the club, with Under-21 striker Jamie Donley getting his first senior minutes in Spurs colours this season while 16-year-old Mikey Moore excels for the Under-18s.
One player who perhaps won’t be on the radar of as many supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although he certainly deserves to be, is right winger Ajayi.
The 18-year-old has been in fine form this season, and he has been rewarded for this after it was announced (Tottenham Hotspur Official Website, 18 January) that he had signed his first professional deal with the club.
Last season Ajayi was part of the squad that memorably won the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup double, while he also scored six times and provided two assists in the Under-18 Premier League South. The forward’s development has progressed well, and he has stepped up with his performances so far this season.
Ajayi already has five goals and two assists in Under-18 league competition this season, while he also got himself on the scoresheet in Spurs’ 5-1 victory away at Brentford Under-18s in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (5 December).
Where he made six appearances for the Under-21s in Premier League 2 last season without a goal contribution, he already has one goal and two assists at that level in just two outings this term.
All the signs point toward a player who is ready to step up, and a player who Ange Postecoglou will be a big fan of.
The Australian enjoys utilising forwards across his front three who are versatile and can slot into various positions, something Ajayi has done this season, featuring predominantly on his preferred position on the right-hand side, but also slotting in at centre-forward at times.
Ajayi only recently turned 18, and if he continues to perform at this level, the future certainly looks bright for the youngster.
In other Tottenham news, one Spurs expert believes a promotion is on the cards for another Under-18 ace at the club.
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