Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou must hand Jamie Donley opportunity after recent performances
Ange Postecoglou must hand Jamie Donley an opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot at Tottenham before the end of the season after his performances for the Under-21s.
Although there is a lot on the line for Spurs as they head into crucial stages, with Champions League football up for grabs, the chance to blood some of the younger talent could also present itself.
With five goals and 12 assists in 14 starts so far this season, the forward has proved his quality and has featured on the bench for the first team on more than one occasion – now is the time to hand him the opportunity. [Sofascore]
Jamie Donley deserves a first-team call-up for Tottenham
Given the form of Spurs’ forwards who have received heavy criticism for their inconsistency in front of goal, the 19-year-old has already proved his talent and could do so again in the senior side.
This Tottenham team in general has been unpredictable and inconsistent for most of the season, winning two, losing two and drawing one in their last five, including frustrating results against Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle.
The likes of Timo Werner, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson have all been criticised during that period and have struggled to find any sort of consistent form.
Donley, meanwhile, has been one of the standouts for the under-21 side who currently sit at the top of the PL2, with the forward scoring in the clash with Manchester United on 20 April.
Donley’s ability to play as a central striker and as a number ten behind the centre-forward should also tip the scale in his favour as he can fill in wherever required.
In his last seven appearances in all competitions for the under-21 side, Donley has recorded six goal contributions, scoring two goals and picking up three assists, as he continues to show he is a class above the level he is playing at.
On top of that, he has already been handed three senior appearances under Postecoglou, although averaging just one minute per game has not allowed him the chance to prove himself.
Should he be given that chance before the season ends, which his performances for the academy side have surely earned, he has all the attributes required to take the step up and prove himself to the boss as a future star.
In other Tottenham news, a new Champions League blow is on the cards after what Paul Merson said.
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