Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou must reward Yago Santiago after what Under-21 ace did on Saturday
Tottenham Under-21 sensation Yago Santiago continues to prove that he is ready to step up to first-team football, and it is time for Ange Postecoglou to respond.
Just days after he sent Postecoglou a “cheeky” message in Spurs’ 3-1 Premier League Cup quarter-final victory over Aston Villa (2 April), Santiago was at it once again for the Under-21s.
Despite a frustrating afternoon for Spurs, who let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2 with Reading’s Under-21s at Hotspur Way (6 April), Santiago was still able to demonstrate his attacking quality.
It was 2-0 to the hosts after just 20 minutes, with the Spaniard influential in both goals as he got himself on the score sheet and provided an assist.
With 11 minutes on the clock, the 20-year-old was on hand to head home Jamie Donley’s delivery into the box from a corner, and nine minutes later he embarked on an impressive run of his own down the left before delivering a low cross into the box which the in-form Will Lankshear converted with a diving header.
Santiago also saw his free-kick strike the crossbar, and although the Royals, who had been reduced to 10 men for much of the second half, were able to snatch a late point, the winger will feel as if there wasn’t much more he could have done.
Ange Postecoglou must hand Yago Santiago a first-team opportunity at Tottenham
Santiago is clearly too good for the level he is currently playing at.
With eight Premier League matches left to go, Postecoglou must try and get the forward involved in a matchday squad at some point between now and the end of the season.
And when the summer comes around, a long-term decision will need to be made.
Santiago is yet to make a senior appearance despite having already celebrated his 20th birthday, and Spurs must ensure he gets that opportunity next season, whether it be in North London or through a loan spell.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs have been told to cut ties with one first-team player after a Fabrizio Romano update emerged.
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