Tottenham Under-18 ace Yusuf Akhamrich makes his mark despite defeat
Tottenham Under-18 star Yusuf Akhamrich could leave the pitch with his head held high despite defeat for his team on Saturday 10 February.
It has been a positive season for Stuart Lewis’ side, but they weren’t at their best against Leicester City Under-18s as the Foxes left North London with three points after a 4-3 victory at Hotspur Way.
It leaves Spurs second in the Under-18 Premier League South, level on 31 points with West Ham Under-18s, although their London rivals boast two games in hand which could prove decisive in the title race.
Heading into the contest Leicester City were 18 points behind their hosts, which makes the result that bit more shocking.
While the outcome wasn’t a favourable one for Spurs, it was arguably one of the more memorable afternoons of the season for Akhamrich on a personal level, and his performance would have caught the attention of Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou has a new star to keep an eye on at Tottenham
Akhamrich has started 10 matches in the league for Spurs this season, while he has also featured in the FA Youth Cup.
He has therefore been a consistent feature in the side but saved his most impressive contribution for his cameo appearance against Leicester.
After the visitors had raced into a 4-1 lead, the second-half substitute inspired a late rally from the hosts.
His two goals in the dying moments of the match saw Spurs go close to claiming an unlikely point late on and demonstrated the mental strength of the 18-year-old.
It takes his tally in the league to five, with one assist to add to that, and is perhaps the spark which will see the versatile youngster really push on.
Akhamrich has operated as a left-winger, right-winger, attacking midfielder and left-back this season, and his ability to play all over the pitch will be an added bonus for Postecoglou.
The Australian will be watching on with keen interest between now and the end of the season as the club’s youngsters look to pip West Ham to the title, and Akhamrich will be doing all he can to make a difference.
In other Tottenham news, another 18-year-old with “great potential” can shine under Postecoglou next season.
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