Latest developments in Tottenham’s U21 clash against Exeter City in the EFL Trophy hint at a possible change in squad role for youngster Luca Williams‑Barnett.
Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luca Williams‑Barnett showed exactly what he was about during the club’s pre‑season summer camp.
The teenager was amongst those to have featured prominently, playing the 12th‑most minutes in pre‑season after getting 254 minutes under his belt.
This season, following the youngster’s pre‑season efforts, Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has looked to introduce him to first‑team football, with Williams‑Barnett featuring in Spurs’ Carabao Cup match against Charlton Athletic, coming off the bench in the final 12 minutes.
Tottenham youngster Luca Williams‑Barnett set for increased first‑team involvement
It now looks like the teenager is set for more involvement in and around the first team at Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs’ Under‑21s were in action against Exeter City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, and Williams‑Barnett was nowhere to be seen in the squad. In fact, this season the teenager has yet to feature for the Under‑21 side.
The last time he was left out of the Under‑21 squad was during the week Spurs played Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup, and Spurs Web reported that Williams‑Barnett’s absence was a hint he was going to be involved in the senior team’s cup game – which he was.
His lack of involvement in youth‑level games does hint that the teenager may well have been promoted to permanent first‑team involvement.
De Zerbi’s praise shows why Williams‑Barnett is being pushed forward
This hardly comes as a surprise, as De Zerbi was full of praise for Williams‑Barnett during Spurs’ pre‑season camp.
The Tottenham manager described the youngster as a “precious diamond” who needs to improve in his final decision‑making.
He said: “We have to manage him like a precious diamond. We have to help him to improve in the last decision. Physically, work harder to become stronger because this time of football, he needs to be strong, and to give him space when there is the right moment. I usually give time to all the young players I work with in my career, and he is a potential special player.”
Williams‑Barnett’s involvement with the first‑team squad would surely allow De Zerbi to improve and refine the youngster’s game.