Josh Onomah explains why he struggled to make the breakthrough at Spurs

Josh Onomah has admitted that he did not have the mentality required as a young player to make an impact at the highest level.

The Spurs academy graduate was very highly thought of in North London and on the back of his impressive cameos for the first-team and his performances for England Under-21s, he was expected to follow in the footsteps of Harry Kane and Harry Winks.

However, the 23-year-old never quite managed to live up to his talent at Tottenham and after a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa last season, Spurs decided to sell him to Fulham as a part of the Ryan Sessegnon deal.

Onomah has been in excellent form since his move to Craven Cottage and has been a crucial part of Fulham’s quest for promotion.

The midfielder’s brilliant solo effort in the first leg of the play-off semi-final win over Cardiff City resulted in some Spurs fans questioning if the club were too hasty in moving him on.

Onomah has now admitted that he did not put in the hard work he needed to as a youngster due to the natural ability he possessed.

When asked why he struggled to make a breakthrough, he told Sky Sports (30/07/20 at 7:20 pm): “I would say mentality, really. I was someone who didn’t have to work hard as a youth. I was naturally blessed and I trusted my ability.

“It sort of caught up with me and when I was out on loan. I had a few injuries. I thought that played a part aswell.

“But I believe everything happens for a reason and I am thankful for everything that has happened and I have just got to take my chance now.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given how knee-jerk some Spurs fans can be with their reactions on social media, I knew as soon as Onomah scored that brilliant goal against Cardiff that some fans would be having a go at the club for selling the 23-year-old last summer.

From the outside looking in, it seemed like Mauricio Pochettino rated Onomah quite highly. Perhaps the Argentine did not think the midfielder had the discipline and the work ethic needed to deserve first-team opportunities. Only time will tell if selling him was the right or the wrong decision.

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