Luka Vuskovic has made some interesting comments about his decision to join Hamburg on loan, amidst suggestions that Tottenham may recall the centre-back.
The Croat has had a substantial rise over the last two years, and in light of his impressive showing in pre-season, some Spurs fans may have been hoping that he stays and fights for a first-team place.
Instead, Tottenham allowed Hamburg to complete a season-long loan signing for Vuskovic, who has taken to the Bundesliga like a duck to water.
In light of his outstanding performances for HSV, there have even been suggestions that Spurs could recall Vuskovic from his loan spell in January, but the centre-back is in no hurry to make his mark at the highest level.
Luka Vuskovic explains why he left Tottenham on loan
The 18-year-old has now revealed that Spurs have a clear roadmap for his development and that he is in no hurry to force himself into Thomas Frank’s starting eleven just yet.
The Croat suggested that he would have had to warm the bench had he decided to remain at N17 this season.
Vuskovic told Sportske Novosti: “I’m not impatient. I know that as a very young player, a lot of good things have already happened to me, from the transfer to Tottenham to playing for the national team, but that’s not what made me so excited.
“I’m satisfied with my positions so far, I repeat, I’ve played everywhere and that’s a sign to me that I’m doing well and that the coaches recognise my effort and quality.
“It’s more important for Tottenham that I play than to sit on the bench, and that’s a good decision for me, because I’m aware that the club is very well covered in those positions and that I wouldn’t have much playing time there.
“Therefore, there’s no reason for any disappointment. I’m 18 years old, Tottenham has shown that they have a clear vision for me, and I’m a standard first-team player in a strong Bundesliga team.”
Could Spurs realistically recall Vuskovic in January?
According to reports, Tottenham would have to lose two of their centre-backs to serious injuries to be able to recall Vuskovic, as per a clause in the loan agreement.
Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa is confident that Spurs will not recall Vuskovic before the end of the season, revealing that he is in constant contact with the North London club about the defender.
In fact, the Hamburg director even opened the door for Vuskovic to stay beyond the end of the season, although he admitted that it is too early to discuss the possibility.