Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour is usually a good indication of who Pochettino is looking at in the academy to make a step up next season.
The Argentine always seems to like to promote on or two in each season, as well as pushing on those who have already been playing bit-part roles.
Let’s take a look at the five academy graduates and starlets who Poch seems to have his eye on:
Kyle Walker-Peters –
In truth, KWP has been around the first team for a couple of seasons now, but you still would not regard him as a regular by a long shot. He only made three Prem appearances in the 2017/18 season, followed by six last time out (Wikipedia). However, with back-to-back starts in pre-season, Trippier sold, Aurier not yet in training, and Juan Foyth banned for the first two Prem games, Walker-Peters seems to be Poch’s man at the moment. He has looked comfortable, but clearly still has a lot to learn.
Oliver Skipp –
Made his breakthrough last season and Poch already seems to have a lot of trust in the 18-year-old. Wise well beyond his years, Skipp made six Prem appearances last season, not a bad return for a teenager. He has also featured heavily and performed well in pre-season, hinting that he may be handed a slightly bigger role this year. With Wanyama not yet in training and Dier injured, perhaps he will get his chance sooner rather than later.
Japhet Tanganga –
Started the game against Juve and looked class alongside Alderweireld. Started again today and lasted 70 minutes, far longer than most. For a 20-year-old making his breakthrough into the first-team set-up, Tanganga looks remarkably controlled, calm, and consistent. I can see why Pochettino likes him, and with Jan and Toby having just one year left on their contracts, he could be promoted this year.
Troy Parrott –
My favourite to make the leap from academy to first-team this season. With Llorente out of contract and Janssen sold, there is currently no out-and-out striker back-up to Harry Kane at Spurs. Parrott has started back-to-back pre-season matches and has impressed in each of them, even setting up Lamela’s goal against Juve. I would be surprised if he doesn’t make a few appearances in the Prem this season.
Anthony Georgiou –
While Poch has started Georgiou twice in pre-season and the Cypriot has played more minutes than most, I can’t help but feel it is more through circumstance. I haven’t been that impressed with the makeshift left-back, and I feel that if Rose, Davies, or even a new player like Sessegnon was on the tour, Georgiou would barely have featured. However, Poch could keep him around as a back-up option for this season.
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