From last summer, Tottenham have been crying out, if not desperately screaming out, for a new centre-back. A player to compliment Cristian Romero at the back and take our defence to the next level.
The links with Tapsoba and Van Der Ven had continued to play out in the most frustrating transfer pantomime of the summer (Standard) until a deal for the Dutchman now looks to be over the line, and have also confirmed the signing of Ashley Phillips, a player they have been interested in for a while.
He seems to be an impressive talent and his former manager Tony Mowbray described him in these terms (Standard): “He’s 6ft 4in, he’s fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he’s composed. Ash is just a phenomenal young boy. If you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.”
However, it needs to be stated categorically. We should not see Phillips in the first team this season – for numerous reasons.
Primarily, young players should be introduced to the first team when things are settled. Stability helps create an environment in which new players can thrive. Look how good Kevin Wimmer looked next to Toby or Jan, compared to his performances at Stoke.
At the moment, the personnel compromising Spurs’ backline for our first game against Brentford is an absolute lottery – at least until van den Ven is confirmed. Add an eighteen-year-old to that maelstrom and you’re asking for trouble. Once things are settled, then would be the time to introduce Phillips to the first team squad.
Secondly, we need to learn from our mistakes. Over recent years we have had two promising centre-backs emerge in Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon. It is fair to say that neither, especially Rodon, look close to starting in the first team any time soon.
When he burst on the scene, there was a lot to like about Tanganga, but his career has stalled – admittedly due to injury in part – but also due to lack of game time. He is now 24 and has made 27 Premier League appearances in the last four seasons (SofaScore).
It would have served him, and the club, so much better if we had sent him out on loan to learn his trade either to a lower-level Premier League club or to a side in the Championship.
When Oliver Skipp went on loan to Norwich it was the making of him and he came back ready for the Premier League, whether it will be with Tottenham long term or not remains to be seen, but he is definitely a Premier League player.
Loan Ashley Phillips out so he can actually thrive
If we could loan Phillips out, I am sure there will be multiple takers. However, it is essential that he plays week in and week out in a team that plays good football and are already settled.
It might seem a bold call, but even a club like Bolton or Portsmouth, who play possession football, would be a great education for the player (WhoScored).
Another benefit of a loan is the fact that he will not be playing academy football.
At the Queen Elizabeth Stadium last month, Spurs u21s played out a 0-0 draw with Enfield Town from the Isthmian League. It was clear from the first minute that in terms of touch and technique, the Tottenham players were far superior. Even in the way they moved, they were more graceful and elegant.
Yet they struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities. The nous and physicality of the Town players, negated the superior technique of the Spurs youngsters.
Indeed, in the second half, the Town striker Beckles-Richards gave the centre-backs a torrid time with his power and direct, clever running. You could see they were not used to playing football that way with grown men.
The best example for this argument is Dele Alli. By the time he was ready to play for Tottenham, he had amassed 88 games for MK Dons in League 1 (FotMob), meaning he was more rounded and ready for Premier League football. He had combined excellent technique with physicality and gameplay knowledge.
The signing of Phillips is a positive one. He is a player who appears to have a high ceiling, but it is essential that Tottenham ensure there is a positive pathway for him over the next few years to ensure he maximises his potential.
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