Ryan Mason has been discussing the idea of giving Tottenham Hotspur academy prospects a chance in the first team, and told the press that the opportunities cannot be rushed.
Historically speaking, the club has been a hub of exciting young talent progressing to the first team. In the past, players like Ledley King, Danny Rose, and even Mason himself have come through from the club’s academy.
More recently, first-team regulars Harry Kane and Oliver Skipp have proven the conveyor belt of talent at Tottenham is still strong.
However, in the last couple of years, very few players have made their way to the Spurs first team.
Prospects such as Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett, and Alfie Devine have shown promise, but are yet to make a real impact on the senior side.
A recent report from The Athletic suggested talent in Tottenham’s academy is not being nurtured in an effective manner.
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Just this week, one of the brightest stars in the youth side, Romaine Mundle, has been linked with a move away from the club (Fabrizio Romano).
When asked about the progression line for young talent at the club, Mason told Football.London: “First of all you have to be good enough.
“That’s a challenge to any of our academy players. It is a big step up to the first team and we want them to aspire to that. We need academy players.
“We see it now, we’ve got Harry Kane, we’ve got Skippy, we’ve got others in the squad that are helping. I understand and the club certainly understand the value in that.
“It’s not as easy as just giving them the opportunity. We are hopeful and I am hopeful that if we work in the way that we want to, and if we have consistency in that, then maybe we will start to see that a little bit more.”
On the recent news that academy players may be moving on, Mason added: “I made my Premier League debut at 23 and my dream and aspiration was to play for Tottenham Hotspur.
“That never wavered. I never thought about leaving.
“The most important thing for our academy players is to feel like they’re part of the club and they want to be here.
“If they want to be here then great we can work with them, improve them and hopefully help them have careers in the game. Ultimately though if players don’t want to be at the club, that’s their decision.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I do get what Mason is saying, but is there ever really a good time to give a young player a chance in the first team?
There is always something to play for, but I think we have to take a risk sometimes and let the academy players show us what they can do.
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