What's new

The Spurs Youth Thread - 2017/2018

Cornpattbuck

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2013
6,873
15,942
Best I’ve seen him look this season. The penalty he got is perfect example of ability running at a packed defence. His a bit of a cross between dele/eriksen in that regard. As an out and out dribbler just running at people there’s a strong argument he’s better than anyone in 1st xi.

Shashoua was better today, I thought. Excited to have them both pushing forward though.
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
Over marked Paris under marked Skipp & Marsh

Tbf to Paris, I was going to point out this is the best perofrmance I've seen from him this season easiliy. He looked really good at 16s but just haven't seen it this year. Led to him being dropped for England but I think he really looked the part today. Not a 9 but I'm very pleased with him today and hope he has more games like that. He will be back with England soon enough.

Brilliant.

Questions for you youth lords:

- Maghoma - He looks a really developed for 16. Looks to have some great technique. What's the outlook there?

- Sterling - Any chance he gets a call up? I for one think we need a runner behind Kane, not a target man. Would an odd chance here and there be out of the question? Seems to be a cool finisher and maybe a late bloomer like Kane?

I think Maghoma is a talented player. He has a lot going for him, he can make things look really effortless, has nifty footwork, strong, isn't afraid to make the hard passes and he can also take a good freekick. As above he hasn't played that well for the u18s this year, so in that respect he is having a similar first year to TOB when I expected more but no better time to perform in UYL against Dortmund.

I also find it somewhat hard to judge strikers, so much of their game is dependent on others. His workrate is his outstanding quality. He can get off a good snap shot and is strong and quick. He;s not Kane at that age, but it's hard to know how he'd really do until he played. Instinct tells me he won't make it with us as I think his all round game play probably needs to improve but I think with the qualities above he stands a decent chance
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
is it fair to say almost all of the players who played today could have premiership careers? It looked that way to me.

This a million times over. I must sound like a broken record but there are so many players in this age group, that if they came through in other age groups, they'd be the best or one of the best in that team. But together it's hard to pick a standout.

I think bar Marsh maybe atm, if the whole of the starting 11 were scattered in other PL teams academies I could see them all being the best players and getting a chance and being PL players. Here though we'd be lucky to see one come through. When you consider Roles, Bennetts, Hinds, TOB, Tsaroulla all didn't start or were missing,there is so much depth here. Even Duncan might stand a chance (what's happened to him, anyone?)

Also I think Skipp handles Sancho brilliantly. Considering I've seen Sancho skin many a player, Skipp kept nicking the ball of him and Lyons-Foster is really showing his quality. Tanganga I also though had an excellent game, as well as Brown, who I'm happy to see back. Let's hope at least one or maybe more come through for us. Preferably Edwards but I'd be happy with any.
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...r-hopes-produce-Tottenham-stars-tomorrow.html

Scott Parker hopes to produce Tottenham stars of tomorrow after returning as Under 18 coach: 'I have a responsibility for these boys... how far I can push them. It's like parenting'


Scott Parker only gets wistful when he sits in the stands watching a big game. Like when he is watching a young Tottenham team built around English talent outplay Real Madrid at Wembley in the Champions League.

‘Yeh I would like to have played in that...’ he smiled.

Parker retired in the summer after two decades with Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham, Fulham and England. He is back at Spurs now, working as an academy coach with the Under 18s.

Only 37, he got the taste for coaching during two seasons playing for Spurs between 2011 and 2013. Back then he came across a young midfielder called Harry Winks.

‘If I was young and in the stands that night at Wembley I would see Harry as an inspiration,’ said Parker.

‘Young academy boys should think: “That could be me...” I remember seeing him and working with the youth team a couple of times.

‘He was special but he has since ticked all the other boxes, too. That’s important. Hard work, graft and understanding of real life. You need to make an impression and Harry has.’

Parker played when English football was not short of talented midfield players. Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Joe Cole.

It is interesting, then, to hear his take on the skill levels of those players coming through the system now.

With England having recently won World Cups at Under 20 and Under 17 level, does he believe we are now producing better players at last? ‘Oh without a doubt,’ he said.

‘What these boys can do and are being taught...they are miles ahead of anything I was asked for. If you ask those other guys you just mentioned they would all say the same. Miles ahead of us.

‘Technically they are superb. We can still improve their understanding of the game but in terms of pure ability it’s unrecognisable. When I was growing up, the keeper just put the ball down and booted it. Same with the defenders.

‘Now they all play out from the back like that Spain team we all fell in love with. We have caught up.’

Parker lives an hour’s drive from Tottenham’s training ground with his wife Carly and four sons. He often spends that drive mulling over his treatment of the young players in his charge.

‘In that car a million things are in my head,’ he said. I have a responsibility to these young boys, working out the boundaries and how far I can push them. It’s like parenting.

‘This is an elite environment and I think I know what it takes to succeed at a top, top club.

‘But the demands on these boys are high so I am constantly thinking: “Have I pushed it too far or not enough?”.

‘As a player you come in, the coach tells you what to do and you either do it or you don’t and just get on with it. As a coach it’s very different...’

Parker was 16 when he made his debut for Charlton. As a trainee he cleaned boots and swept terraces. He remains close to his first manager Alan Curbishley but admits now that he was once ‘scared’ of him.

‘My introduction to professional football was hard, ruthless,’ he said. But it set me up for my career. It was tough but it was right.

‘At Charlton I cleaned Clive Mendonca’s boots. Remember him? Good player...and a good tipper at Christmas. Happy days.’ The life of a young footballer is different now and as we talk this develops in to a theme.

Parker was insecure as a player and worries that today’s youngsters are too readily encouraged to buy in to the image of life as a footballer that they are not yet ready for. It is this, rather than levels of ability, that he identifies as the biggest potential handicap.

‘Do all the boys really understand what it takes to be a player at a really big club? Talent alone will 100 per cent get you a career. But where? Here? No way.

‘There are massive sacrifices a and I wonder these days — living in an age where everything is instant — if they get that yet or when they do whether they can cope.

‘You can buy a computer game or some trainers now by pressing a couple of buttons on your phone. Going to buy a pair of trainers was a big deal for me. Save up go to the shopping centre, walk in and pray they had my size.

‘Then the lady said: “We haven’t got size 8” and it was the end of the world.

‘Now you ask if those doses of reality exist to these young kids.

‘They may not taste disappointment until they are 20 and in the first team and it may be a bit late, then, you know?’

Tottenham’s recent record for bringing through talent is impressive but it’s an ongoing process. The pathway to the top in the Premier League is already cluttered with foreign imports so at youth level it is as much about preparing people as it is players.

‘That’s part of the challenge, definitely,’ nodded Parker. ‘These Under 17 boys (from the World Cup) boys are fantastic but there is more to it. And it’s not their fault.

‘I am trying to make sure lads here surround themselves with people who aren’t feeding them stuff they want to hear just because the agent is desperate to keep him or something.

‘I am not trying to be negative. It’s just the dangers I see. I hope you understand that.’

English football was changing and at first Parker did not adapt well. He lasted only 18 months at Stamford Bridge and injury did not help. Equally, he has said that the move to Chelsea intimidated him and he left for Newcastle earlier than maybe he should have done.

‘It was daunting and took me time to get used to,’ he reflected. ‘But I left there a better player’.

Parker went on to captain England, Newcastle and West Ham. At the latter, he was voted Footballer Writers’ Player of the Year in 2011 in a season his team were relegated.

Former team-mate Carlton Cole recalls a half-time team talk delivered by Parker that was so emotional it left tears in players’ eyes. Losing 3-0 to West Brom, West Ham recovered to draw 3-3.

‘All I know is that it came from the heart,’ smiled Parker.

So Parker can lead and did so, even if underpinning his career was a self-doubt that was only addressed by a sports psychologist at West Ham.

‘That was the hardest thing for me,’ Parker revealed. ‘I was always a person who put high demands on myself and never really saw positives, just negatives.

‘It was about trying to get a balance and if I had some of that then maybe I would have been more successful.’

For most of Parker’s career, feedback wouldn’t have gone much further than marks out of ten in a newspaper.

These days it is just one more thing that’s available at the touch of a phone screen.

‘After a game players would be getting millions of messages,’ he added. ‘I am the person who, for every good message that had been written, the one bad one would be the one that went — boomph — straight in to my mind and then I wouldn’t sleep at night and it spirals. I don’t believe I am different, it’s human nature.

‘I don’t think there are many who read all the good stuff and then see the one bad one and don’t feel killed by it.

‘It’s about what you can or cannot accept as a person and that’s what I explain to the boys here. If you can’t handle it then just don’t engage.’

At Tottenham they value Parker. They think they have a really promising coach. This is why they took him within hours of him retiring from Fulham in the summer and why, whether he knows it or not, they believe he will be working at first team level before long.

He is modest, impeccably mannered and grounded. If you were a parent of a talented footballer, you would want him or her to work with someone like Parker.

Perhaps above all, he is an example. He has travelled the path that future generations wish to travel. Harry Winks is not the only template to follow in north London.

‘Boys wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have a chance to make it,’ he said. ‘We have one of the best managers in the world in Mauricio (Pochettino).

‘The boys often see him. They smell it and understand what it takes. That makes it easier for us to sell it.

‘And Harry is around and our boys are mingling with him. It’s harder to get through now, because of the money involved and the expectations of clubs.

‘My problem is clubs bringing in players who block pathways but then don’t play.

‘The superstars are fine because we all learn from them. The problem is average players who then block that position from a young player.

‘But there is a way and I am at a club where the chairman and the manager want to do it. What every player needs is someone to give them an opportunity and I want to be part of that.

‘I have played, I have four sons. So I get the ‘‘front’’ or the dirty look as it’s sometimes to cover embarrassment. I tell them that every day they will make a mistake. I tell them the reality.

‘Some truths can be tough to hear so will they appreciate me and like me? I don’t know but I am okay with that as long as a few years later they look back and know it was coming from a good place.

‘I want them to be successful. If they recognise that one day then I will be very happy.’

Great article. He makes the same points many here make, that no one has a problem with us signing quality players but the problem is blocking our talented players with average players from here or abraad.

As we've all said the players coming through now are a lot better than 20 years ago, and he admitted that his age group, couldn't do the things these players do. Let that sink in Gerrard et al wouldn't be as good,comparatively and would not be coming through in this day and age, and we have people saying these players aren't good enough, we are shelling talent I hope something is done soon.

These comments old heads always make are annoying though. They always imply that these kids don't work as hard as they ever worked and think they need to do some outdated sweeping of terraces like they had the hard life. I always read these articles and it reminds me of people debating housing. Old pros will talk about how much money they have and these superficial issues like they have it easy but breaking into the first team is harder than it ever has been which is ultimately the aim of these players. While Parker didn't have s much money he would still have been paid comparatively more than 18 year olds of a similar age but had a lot easier route to the first team. It's like those born in the 50s saying how hard they had it with no internet but could buy a house off a basic wage and saying how young people have it easy. I know I'd rather be able to buy a house the same way, the players today would rather get first team chances if it meant given up 5k per week.

I don't think any academy player is stupid enough to think they no longer need to work hard, and Poch wouldn't stand for it anyway so claiming they're not working as hard as they did 20 years ago just feels like more excuses and blaming academy players for the situation they're in. I bet Bobby Charlton probably looked at the Scott Parker generation and said the same thing. These new pundits always strike me as the 'in my day type' and don't really tackle the problem. I also think the reason England has such a lack of talent is because the only ones that ever break through are those with great work rate and not necessarily the most talent. England loves placing too much emphasis on passing and work rate, which is whereas other countries appear to value talent first and then mould them into what they want. I remember Xabi Alonso wondering why England seem to praise people making tackles, and that is the issue. Wanting that player that runs around, and if they're not doing that, they can't get their chance. It's football not athletics, lets try get these kids through,if they're performing well and work on their mentality later, if it is such an issue.
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
Who do we think will get the chance against Apoel? I unfortunately don’t think Poch will play as many youngsters as we think/want. I hope KWP, Tanganga, Bennetts, Edwards, Shashoua, TOB, Skipp, Sterling gets the chance

As I posted above, Poch doesn't like playing youngsters unless its an important situation or something, as they don't learn anything, so I'm not getting my hopes up.

But I would like to see starts KWP and Edwards start. And possibly a start for one of TOB, Skipp or Tangnaga, whoever Poch feels really could be of use either later in this season or has a future here. Then depending on how game goes, take them off or others off and bring on another 2 or 3, like Sterling.

I think what we will see though, is KWP start (maybe) and some make the bench and hopefully come on. I don't think 3 starting would cause problems in a dead rubber
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
Ccv witha howler For sheff u .gifted Fulham a goal. Sessegnon scored a beauty shortly after.

Unfortunate, missed got that wrong, but then we almost saw Bartra make a couple of poor passes today. These thigns will happen. Hopefully he doesn't get dropped as a result
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
Just had a thought re Sterling. All of our back up strikers for whatever reason are doing so poorly when they come on. May be due to a lack of regularly games, but I feel with so many indifferent performances, why not give Sterling a chance off the bench against APOEL
 

newbie

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2004
6,051
6,342
Great article. He makes the same points many here make, that no one has a problem with us signing quality players but the problem is blocking our talented players with average players from here or abraad.

As we've all said the players coming through now are a lot better than 20 years ago, and he admitted that his age group, couldn't do the things these players do. Let that sink in Gerrard et al wouldn't be as good,comparatively and would not be coming through in this day and age, and we have people saying these players aren't good enough, we are shelling talent I hope something is done soon.

These comments old heads always make are annoying though. They always imply that these kids don't work as hard as they ever worked and think they need to do some outdated sweeping of terraces like they had the hard life. I always read these articles and it reminds me of people debating housing. Old pros will talk about how much money they have and these superficial issues like they have it easy but breaking into the first team is harder than it ever has been which is ultimately the aim of these players. While Parker didn't have s much money he would still have been paid comparatively more than 18 year olds of a similar age but had a lot easier route to the first team. It's like those born in the 50s saying how hard they had it with no internet but could buy a house off a basic wage and saying how young people have it easy. I know I'd rather be able to buy a house the same way, the players today would rather get first team chances if it meant given up 5k per week.

I don't think any academy player is stupid enough to think they no longer need to work hard, and Poch wouldn't stand for it anyway so claiming they're not working as hard as they did 20 years ago just feels like more excuses and blaming academy players for the situation they're in. I bet Bobby Charlton probably looked at the Scott Parker generation and said the same thing. These new pundits always strike me as the 'in my day type' and don't really tackle the problem. I also think the reason England has such a lack of talent is because the only ones that ever break through are those with great work rate and not necessarily the most talent. England loves placing too much emphasis on passing and work rate, which is whereas other countries appear to value talent first and then mould them into what they want. I remember Xabi Alonso wondering why England seem to praise people making tackles, and that is the issue. Wanting that player that runs around, and if they're not doing that, they can't get their chance. It's football not athletics, lets try get these kids through,if they're performing well and work on their mentality later, if it is such an issue.

I bet young players used to drink and party a hell of a lot, I bet now most are tetotal. There are a lot of vultures circling the kids, My mate used to work at Bolton said girls target the boys from 16-17 old and have notes on what a player earns.
 

Hengy1

Well-Known Member
Aug 7, 2014
2,744
7,424
Unfortunate, missed got that wrong, but then we almost saw Bartra make a couple of poor passes today. These thigns will happen. Hopefully he doesn't get dropped as a result
I think it’s fantastic he’s making these mistakes. Having good game after good game is fine but it’s from mistakes where you learn the most.
 

spursfan77

Well-Known Member
Aug 13, 2005
46,680
104,956
Just had a thought re Sterling. All of our back up strikers for whatever reason are doing so poorly when they come on. May be due to a lack of regularly games, but I feel with so many indifferent performances, why not give Sterling a chance off the bench against APOEL

He can't do any worse, surely?
 

edson

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
3,945
12,117
This a million times over. I must sound like a broken record but there are so many players in this age group, that if they came through in other age groups, they'd be the best or one of the best in that team. But together it's hard to pick a standout.

I think bar Marsh maybe atm, if the whole of the starting 11 were scattered in other PL teams academies I could see them all being the best players and getting a chance and being PL players. Here though we'd be lucky to see one come through. When you consider Roles, Bennetts, Hinds, TOB, Tsaroulla all didn't start or were missing,there is so much depth here. Even Duncan might stand a chance (what's happened to him, anyone?)

Also I think Skipp handles Sancho brilliantly. Considering I've seen Sancho skin many a player, Skipp kept nicking the ball of him and Lyons-Foster is really showing his quality. Tanganga I also though had an excellent game, as well as Brown, who I'm happy to see back. Let's hope at least one or maybe more come through for us. Preferably Edwards but I'd be happy with any.
I cannot see what we get out of playing Marsh as a CB or full back,I get the point that you move players around a bit to give them options but Marsh has been played as a Defender for far too long and I do not see what Spurs get out of doing this because he is not a Defender and that is the same for Bennetts,fair play they have tried it but it is not working and both are Midfielders and should be played as one.
 

Hengy1

Well-Known Member
Aug 7, 2014
2,744
7,424
We still need to beat APOEL in UYL to finish top and get a good draw which is why I think none of these will be used for main team.
 

Hengy1

Well-Known Member
Aug 7, 2014
2,744
7,424
No, it's Real. And they are three points behind.

Even if they win and we lose then head to head trumps goal difference.

So we are guaranteed top spot!
Well being the youth thread i am talking about the UEFA Youth league not the the champions league (y)
 

Wheeler Dealer

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2011
6,863
12,282
I bet young players used to drink and party a hell of a lot, I bet now most are tetotal. There are a lot of vultures circling the kids, My mate used to work at Bolton said girls target the boys from 16-17 old and have notes on what a player earns.
The minimum wage in Bolton is a sign of affluence.
 

Blake Griffin

Well-Known Member
Oct 3, 2011
14,133
38,225
i wouldn't expect any of the uyl lot to be involved. kwp might get a game but even then poch will probably want to give whichever pair of full backs that don't play in the league game beforehand a start, unless maybe if davies plays lcb leaving kwp to play lb/lwb. tob and georgiou might be on the bench, maybe amos and harrison as well at a push.
 
Top