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The Spurs Youth Thread - 2017/2018

Danny1

Well-Known Member
Dec 6, 2006
5,622
17,169
Wow that video of Skipp was really impressive. Looks a great talent and seems to be another CM rolling out of our academy who just has brilliant control, vision & time on the ball which is a great trait to have.
 

Trix

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2004
19,337
329,025
I doubt we see it happen but not because it shouldnt, but because its not really poch's style to throw kids into a one off game.
For the sake of the arguement, say that we brought up Sterling, Edwards, Skipp or TOB and Tanganga, Im confident that we have the quality in depth were we should be able to handle APOEL and then some.
Austin
Hinds Eyoma BLF Brown
Marsh Skipp/TOB/Roles
Bennetts/Roles Maghoma Shashou
Griffiths
And even if we dont qualify, would playing in the one off game be that horrible. Be a great way to put the kids in a high pressure situatio, away from home. It would be a great developmental tool imo.


I understand the benefits of playing first team football but it has to be because they are ready to make that progression up. Little point in just playing this one game and then not seeing first team action again until another meaningless match crops up.
 

EQP

EQP
Sep 1, 2013
7,958
29,657
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.

I definitely see what you're saying. I look at is an opportunity to reward for those who've performed well in the UYL. Whereas you might consider the fixture as a glorified friendly, it'll be the first time ( if selected) that these younger players get a chance to perform in the CL in front of a huge home crowd. A chance for them to express themselves and try to show Poch and the rest that they can make the step up. Also, how re-assuring would it be to know that if you perform well in the UYL and other youth fixtures, Poch and the staff will look to give you minutes with the first team. I bet even like of Roles etc who haven't featured as much in the UYL will want to impress against the APOEL youth team in hopes of keeping the team in the competition and playing further games.
 

allpaths

Well-Known Member
Oct 31, 2014
3,174
8,381
I understand the benefits of playing first team football but it has to be because they are ready to make that progression up. Little point in just playing this one game and then not seeing first team action again until another meaningless match crops up.
Getting senior minutes can never be a bad thing for a young player. I'd argue all 4 of the players I suggested to consider for 1st team action have shown through there performances this year that they are ready to progress. Especially those in areas we are lacking depth in, Sterling, Edwards and Skipp, could prove that they can fill a role in the squad, if given a chance. Specifically Sterling since Llorente's been woeful.
The game maybe a dead rubber, but APOEL are still professionals that would be playing for their pride and careers. It'll be a great expierence for these lads and a great boost for some to keep putting in the hard work.
 

Ron Burgundy

SC Supporter
Jun 19, 2008
7,705
23,267
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.

Not sure I agree - look at the near over night increase in profile that Winks got from showing that he could be trusted to perform away at Real.

Not to the same extent here, for sure, but it could be an extremely valuable chance to give some of these kids a go. How often will we have a champions league game (as high profile as it gets) where we can genuinely experiment with no down side? Not often I'm guessing.
 

Blake Griffin

Well-Known Member
Oct 3, 2011
14,133
38,225
the nike cup is back this year and starts next wednesday. same teams as usual - england, usa, netherlands, brazil.

presumably madueke will be going. not sure if we'll have anyone else in the squad, walcott maybe.
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.

Don't think so. Surely the development of all youth players is more important. If some players can move up we can give chances to others.

Even if we win teh UYL i'ts not like Poch is going to play any more youth players as a result. Some of them have already won international tournaments over the summer, and there's no progression there, so winning a club compeition isn't going to make much of a difference. Especially when you consider it's development not results that matter. I mean we literally have had coaches admitting they set us up to essentially lose some matches to see how our players react. Regardless Chelsea have won FAYC and UYL and it hasn't helped them and I don't think it will help our academy players get chances. If one of them plays in the CL against APOEL and does well, it will look a lot better than doing it in UYL.

If they play well in UYL, you already see people saying, they haven't done it against adults its just youth football, so if he can't find any other time to give them games why not use this match and see if they can be an option for the first team.
 

stevenurse

Palacios' neck fat
May 14, 2007
6,089
10,022
It's not technically a dead rubber though is it? APOEL may well see it as a chance to qualify for the Europa League.

We may be through but if they better the Dortmund result then they go through. It could be a massive game for them.
 

Blake Griffin

Well-Known Member
Oct 3, 2011
14,133
38,225
u18 line up vs arsenal:

de bie; hinds, walcott, statham, lyons-foster; p.maghoma, reynolds, patterson; clarke, lloyd-bennett; griffiths

subs: oluwayemi, bowden, pochettino, a.shashoua, richards
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
7,939
13,758
u18 line up vs arsenal:

de bie; hinds, walcott, statham, lyons-foster; p.maghoma, reynolds, patterson; clarke, lloyd-bennett; griffiths

subs: oluwayemi, bowden, pochettino, a.shashoua, richards

Looks a well balanced side for a 4231 Patterson as AM. Hopefully Bennett and Clarke have good games. Clearly Walcott and JB rewarded after last week.

Still not sure in Reynolds but he has looked better recently
 

edson

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
3,945
12,117
Looks a well balanced side for a 4231 Patterson as AM. Hopefully Bennett and Clarke have good games. Clearly Walcott and JB rewarded after last week.

Still not sure in Reynolds but he has looked better recently
So wrong that Arsenal will not let people in to watch these matches,I have seriously looked at buying a Drone just so I can watch the match:)
 
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kmk

Well-Known Member
Oct 5, 2014
4,145
27,500
u18 line up vs arsenal:

de bie; hinds, walcott, statham, lyons-foster; p.maghoma, reynolds, patterson; clarke, lloyd-bennett; griffiths

subs: oluwayemi, bowden, pochettino, a.shashoua, richards

I haven’t seen Markanday mentioned for a while. Is he injured?
 

Blake Griffin

Well-Known Member
Oct 3, 2011
14,133
38,225
we're 3-0 down.

obviously losing on purpose for the sake of development though ;)

edit: 4-0 now :nailbiting: spurs twitter going to take a mauling when they tweet the score.
 
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