Could we have a golden generation?

[ogsvaldo]

In the last year or so upon realising that our youth team seemed to win every single game they played I began to pay attention to the youth side.

I actually believe we have an outstanding set of youngsters currently out on loan and think the existing setup of loaning them out on 'youth' loan contracts, whilst bringing them back for the Youth Cup etc is pukka.

Have been following their progress whilst out on loan and here is my opinion for what its worth on those that I believe have a big future at spurs!!!

Bostock - everyone knows about him obviously. But he has absolutely everything. Pace, power and his touch is class and always seems to demand the ball. My friends are Millwall season ticket holders and they said he was absolutely incredible on his debut for Brentford against them and was clearly a level above. Made me laugh that everyone went on about Livermore (who def wont make it at spurs!) after his goal against Barca when even inside 10 minutes was clear that Bostock was the one that looked the real deal for me.

Caulker - on loan at Yeovil and is playing every single game at CB for them at the age of 17!!! that alone says something considering he is a CB. Like to know how many other CB's are playing week in week out at 17. Not seen alot of him myself but on 606 Yeovil fans have been raving about him saying he has prob been their player of the season so far.

Townsend - Kid has so much ability. Can play right or left side and skins players for fun. Again been smashing it in league 1. Im sure you see his run and goal from the half way line earlier in the season. A leeds fan on 606 actually wrote an article on the spurs board because of how impressive he was against Leeds at Elland Road when they beat Orient 1-0 (i think) earlier in the season. Was an article in the telegraph about him recently and how everyone in league 1 was just crunching him because they cant handle him.

Mason - Technically he seems superb. Think he could have a big future but may need to bulk up a bit to make it at the top level. Is great for him playing for Yeovil in League 1 as has been playing CM aswel as off the front man so can only be good experience for him.

Anyone seen them play in league 1 this season? been impressed/unimpressed by any of them?

Im convinced the top 3 will def make it at Spurs. If they do then would be absolutely fantastic for us.

 

[remember91]

Thanks for the info, I'm very interested in how some of these players could be coming through to the side soon. Think though at a club like us there could be a bit of a glass ceiling. Players get to about 20-23 and they need to be playing first team football and at that age they are not quite good enough for our aspirations. Think of player like Young, Crouch and O'Hara who came so close, but were deemed surplus to requirements. I think if one or two of these players become first teamers it would be a fantastic achievement. Bostock probably is the man most likely to achieve this, but still has a long way to go. Anyway good post, thanks very much for the info.

 

[BerbatovandKeane]

Our U18s last season were fantastic - Jansson - Smith, Butcher, Caulker, Cox - (4 from) Mpuku, Bostock, Kasim, Parrett, Towsend - Obika, Mason

However IMO only Mason and Bostock will have top flight careers. They rest will still end up at Southend/Colchester or non-league. It's always a game of numbers - 1 first team player every decade is not an unusual return tbh.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

For once agreed with B&K. I've been going to youth games regularly for a few years now and even though there's a lot of promise in there, only Mason (if he builds up) and Bostock seem to have what it takes to set themselves aside and make it in the prem. Townsend could do was well is the only thing I'd add.

 

[PT]

Any goalies care to step up to a vacant plate? Assuming Alnwick is the proverbial bridesmaid, there is definitely an opportunity for someone.

 

[mike_l]

I reckon a good indication of potential is whether they stand out in their respective loan teams. Most of the good youngsters who have gone on to bigger things have been thae stars in lothe lower leagues whilst on loan, those who are in and out of the sides will not make it.

Best example is Mason starring for Yeovil, with Obika not really making much of an impression, also Defoe on loan at Bournmouth before he broke into the Spam team.

 

[danielneeds]

I will be pleasantly surprised if one of the four mentioned goes on the become a first team regular. We're just not the sort of club to promote a youngster from within rather than buy someone from outside, never have, never will be (a few exceptional talents like Hoddle and King accepted).

 

[BerbatovandKeane]

Any goalies care to step up to a vacant plate? Assuming Alnwick is the proverbial bridesmaid, there is definitely an opportunity for someone.

Jansson and Button are both very promising (especially the former), but are still very young and a good few years off being in contention for the first team squad.

 

[mike_l]

need to disagree with you on 1 point though, I think Mason is more likely to make it than Townsend. If Mason can compensate for his small frame playing in L1 then he should be ok to do it in the Prem and his technique is reportedly unquestionable.

Townsend I think may be getting on well due to his pace, he won't be able to just rely on that at the top level so it remains to be seen whether he has the brain to go with the pace.

 

[spurs4europe]

I remember Parrett being hailed as having a tremendous future in the game when we signed him. He also played for us in the UEFA cup last season.

What's happened to him that makes you not put him in the above bracket? Is he not progressing as hoped?

 

[spurs4europe]

need to disagree with you on 1 point though, I think Mason is more likely to make it than Townsend. If Mason can compensate for his small frame playing in L1 then he should be ok to do it in the Prem and his technique is reportedly unquestionable.

Townsend I think may be getting on well due to his pace, he won't be able to just rely on that at the top level so it remains to be seen whether he has the brain to go with the pace.

Lennon didn't do too badly! At first he was all speed and was nothing special in the football intelligence/technique departments.

Lennon had the advantage of being able to play consistently from a very young age and that's the most important thing because young players learn. If Townsend is lucky enough to play high division football consistently for the next couple of years, who knows how good he could get?

 

[ogsvaldo]

I remember Parrett being hailed as having a tremendous future in the game when we signed him. He also played for us in the UEFA cup last season.

What's happened to him that makes you not put him in the above bracket? Is he not progressing as hoped?

Just my opinion from when what I have seen on them. Like someone said earlier that it is good to judge them on the success of their spells. All these have been brilliant.

Mason n Caulker have started pretty much every game for Yeovil and their fans have raved about them. Mason has got a few goals, one being from about 40 yards!

Townsend has been excellent for Orient by all accounts. scored a couple of great goals and his technique is pukka. Can whip a ball in aswel with both feet.

Parret is meant to be a good talent and is involved with England U19s with the others I think, but personally aint been convinced by him. These are just ones that stand out for me.

Still not convinced by Rose, Obika has no chance as does Livermore.

 

[nedley]

Our U18s last season were fantastic - Jansson - Smith, Butcher, Caulker, Cox - (4 from) Mpuku, Bostock, Kasim, Parrett, Towsend - Obika, Mason

However IMO only Mason and Bostock will have top flight careers. They rest will still end up at Southend/Colchester or non-league. It's always a game of numbers - 1 first team player every decade is not an unusual return tbh.

I remember seeing Parrett play West Brom reserves last season. He only played 45 mins due to injury but looked head and shoulders above everyone else. West Brom had a strong team out too and we had players inc gilberto, dawson, and hutton playing. The boy seemed to have it all. Reminded me of a young Gerrard.

 

[mike_l]

Lennon didn't do too badly! At first he was all speed and was nothing special in the football intelligence/technique departments.

Lennon had the advantage of being able to play consistently from a very young age and that's the most important thing because young players learn. If Townsend is lucky enough to play high division football consistently for the next couple of years, who knows how good he could get?

I'm not saying he doesn't have a brain, just that it remains to be seen right now.

 

[ogsvaldo]

I remember seeing Parrett play West Brom reserves last season. He only played 45 mins due to injury but looked head and shoulders above everyone else. West Brom had a strong team out too and we had players inc gilberto, dawson, and hutton playing. The boy seemed to have it all. Reminded me of a young Gerrard.

Quality.... hope he is good. Think he is still 17 or 18. Paid a million to get him from QPR so hopefully has something. Ive only seen him a few times and not stood out as much as I had expected.... hope am wrong tho!!!

 

[BringBack_leGin]

I reckon a good indication of potential is whether they stand out in their respective loan teams. Most of the good youngsters who have gone on to bigger things have been thae stars in lothe lower leagues whilst on loan, those who are in and out of the sides will not make it.

Best example is Mason starring for Yeovil, with Obika not really making much of an impression, also Defoe on loan at Bournmouth before he broke into the Spam team.

I think Obika is the top scorer at Yeovil despite not being a guaranteed started.

Truth be told though it is Mason that is impressing the most.

Jansson and Button are both very promising (especially the former), but are still very young and a good few years off being in contention for the first team squad.

Jansson is more likely, Button just seems a bit unimposing for a goalie

need to disagree with you on 1 point though, I think Mason is more likely to make it than Townsend. If Mason can compensate for his small frame playing in L1 then he should be ok to do it in the Prem and his technique is reportedly unquestionable.

Townsend I think may be getting on well due to his pace, he won't be able to just rely on that at the top level so it remains to be seen whether he has the brain to go with the pace.

Townsend is more than just raw pace. I also prefer Mason but you've been harsh on Townsend. Townsend has both the bravery to take people on, and good close control. Add to that an already pretty good delivery and shot and there's bags of potential there.

 

[mike_l]

I think Obika is the top scorer at Yeovil despite not being a guaranteed started.

Truth be told though it is Mason that is impressing the most.



Jansson is more likely, Button just seems a bit unimposing for a goalie



Townsend is more than just raw pace. I also prefer Mason but you've been harsh on Townsend. Townsend has both the bravery to take people on, and good close control. Add to that an already pretty good delivery and shot and there's bags of potential there.

I should clarify then, as I don't want to come across as critical of him. I have only seen one game (Youth Cup semi against Arsenal) and a few highlights of him, but from reports his pace seems to be his standout asset, a lot of extremely quick players never make it right to the top as they don't have the other skills to fall back on when blunt pace doesn't do the job. It will take a higher level of football to judge whether he has enough to his allround game to be top drawer.

 

[bubble07]

Sadly youth players do not really get a look in when your fighting for 4th place

 

[Lilbaz]

Could I ask a favour, if anyone does see these lot play why they are on loan, please make a post in the loan watch forums on how they got on.

 

[C0YS]

I mean Parrett, bostock, caulker, Mason and townsend all have a great chance (and dont underate the others who are putting on a good season in the U18 even with key players on loan) I also hear good things out of Harry Kane of the new generation. Already been on the bench a couple of times as well (In the CCup), any body know any more?