Player watch: Josh Onomah

[beats1]

It's difficult to put a coherent argument to any of those points made out of sheer fantasy mate...

So he's excelled in CM because some Villa fans said so on a fan forum? You then say it's scant evidence, if true, how can you even hang your hat on it yourself? Makes zero sense. Then you blame Bruce for his style of football. The **** is paid to win football matches in the way he sees fit, he believes/believed that not playing Onomah in CM (where he had supposedly 'excelled') was the best way to do that. To me that's more evidence than the fans saying he played well on a forum, look at some of the fuckers who post in the match thread on this site if you want more than scant evidence of that.

Then we get on to how well he tracked back and worked hard in the few appearances he has made for us? Really? Can you actually put your cock on the block with that? Or are you hamming it up to make a point?

Revert to the same line of evidence on the Kane argument.

We'll leave the nonsense about some of our own players. Currently Onomah makes Sissoko look like Pogba.

As I've said before, this is Parrett, Smith, Dos Santos revisited. You will never be proven wrong because it's not possible to do so, but this is nothing more than a dick waving exercise.

You cant even compare the players as the same and you are stupid to do so

Parrett, smith and etc from the academy never excelled in the academy, they showed promising signs but they were never stars

Onomah on the other hand is arguably the best CM the club has produced in its academy this century. You say he hasnt had good performances for villa thats bullshit his best performances have come at CM but the problem is Bruce likes to have 2 DM so there isnt much room for him in his system. Anyone unbiased can see he is a player that doesnt suit Steve Bruce's system.

You can make an argument he doesnt suit Poch's system but to suggest he is another Parrett, clearly shows you not seen much of him

I think you fallen in to the tribal side of this argument as to suggest he doesnt offer anything that we dont already have is a load of bollocks as well as he probably has the best vision and through ball of our CM's. He has outperformed winks when in CM together in the same team FFS.

 

[DCSPUR]

lots of yelling here but doesn't the itk and past poch comments suggest that the two key people (Josh O and Poch) want this to work out....and therefore it probably will do?

 

[Johnny J]

From what I've seen of Sissoko and Onomah in CM, I genuinely think Onomah offers more. Just my opinion.

Sissoko has improved but from such an abysmal baseline that it couldn't really get much worse. Onomah has a lot of potential and I think he should be given some chances in his correct position. With Dembele crocked again and seemingly always semi injured, recalling him seems sensible, to me.

 

[Spurs_Bear]

You cant even compare the players as the same and you are stupid to do so

Calm down fella. Good to see nothing has changed around here.

 

[tooey]

I don't get the Sissoko comparison at all. One is a highly capped french international, built like a brick shit house with the touch of a brick shit house. The other is a youngster with next to no first team experience.

That being said if I was paid to win football matches I would personally stick Sissoko in over Onomah, not for football intelligence or ability with the ball but for the mere fact that Sissoko works his bollocks off and does a half way decent job of progressing us up the pitch with his bulldozer like dribbling.

We gave Onomah the wrong loan at the wrong time and unfortunately it's probably hindered his development rather than helped it. I still think that if Josh returns, works his bollocks off and shows a first grade attitude he'll get his chance. He really could do with bulking up, "INIESTA" the footballing purists cry..

 

[Westmorland]

Onomah was first choice for under 20 World Cup team. Maitland-Nile’s wasn’t. He has looked pretty good for Arsenal lately even though playing out of position. He looked a bit vulnerable when they went to a back four last night. Zappacosta just walked past him for their goal. Do we think that Onomah could have done as well in similar situation for us.

 

[SpursD22]

He really could do with bulking up

Have you seen him this season? He has bulked up, he looks like a beast now

 

[IGSpur]

I don’t know if I should post this or not since I’m not a ITK and people won’t believe me but I’m going to do it anyways.

I have a cousin who used to live in Enfield and he knows someone that knows someone that is close to Josh. And Josh said that he felt like he get unfairly threatened at times and should’ve got more game time because he felt he 90% of the time he always performed well in training. He used to sometimes after training stay with Mousa Dembele to learn a few things from him, he looked up (still looks up) to him. And Mousa said to him that he’s the closest he’s seen anyone like him in terms of football qualities.
Poch speaks to the academy players from when they’re very young and he has a good relationship with Poch and Josh has multiple times said that he wants to play in the Dembele role but Poch always said that he wasn’t ready and that position is the most risk position. Poch is stubborn and won’t change his opinion quickly, so Onomah suggested for over a year that he should go out on loan but Poch disagreed and Josh got a bit frustrated since he didn’t even get the chance here. But he kept moving on. After the World Cup Josh came back earlier than expected to pre season just to impress on the staff, he went to the gym much more but instead Poch felt like Josh gave the wrong impression and came out a bit over confident and cocky. Josh spoke to Poch multiple times in the summer, almost demanding getting a real chance in midfield and Poch got a bit frustrated since he told Josh to be patient, so Josh pushed for a loan move and eventually Poch gave the thumbs up, Josh missed out on 2 Premier League clubs and got a bit mad at that but he accepted a Aston Villa loan move. Bruce and Poch had talked for some times and Bruce is a big Onomah fan. Josh says that he likes it in Birmingham, feels like he’s getting along well with the team mates but is still a bit frustrated because he doesn’t play in his preferred position, when played there at the beginning of the season he felt he did good and was progressing but Bruce prefers him higher up in the pitch because he can hold up the ball well and link up play. Josh said that he will 99% stay at Villa for the rest of the season and has been offered a permanent deal from Villa but he won’t agree to that, Villa has also been talking to Spurs about a permanent deal but we don’t want to sell and we would demand a lot of money. Josh wants to come back in the summer and fight for his place. Poch still sees a future with Josh but they don’t agree on certain things for example his preferred position. Poch doesn’t think he’s ready to play there but Josh disagrees. And Josh feels like he’s earned the chance here and wants to see a clear path for him here. He’s happy for Winks since they’re good mates but sees him as a competitor and he said that Winks was also a bit frustrated at the beginning. All in all Josh will stay at Villa for the rest of the season, sees a future here but is a bit frustrated and wants to get a real chance.

If you don’t believe what I’ve said just ignore me

Thanks for sharing mate.

Sounds about right from what I know. He still hangs with his Kingsmead School buddies. Loads of interest in him from top EPL clubs, and German. I know who they are, but won’t name. McDermott is a massive fan of his, and miles ahead of Winks. They are buddies. Best I say no more.

Can you just clarify what you mean. Is that your opinion or McDermott also thinks Onomah is miles ahead of Winks, which is also what I believe.

I think Poch wants players he feel will work their bollocks off for the team

Recent ITK suggests KWP has been working his ass off and one of the best trainers. Anyone that has seen KWP knows he works his ass off, so not that I would doubt what was said that reinforces it. Yet he still isn't given chances. No guarantee that working hard and showing ability will get you a chance. I've heard that Onomah works hard in training too as suggested by SpursD22 plus I remember Lyall Thomas tweeting that Onomah was working the hardest in training during a period of time. If that is the case and he isn't now, though he came in early at preseason maybe he is growing disillusioned that no matter how hard he works he still isn't getting the chances despite proving his talent for the last 10 years and being called 'special' by Poch. I'd grow tired if I was called special, told if I worked hard I would also get a chance and it still never happened. How does a player go from special to not good enough under Poch's tutelage? As we've said should Onomah come through Poch will get the praise but Onomah will get the blame if he doesn't. I wouldn't blame KWP either if he got frustrated, they're humans after all

Him switching off when not played in his favourite position? Mark against.

I won't go into 'whataboutisms' for first teamers, but how can an academy player switching-off be a mark against? If you're waiting for an academy player with 100% concentration at all times, we will be waiting for a long time

Sometimes training with Dembele and staying late? Mark against.

Mark against for choosing to stay behind on some occasions and do extra work?

Vociferously pushing for opportunities when he (perhaps) hasn't shown enough? Mark against

I know for a fact Winks also did the same. The season before last he was asking Poch to go on loan, and play for the u23s, and to be given a chance in the first team. The most enjoyable part of that season for him was when he got to play for England against Canada as he played zero minutes for us that season. That hasn't affected Winks.

You know my opinion, it looks like more excuses to avoid taking the risk on any academy players, or waiting for a perfect set of circumstances to give a player a chance. Frustrating but Poch can do what he wants.

 

[Hercules]

IGSPUR. McDermott would throw his missiles out if we sold Josh. Poch rates him highly, but concerned about his mentality, which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous. I know Josh and his family well. The guy has soooo much class, he is MILES ahead of Winks! Not just my opinion, as I know him also.

I personally believe he would of offered more than Sissoko, and we did want to bring him back, but he does not want to come and sit on the bench, getting bit-part again.

I can also confirm that’s 2 of the present top 4 are keeping close, and citeh especially, still rate him. Their committee if you can call it that. He will not come back even in summer, just to be a squad player, and will want a permanent transfer ifthat is the case.

 

[The Apprentice]

Imagine how far Onomah could have developed if given Sissoko’s playing minutes this season.

Heartbreaking.

Sissoko would have suited Steve Bruce down to the ground. He loves a tractor stuck in gear in the middle of his midfields.

 

[Cravenspurs]

IGSPUR. McDermott would throw his missiles out if we sold Josh. Poch rates him highly, but concerned about his mentality, which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous. I know Josh and his family well. The guy has soooo much class, he is MILES ahead of Winks! Not just my opinion, as I know him also.

I personally believe he would of offered more than Sissoko, and we did want to bring him back, but he does not want to come and sit on the bench, getting bit-part again.

I can also confirm that’s 2 of the present top 4 are keeping close, and citeh especially, still rate him. Their committee of you can call it that. He will not come back even in summer, just to be a squad player, and will want a permanent transfer of that is the case.

This is so disheartening. Just imagine sitting at home and watching Sissoko gobble up these minutes knowing full well you could dribble more effectively than the dude with one leg and your eyes closed. This is truly a blunder by Poch if he is keeping him out of the side because of mentality. Let the kid get minutes and learn the game in his natural position. He is not an AM he is a CM in the mold of Pogba. Moves the ball with efficiency and can hold off damn near anyone.

 

[Mullers]

You know my opinion, it looks like more excuses to avoid taking the risk on any academy players, or waiting for a perfect set of circumstances to give a player a chance. Frustrating but Poch can do what he wants.

The reason we don't want to risk academy players is because we are desperate to get into the top 4.

The academy should be our bread and butter, it not only saves us a ton of money but we also get players who have their heart in the club.

Unfortunately I don't think Josh will be with us next season, I think we would rather persevere with Sissoko and buy another midfielder to join him.

 

[yankspurs]

This is so disheartening. Just imagine sitting at home and watching Sissoko gobble up these minutes knowing full well you could dribble more effectively than the dude with one leg and your eyes closed. This is truly a blunder by Poch if he is keeping him out of the side because of mentality. Let the kid get minutes and learn the game in his natural position. He is not an AM he is a CM in the mold of Pogba. Moves the ball with efficiency and can hold off damn near anyone.

Everyone but poch can see this. Shame

 

[SpursD22]

IGSPUR. McDermott would throw his missiles out if we sold Josh. Poch rates him highly, but concerned about his mentality, which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous. I know Josh and his family well. The guy has soooo much class, he is MILES ahead of Winks! Not just my opinion, as I know him also.

I personally believe he would of offered more than Sissoko, and we did want to bring him back, but he does not want to come and sit on the bench, getting bit-part again.

I can also confirm that’s 2 of the present top 4 are keeping close, and citeh especially, still rate him. Their committee of you can call it that. He will not come back even in summer, just to be a squad player, and will want a permanent transfer of that is the case.

@Hercules @IGSpur @WindyCOYS very true. One thing I forgot to mention was that Josh do read a lot about him and he’s not happy at how many Villa fans are on his back just because he isn’t their player. He also is disappointed at some of our fans for not supporting a player (him and winks) that came through the academy. Apparently he was very angry when Winks got booed against Brighton at Wembley and the hate he got against City.
I’ve only met Josh once, asking for a autograph on his match attax card. He was very friendly, and I’ve heard he’s mentality is top, there’s nothing more in this world he wants more than to be a successful footballer. I remember when he was younger, around 15-17, he was such a bad loser, always wanted to win that he sometimes moaned at the teammates.

Honestly I’m tired of hearing him and Marcus Edwards having bad attitudes when it isn’t true

 

[yankspurs]

Between the clown show game, the itk thread and this latest stuff in here, im getting very disillusioned again. We just continuously fuck up in multiple ways.

 

[IGSpur]

IGSPUR. McDermott would throw his missiles out if we sold Josh. Poch rates him highly, but concerned about his mentality, which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous. I know Josh and his family well. The guy has soooo much class, he is MILES ahead of Winks! Not just my opinion, as I know him also.

Cheers. You know I agree, though not to put Winks down but this has always been agreed by most. Winks is the safer more seamless player to integrate who could go on to be Spurs player for a long time which tells his quality, but Onomah has the higher potential. I just asked as people often say if Onomah or others are good enough then McDermott would surely be telling Poch, and without knowing McDermott I'm 95% sure that McDermott will be thinking that our best academy players are more than good enough to be playing PL football.

I personally believe he would of offered more than Sissoko, and we did want to bring him back, but he does not want to come and sit on the bench, getting bit-part again.

Can't blame is. Shame is if he leaves he would have to rebuild his career and may struggle to fulfil his potential. But he can leave next season and get a head start on his career, or stick around for 2 more years and never get games, and risk being released with barely any experience. He's got to start thinking of his general career now even if it means not playing for a Top 6 club. I'm sure many won't mind when he leaves 'as he's proved nothing' but he will definitely go down as, what could have been for me. He may never fulfil his potential even if given a chance but I'd rather he prove that himself.

I can also confirm that’s 2 of the present top 4 are keeping close, and citeh especially, still rate him. Their committee of you can call it that. He will not come back even in summer, just to be a squad player, and will want a permanent transfer of that is the case.

It'd be interesting to see if he would go City. I don't think he'd take the risk of moving to another Top 6 club even if Pep is there though obviously more money would make him sleep better at night. It's a shame he turned down a big money move to City to play for the club he has supported and grown up in and 3 years later may end up going there anyway due to not being give a chance

 

[DCSPUR]

IGSPUR. McDermott would throw his missiles out if we sold Josh. Poch rates him highly, but concerned about his mentality, which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous. I know Josh and his family well. The guy has soooo much class, he is MILES ahead of Winks! Not just my opinion, as I know him also.

I personally believe he would of offered more than Sissoko, and we did want to bring him back, but he does not want to come and sit on the bench, getting bit-part again.

I can also confirm that’s 2 of the present top 4 are keeping close, and citeh especially, still rate him. Their committee of you can call it that. He will not come back even in summer, just to be a squad player, and will want a permanent transfer of that is the case.

Would you hazard a guess as to how this turns out in the summer?
Sounds like McDermott, Poch and Josh all want it to work out ---- that should be enough shouldn't it or am i being too optimistic?

 

[IGSpur]

@Hercules @IGSpur @WindyCOYS very true. One thing I forgot to mention was that Josh do read a lot about him and he’s not happy at how many Villa fans are on his back just because he isn’t their player. He also is disappointed at some of our fans for not supporting a player (him and winks) that came through the academy. Apparently he was very angry when Winks got booed against Brighton at Wembley and the hate he got against City.
I’ve only met Josh once, asking for a autograph on his match attax card. He was very friendly, and I’ve heard he’s mentality is top, there’s nothing more in this world he wants more than to be a successful footballer. I remember when he was younger, around 15-17, he was such a bad loser, always wanted to win that he sometimes moaned at the teammates.

Honestly I’m tired of hearing him and Marcus Edwards having bad attitudes when it isn’t true

I know Spurs staff also monitor these forums but I'd hope the players stay away. They get nothing from it rather than just seeing random people abusing them. I think they have the dream that they will come through their boyhood club and be loved but we knows fans aren't like that.

I remember going to an u21 match at WHL against United when Onomah was 18, he was running the game, but misplaced a pass and some guy next to me let out a loud groan. Apparently there's no leeway for young players to develop people can't see past the nex game.

 

[Hercules]

Would you hazard a guess as to how this turns out in the summer?
Sounds like McDermott, Poch and Josh all want it to work out ---- that should be enough shouldn't it or am i being too optimistic?

 

[DCSPUR]

fair enough....had to hover over that emoji to work it out though! Thought you were feeling sick which made me a bit nervous