- Aug 31, 2012
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If talking in the context of youth/young players, I would agree with the "others" than Poch has done very well. In the context of the article (U18 & U21 players given time) I don't think it is fair to judge, as Poch has been integrating 6 young and/or inexperienced (at least PL wise) players into the 1st team (3 of which were bought and it would be 7 had Pritchard not been injured), whilst last season he was also assessing the squad and IMO, you should't do too much too soon.Reason for including Mason (in particular), but also Kane, Dier and Alli is that many are justifying the description of Poch 'being good with youth players' by including these - which I can see some logic in, as when he arrived they were (arguably) not automatically part of the first team squad and he has almost certainly helped to 'polish' the slightly rough diamonds that they may have been.
But I do agree with you that, they are a very different proposition from bringing the kids up from the Spurs youth system which I think should be Poch's test on how committed and good with youth he is (but as I say that's not how others see it).
My comments on Nathan Oduwa would be :
Nathan Oduwa - Poch saw and complimented him on his Spurs u21 performances last season, and included him in the 'behind closed doors' pre-season friendlies where he is reported to have excelled against the Champiionship sides, but unfortunately could not find room for him in the televised pre-season games when the full squad was available. Sent out on loan this season to Rangers
Not sure there's enough to report on Connor Ogilvie, or indeed the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyle Walker-Peters who Poch is said to have admired in the youth system last season