My interview with former Spurs man Brian Statham:

Born in Harare, modern day Zimbabwe in 1969 but brought up in Essex via a short stay in Saudi Arabia, former Spurs defender Brian Statham’s journey to playing football at the very highest level is anything but ordinary. Statham rose through the youth ranks at Spurs before making his competitive first team debut in a league game against Southampton in the December of 1987. Brian would go onto make a further 26 appearances for the ‘ Lilywhites ‘ before departing them in 1992 to join fellow London club Brentford. Statham was a talented cricketer as a youngster and he represented the Essex County Schools side however, the offer of an apprenticeship at Tottenham Hotspur was enough to make Brian’s mind up as to which career path he’d take. A talented and combative right back, the tough tackling Statham represented England at under 21 level, and at Spurs he played with the likes of Chris Hughton, Ossie Ardilles and Chris Waddle, and at times he was the clubs number one right back. However, Statham was eventually overlooked and fellow Tottenham youngsters Guy Butters and Mitchell Thomas were favoured ahead of Statham who left the club for Brentford in 1992. Following his departure from the ‘ Lilywhites ‘ Brian went onto play for the likes of Brentford, Gillingham, Chesham United and Chelmsford City. He also went on to manage non league clubs Heybridge Swifts and Billericay Town. Today Statham works in the city but he still has a close bond to Spurs because of his son Maxwell (also a defender) who is currently in his second year of scholarship at the club. I had the great pleasure of interviewing about his time at Spurs on Monday evening, and it truly was a privilege.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs?

Brian: Being a schoolboy (at Spurs) and going to the football club twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday nights, and then playing a game on the Sunday at the old Cheshunt training ground. There used to be a gym which almost doubled up as a car park and we used to play five a side and train in there. We would also do a lot of running around the gravel track at White Hart Lane, so they were probably my earliest memories from my Spurs days.

How did you come about joining the club?

Brian: Funnily enough I’ve been at my mothers today and she pulled out a couple of old programmes and there was one in there with me in one of them, hence the reason she kept it. It just reminded me of some of the things back then. I used to play for a Sunday league team called Great Danes and one year the manager was the father of former Spurs player Ian Crook. Ian used to come in and do the training and he invited a few of us over to Spurs. We started training and then that was that and so I went through the whole process up until apprenticeship.

What was your time at the Lilywhites like on the whole?

Brian: I think you can’t be at a better football club as far as I’m concerned when it comes to being a player, and even more so now, but back then it was a dream for me every young boy to be a footballer and I just so happened to be at one of the best clubs around.

Did you have any footballing heroes/inspirations and if so who were they?

Brian: My hero strangely enough was somebody who I played with in Paul Gascoigne. He was just a real decent man, he was crazy at times, unpredictable, charismatic but what he was able to do on a football pitch was just Roy Of The Rovers stuff. You used to watch him play and train and it was a real pleasure to play with him. Another inspiration was my father who used to do all the running around for me. He was always there and he was a real Tottenham fan, so that helped. He used to follow me at all my games and he did so up until my last game.

You made your first team debut for Spurs in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on the 26th of December 1987. What are your memories of that day and how it came about?

Brian: it’s all very sketchy now given that it was so long ago but I think as a youngster you were called up to train with the first team and I just remember being asked that day and thinking ok, well this is interesting. When the coach Ray Clemence said to me you’re in the first team today, that was a real bonus for me. You always hope that you’re impressing but you don’t know until such a time as when you’re called up. So when I was called up it was a real surprise but I guess I took it in my stride at the time, because as a youngster that’s the aim so after making that step now I’ve got to maintain what I was doing to impress Terry Venables and the coaching staff. It was a really pleasant memory and one that when you look back you realise how special it was. 

Could you describe to me what type of player you were and what positions you played in for Spurs during your time there?

Brian: I played right back, I played central midfield and centre halve for the reserves and the youth team. I was probably five foot nine inches, I was aggressive in the air and I had a bit of pace. I probably wasn’t as good technically as maybe I would have liked to have been because I came into Spurs as a 12-13 year old so I probably missed out on a lot of the technical aspects of the football that a lot of the boys had got. However, I had that willingness to do what it took to win, and that aggressive nature I had helped. I was pretty tough tackling and uncompromising and I like to think that my reputation went before me. Because if you’re going to play against me today I want you to know that you’re going to be in a battle. I always wanted to be stronger and fitter than my opposition!

What was it like to play with legendary Spurs players such as Ossie Ardilles, Chris Hughton and Chris Waddle?

Brian: You take it for granted at the time, you’d watch those players on the tv like Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa. I came in when the likes of Paul Miller, Chris Hughton and Graham Roberts were playing. Tough tackling defenders with big reputations and big personalities and you’ve got to fit in, and I tried to do that with my style of play. I’d like to think that those players around me understood me for the player I was and that they accepted me for that, but you’ve got to fit in quite quickly. However, it was a real privilege to play with some of those players, players such as Steve Hodge who I had the pleasure of meeting again at the weekend at a Spurs legends game. I not only had the privilege to pull on a Tottenham shirt but also to play with some of the great players over the last 50 years.

Who were your greatest influences at Spurs?

Brian: Keith Blunt was our youth team manager and I only heard very recently that he’d passed away. He was another uncompromising northern manager who was very robust with what he expected from us as young men. That respect of being a footballer and what it meant but also that hard work. We always used to work very hard at everything in training. As a young apprentice Keith was a really big influence and it’s not until you look back how good those experiences that Keith brought were for me, and he was a really good man. He was tough at the time and I’m sure that there were days when I didn’t particularly like him but on reflection I enjoyed the time that he coached me.

Were there any players at Spurs who you would watch closely to try and improve your game or look to learn from?

Brian: Again you’d look at the type of players who were around when I joined such as Graham Roberts, Paul Miller, Gary Mabbutt, Terry Fenwick and Chris Hughton. Those ones, particularly the fullbacks were the players I looked up to because those were the positions that I was learning to fill and I had to try and fill their boots.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories of your time at Spurs or ones which particularly standout within your memory?

Brian: Liverpool away around 1988-89 when we went up to Anfield and drew 1-1 and I think Peter Beardsley scored the equaliser which was enough for Liverpool to win the first division, that was a really great place to go. John Barnes at the time was at the top of his game and I can remember vividly the players ribbing me the day before the game, sliding pictures of John Barnes underneath my hotel door the night before the game, but luckily for me John didn’t play because he’d got injured. So that would have been my biggest challenge as opponents go at the time, but I had a decent game at Anfield so all in all it was a good day for me, and we didn’t lose!

What was the greatest moment of your footballing career?

Brian: There has been a few such as making my debut for Spurs, representing England at under 20 and under 21 level which is something to look back on with fond memories. Also playing at Wembley in a play off final for Brentford which unfortunately they lost to Crewe who had a really good side. However, as showpieces go that has probably got to be the one.

Who was the greatest player that you had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with? 

Brian: Well at the beginning of every season (at Spurs) we played in a tournament where you had the likes of AC Milan and Juventus, so I came up against the likes of Rudd Gullit and that Milan team of the 1990’s. However, I’d still have to say Paul Gascoigne was the best player I had the pleasure of lining up with in the same team, and that goes some way to defining the type of player he was.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories of your time in the Tottenham youth team?

Brian: We actually had a really good team and it produced a lot of players who went onto have very good careers. Beating Arsenal in youth games was a great and fulfilling achievement for me as a young boy and you had to learn quickly the rivalry and you couldn’t take it for granted. Although we didn’t get to win any youth cups unfortunately, we certainly got very close on occasions, but those are the sort of memories which spring to mind and playing with players who you’re still in touch with to this day.

What prompted you to leave Spurs and could you talk me through your career after you left the Lilywhites?

Brian: So when I made my debut as an 18 year old I think I went onto play 25-30 odd games for Spurs but unfortunately I got some injuries which for one reason or another were prolonged. I had a number of operations within 18 months being under the surgeons knife. When I returned to playing I went out on loan after Terry Venables had brought in quite a few new players. So it looked quite difficult for me, so I sat down with the manager and he said look Brian it looks like your going to have to play your football elsewhere. So I went on loan to Reading, Bournemouth and Brentford, and eventually I signed for Brentford and went onto play 160 games. The year I joined we won the then third division as champions going away to Peterborough United and winning one nil and winning the title was a great day, and it felt like a great move at the time. After going onto play 160 games for Brentford where I had a really good time at, playing some good consistent football every week. However, that came to an end after I broke my leg (a double compound fracture) in an FA cup game at Bournemouth I was out for a year at the time. I came back from injury and that season 1997/98 we got to the play off final against Crewe but we went onto lose. The following year I went to Gillingham but unfortunately that didn’t work out because me and Tony Pulis may not have seen eye to eye, but those types of things happen. After Tony said I was surplus to requirements we agreed to part ways and after a few trials I made the decision to move into semi-pro football which I did, and that was pretty much that. 

While you were in the Spurs youth team during the late 1980’s you would have been coached by legendary double winner Ron Henry. What was Ron like as a coach and as a young fullback was he somebody who you looked up to?

Brian: Ron was a bit like Keith Blunt. Very uncompromising and another tough, tough manager who I don’t think would have stood the test of time in current football because of their outlook and the way they trained. But they probably got the best out of me. Ron and me were very similar players, he coached how he trained and he was a real good, decent guy who demanded the best from you every time, and it was always hard work. 

How did your time at Spurs prepare you for your subsequent career in the game as a manager?

Brian: As I began to come towards the end of my football career and began thinking of management you look back at all of the managers who you’ve had in your career. And you take a little piece of all of them, or some of them or none of them. I looked very quickly at some of the great things which motivated me and motivated others. And I think that’s what built up that belief system in me and how I could get the best out of players. I think Terry Venables showed some great man management skills and the way he set up his teams was something I took with me when I went into management.

Were there any players at Spurs who you were particularly close to?

Brian: Justin Edinburgh who was another Essex boy was one and we used to travel up together because I didn’t live far away from him. Another one was Paul Allen, again from Essex so we spent a lot of time together on the motorway. Also Philip Gray was another good friend who I spent time with outside of football. 

As somebody who worked your way up the youth ranks at Spurs before breaking into the first team, what would your advice be to the young Spurs players of today as they look to break into the first team?

Brian: I grew up in an era of footballers who embraced the drinking culture and the going out after games. I look back and think how I could have improved and how I could have been a better athlete and a better footballer. I would say to anybody who wants to be a professional footballer especially the young boys at Spurs including my son is that you’ve got to do whatever it takes. The sacrifice that I made as a footballer compared to my friends was immense at the time. And I would say to any footballer today as I constantly do with my son is that if you want to achieve your goal then you have to sacrifice a great deal, and that is not leading a normal life. You don’t eat the same as your mates, you don’t go out and drink the same as your mates because you are totally different. As long as you understand and believe in that then you give yourself a chance to be successful. As an athlete it’s all about how you live your life. 

Being eligible for Zimbabwe did it ever interest you to represent them at international level?

Brian: Yeah it did, there was a couple of times where it came close but the only draw back was that I had to have dual nationality which meant having a dual passport, which was a little bit complex at the time. And I didn’t think that there was the infrastructure there to support it and get it done.

After all these years how do you look back on your time at the Lilywhites and is Spurs a club who you still hold close to your heart?

Brian: Every weekend you watch for the results but Tottenham are the team you look out for, because it was a big part of my life and it made a big impression on me as a young man and that will never change. Whatever way you look at football today it is going to remain a part of my life and plus the fact that my son is there continues to play a big part in my life. I end up spending most Saturday’s watching him play which is an amazing feeling and I hope that the football club remains a part of my life for as long as it does Maxwell’s life, and I hope for him to be more successful than I was at the club.

Some notes on Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua’s performance against Badalona:

Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua completed the full 90 minutes of Atlético Baleares’ goalless draw with Badalona on Sunday afternoon, in the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III. Shashoua started the game out on the left wing as Manix Mandiola’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Today’s goalless draw means that the ‘ Balearicos ‘ will have to wait a little bit longer before clinching the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III title. Samuel hardly touched the ball during the opening 15 minutes of the game. Samuel’s first real involvement in the game occurred after Canario shifted the ball out to him on the left flank. The nimble footed youngster then darted past Marc Carbó before swivelling around and passing the ball back to Canario who then tried to initiate a move. Shashoua continued to see very little of the ball during the opening stages of the game although he was making some good tackles and he was tracking back well after him. After Francesc Fullana passed the ball to Shashoua out on the left flank the 19 year old cut inside before shifting the ball onto his right foot and attempting to pick out De La Espada in the penalty area with a whipped cross. However, Shashoua’s cross had too much pace on it and it ended up going behind for a goal kick. After Francesc Fullana had pounced on a poor header from Badalona’s Nana on the edge of the Badalona penalty area, the Atlético man fired the ball over Morales‘ crossbar.  However, he had failed to spot the well timed run of Samuel down the left hand side of the penalty area, and he could have easily slipped the ball into the Tottenham loanee who more likely than not would have tapped it into the back of the net. That was to be the frustrated Samuel’s final involvement of the first half. Shortly after the restart Samuel came desperately close to breaking the deadlock. After Canario had managed to pick out the unmarked Shashoua down the left side of the Badalona penalty area with an in swinging cross from the right flank, the 19 year old managed to connect with the ball. However, his headed effort on goal from an acute angle was well saved by Badalona goalkeeper Morales who pushed the ball behind for a corner kick. Samuel couldn’t believe that Morales had kept out his effort!

About ten minutes later Samuel picked the ball up before darting in between both Marc Carbó and Nana before firing the ball narrowly over Morales’ crossbar from the edge of the Badalona penalty area. A couple of minutes later Samuel managed to round Albarran after picking up Francesc Fullana’s pass. He then embarked on a driving forward run towards the Badalona penalty area but he was eventually intercepted by Albarran who managed to recover and make a challenge. Late on in the game Atlético substitute Nuha passed the ball to Samuel down the right side of the Badalona box but the Spurs mans quickly taken low effort was blocked by Moyano. Samuel tried to play a quick one two with Canario on the edge of the Badalona box shortly afterwards but nothing amounted of it. A late Atlético attack resulted in Fullana passing the ball to Samuel on the edge of the Badalona penalty area however, Shashoua’s resulting powerful low effort was blocked by the sliding Moyano. That was to be the last time the hardworking Samuel was involved in the game.

Some notes on Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou’s performance against Villarreal CF B:

Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou completed 45 minutes of Atlético Levante’s 3-1 league defeat to Villarreal CF B on Saturday afternoon in the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III. Georgiou put in yet another impressive performance for the ‘ Granotas ‘ and I was quite frankly puzzled as to why he was withdrawn at half time, as Anthony was without doubt Levante’s most dangerous attacking player during the first half with his many purposeful runs down the left flank. Unless of course he picked up an injury of some sort during the first half then the substitution in which head coach Luis Tevenet made didn’t make any sense. Levante were simply outplayed by a far more technical and quicker opposition in Villarreal today and they couldn’t cope with how quickly Villarreal moved the ball around the park, and how they attacked the Levante defence. However, I thought that Georgiou’s performance was the one shining light from the first half. Anthony started the game out on the left wing as Luis Tevenet’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The opposition hogged possession during the opening stages of the game and this meant that Anthony became isolated out on the left flank, and he was unable to impact the game during the opening 15 minutes of it. Anthony’s first meaningful involvement occurred around the 17 minute mark after Georgiou received Blesa’s cross down the left side of the Villarreal box. Georgiou connected with the ball with his head after managing to hold off a Villarreal defender, but his header was directed straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Joan who managed to hold Georgiou’s effort. A couple of minutes later Anthony was given the ball by Blesa out on the left wing. Georgiou did a couple of step overs before whipping the ball into the Villarreal box where he aimed to pick out Cantero, but his cross ended up going behind for a goal kick. Around five minutes later Anthony did some good tracking back in order to get in front of Iván deep inside the Levante half before winning a free kick after the Villarreal man tripped him from behind, down the left flank. About five minutes later Anthony received Joan’s pass out on the left flank. The Cyprus international then sped forward down the left flank, passing Villarreal fullback Andrei before sending a low drilled cross into the danger zone, but it was cleared away by Roger. 

After Cantero conceded a penalty kick Villarreal took the lead in the 27th minute of the game. Shortly after the restart Rulo played the ball down the line to Anthony on the left flank. The 22 year old surged past Andrei before attempting to cut the ball back to Pepelu on the edge of the Villarreal box however, Victor was on hand to clear it away from danger. Energetic and constantly on the move, Anthony continued to look for openings in the Villarreal defence. After Pepelu had passed the ball to Anthony down the left side of the Villarreal box, Georgiou tried to sort his feet out but he was closed down and intercepted well by Andrei. Levante’s Pablo Serrano scored an unfortunate own goal to double the visitors advantage shortly before halftime. I was extremely puzzled as to why Anthony was withdrawn at halftime today however, all that matters is how Anthony performed and I thought that he gave another really good account of himself under testing conditions. With his intelligent off the ball movement, ability to get in and behind the Villarreal right back Andrei, and his many surging forward runs offered Levante options which they so desperately needed. 

Anthony Georgiou for Atlético Levante this season:

Appearances: 10

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Some notes on Spurs youngster Malachi Walcott’s performance against France under 17’s: 

Spurs’ first year scholar Malachi Walcott (17) was called up to represent the England under 17 national team yesterday for this years Under 17 European Championship. The ‘ Three Lions ‘ first group game of the tournament took place on Friday evening in Longford, Ireland at The City Calling Stadium and Walcott started the match for Steve Cooper’s side. The North London born defender started the game at centre half, playing in the middle of a back three although he would later revert to playing at RCB in a back four. Walcott had a fantastic game for Cooper’s side and he defended imperiously alongside Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, as he helped England to record a 1-1 draw. Walcott started the game well and his first involvement in the game came early on after he was called into action to clear Enzo Millot’s corner kick inside the opening two minutes of the match, at least he managed to get it partially clear. Walcott then managed to head clear Amadou Traore’s resulting corner kick, before he was able to clear Lucien Agoume’s cross a couple of moments later as France continued to start the game well. After receiving Lucien Agoume’s pass inside the England penalty area, Walcott was quick to intercept Georginio Rutter before clearing the ball away from danger. The 17 year old centre half wasn’t afraid to bring the ball out from the back and on one such foray he attempted to play an ambitious through ball towards Sam Greenwood however, Chrislain Matsima managed to get in front of Greenwood and make the interception before then clearing the ball. At the other end of the pitch Walcott attempted to get on the end of Miguel Azeez’s corner kick but France goalkeeper Melvin Zinga managed to claim the ball just before Walcott could connect with it. The Spurs man continued to do well, he was on hand to clear Nathanael Mbuku’s powerful low cross behind for a corner kick at England goalkeeper Louie Moulden’s near post before he managed to clear behind Nathanael Mbuku’s cross from the left wing. The 17 year old continued to stand strong and a matter of moments later he was on hand to head away Amadou Traore’s resulting corner kick before Harwood-Bellis cleared the ball. 

The England defender did well to head away another menacing cross from Nathanael Mbuku before England took the lead in the 34th minute of the game through Sam Greenwood after the ‘ Three Lions ‘ had won a penalty kick after growing into the game. Shortly after the restart Georginio Rutter’s whipped cross was cleared away by the alert Malachi Walcott. Shortly before halftime Walcott was shown a yellow card for a supposed foul on Theo Zidane on the edge of the England box after the France man went on a surging run through the middle of the park. Steve Cooper’s side appeared to revert back to a back four for the beginning of the second half with Walcott operating at RCB. After receiving Amadou Traore’s pass inside the England box, Georginio Rutter turned around before attempting to beat Moulden with a powerful low shot, but Walcott was there to make an important block to put the ball behind for a corner kick. A couple of minutes later the ever threatening France side came close to drawing level. However, after substitute Aouchiche received the ball down the left side of the England box Walcott managed to get in front of his man before clearing the ball behind for a corner. Then a couple of minutes later Walcott managed to sweep clear a cross from Mbuku on the left flank as England continued to defend really well. After Rutter passed the ball to Aouchiche inside the England box the France substitute turned around before shooting but his low effort was well blocked by the feet of Walcott. France were putting increasing pressure on the England defence as the game started to draw to a close. However, for all of Walcott and England’s excellent defending they could do nothing to prevent France from drawing level through Aouchiche in the 78th minute of time. France came close to taking the lead for the first time in the game a couple of minutes later through Traore after he burst down the right side of the England box before having his angles closed down well by Walcott and firing the ball against Louie Moulden’s crossbar. 

A corner from Traore then came to Agoume inside the England box but he was closed down well by Walcott who then blocked his resulting shot on goal. Walcott sliced the resulting corner kick from Agoume narrowly over Louie Moulden’s crossbar a couple of minutes before the England goalkeeper made a fantastic save to deny Agoume, before Walcott then managed to get the ball clear in time. Aouchiche’s late effort was blocked by Walcott inside the England box before Walcott managed to clear behind Mbuku’s cross and then clear away Agoume’s resulting corner kick as both sides had to settle for a 1-1 draw on their opening game. This was an excellent performance from Walcott who defended superbly from the first to the final whistle. The 17 year old made some excellent blocks, interceptions, clearances and he won almost all of his aerial duels. Furthermore, the Spurs youngsters positioning throughout the game was impeccable and his passing was nice and crisp. I thought it was an excellent performance from the composed centre half and it was a performance for which he should be proud of.

An invaluable learning curve – Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua has played a massive part in Atlético Baleares’ fairytale season and in many ways he has been the beating heart of the team:

At just 19 year of age Samuel Shashoua made the courageous decision to delve into the unknown, in a foreign and unfamiliar country. The talented young Spurs player made the decision to join Spanish third tier side Atlético Baleares on a season long loan last August, at the time Spurs fans may have been a bit puzzled by this move however, almost nine months on, this loan has really proved to have been a coming of age for one of our most technically gifted young players. What Shashoua has achieved for the ‘ Balearicos ‘ so far this season has been nothing short of remarkable. No one could have predicted that Manix Mandiola’s side would be seven points clear of second place Hercules with only three league games remaining. And while this incredible achievement has been a great team effort, from the 28 of the 30 games that I have watched Samuel play this season, I truly think that the teenager has been the beating heart of this Atlético team. Directly involved in nine goals from 30 competitive games for the Mallorca based club (six goals and three assists), Samuel who has primarily operated out on the left flank in a 4-2-3-1 formation, has so often been the creative spark which Manix Mandiola’s side has so often been reliant on. After arriving on the island back in August to link up with Mandiola’s team, Samuel made an almost instant impact on the side. During his first four games Shashoua was an unknown quantity in a league which is used to teams playing like 2011/12 style Stoke City. Shashoua’s directness, mesmerising weaving forward runs and his strength on the ball stunned oppositions defences during those early games, and the new arrival caused no end of problems for them. Shashoua’s exciting style of play had the passionate Atlético fans up on their feet in awe every time Samuel was on the ball, and his impressive early start to life in the third tier of Spanish football resulted in Samuel being involved in four goals from his opening ten games. While his goal involvement statistics did dry up after that, this was down to the fact that teams were focusing on Shashoua down the left hand channel and putting more than one defender on him, so as to neutralise the threat in which he posed.

However, Samuel’s impact on the team certainly didn’t dry up and after adapting his game to deal with the physicality of the league and at times the brutality of it, Samuel continued to pull the strings from out on the left flank. Fiercely intelligent, agile, sharp but above all else determined. Determined to impact games, to create pockets of space for himself and to initiate chances for the likes of other attacking players such as Nuha Marong who he has a great on field relationship with, and Marcos De la Espada and Canario. Shashoua’s typically unselfish style of play may have gone under the radar at times but this is exactly the same player who I’ve watched carving open defences for both our under 18’s and 23’s in recent seasons. The young artist as I like to call him, has arguably been Atlético’s most influential player this season. With his darting forward runs, exceptional vision, deftly accurate passing and tireless defensive work making him an invaluable member of the ‘ Balearicos ‘ squad. Furthermore, Shashoua is very much a team player and some of his link up play with his teammates particularly with Gambia international Nuha who he combined with a lot during the early parts of the season has been sensational. This loan move has meant that Samuel as he is affectionately known by the Atlético faithful, has been playing against grown men on a weekly basis, and this is something which will massively aid his development as a footballer. I noticed from quite early on into Shashoua’s loan that he has bulked up considerably since last season and while he was always very strong on the ball, he has definitely become a lot more physical this season. However, Atlético’s second top scorer this season hasn’t had life easy despite how well he has settled down to life in sunny Mallorca. The Spanish Segunda Division B Group III is anything but a league where attractive football is played, something which will come as a surprise to the many of you who would envisage tiki-taka football being played by every single team in the league. The only time that I have seen such football played in this league has been whenever Samuel has come up against any of the B teams. Instead the league is very direct, it is physical perhaps not too different to its English equivalent.

At times during the current season Samuel has been literally kicked about the park. Kneed continually in the back as he attempts to get to the ball, and tripped and kicked on a weekly basis. Shashoua has had to learn to and adapt to the big cultural difference, and how football is played, because for somebody who has grown up in a category one academy side the style of football which is played and the quality of the training facilities is on a completely different par to a club like Atlético Baleares. However, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions in the past, Samuel’s style of play makes him very well suited to the Spanish game. Shashoua is as we all know a very technical player who understands the intricacies of the game. As a winger he is unpredictable and with his weaving forward runs, two footedness and ability to penetrate defences he is a very dangerous player who loves to try his luck on goal on the edge of the oppositions penalty area. However, he is also a very creative player whose vision, craft and guile has always resulted in him creating a lot of goalscoring chances for his teammates, and that has been no different this season. Without doubt Manix Mandiola’s sides most creative player, Samuel has created more chances than any other Atlético player this season and that comes as no surprise to me. Shashoua carries the ball really well out on the flanks and it is his unpredictably, flair and good reading of the game which allows him to work defenders so hard. He sees things that other players don’t see, and he does things with a ball which very few can do. On a number of occasions this season the 19 year old has embarked on some mesmeric forward runs, with excellent skill and balance enabling him to turn defenders inside out. His newfound strength has also made it even harder for players to dislodge him of the ball. So often the difference which Atlético have needed this season, like a player such as Marcus Edwards, Samuel can change a game in the blink of an eye. He only needs to receive the ball in space to create a chance or look to beat a couple of defenders before testing the goalkeeper with one his trademark curling efforts. 

Samuel has singlehandedly won league games against the likes of Atlético Levante, Olot and Ejea. His sharp twists and turns, fancy skillset and all round intelligent play has been far too much for some of the experienced players in this league to deal with this season. The intensity and the aggression in which Samuel plays with for the full 90 minutes of a game is something which the players in this league aren’t used to. They aren’t used to seeing a teenager move around the pitch as well as Samuel does for the entirety of a match and they certainly aren’t used to a young player tracking back and defending as well as Samuel does. A real grafter, the West London born forward has always worked exceptionally hard on the pitch but this season in particular he has taken that to a whole different level. So often for Atlético I have seen Shashoua sprinting back 35-40 yards in order to help out his left back, or to make an interception or a challenge. Shashoua’s aggressive pressing has forced many errors out of defenders this season and it has in turn created openings for the Atlético front line. When I see Samuel pick the ball up in a crowded space and skilfully dance his way around four or five opposition players I am reminded of the great potential in which he has. Samuel has become quicker this season and his stamina has undoubtedly improved however, for all of his attributes which he has improved and for all he has achieved playing out on the left wing for Atlético Baleares there is one thing which is more important than all of those things put together, and that is playing competitive men’s football on a weekly basis. The power of a good loan is something which can never be sniffed at and it has often been a stepping stone into the first team of their parent club. Experiencing the pressure of lower league football in a foreign country along with the experienced professionals which you are coming up against is invaluable for a young players personal development. Shashoua has had to up his game since joining Atlético but he has also had to grow up both on and off the field. No longer used to the luxuries which come with training at Hotspur Way and the great accommodation which comes with it. Samuel has had to cook for himself on a daily basis out in Mallorca, he has also had to adapt to a totally different way of life. Although he already had a very good command of the Spanish language owing to his Spanish and Venezuelan heritage, before making the trip to Mallorca. Shashoua has had to pick up different dialects and new phrases so as to communicate effectively with his teammates out on the pitch. 

A definite contender for Atlético’s player of the season Samuel Shashoua has defied expectations at the Balearic club this season. Working his magic at every opportunity, Shashoua has without waxing lyrical been the beating heart of this hugely overachieving team, who are within touching distance of being crowned champions of the the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III, and booking their place in a two legged play off match to try and secure promotion to the Spanish La Liga 2. The season still has at least five games remaining for Samuel who unlike last season has managed to stay injury free for much of this campaign. What happens if Atlético do win promotion to the La Liga 2, does Samuel stay on loan at Atlético for another season? Or does he return to his boyhood club and try and fight for a place in the first team squad. Whatever happens at the end of the season there will be no end to La Liga 2 clubs, EFL clubs and even La Liga clubs looking to get Samuel to join them on loan, and this is a testament to the fantastic season that the youngster is having in Spain. I have long hoped that Samuel will get another chance for Spurs at first team level. Over two years has past since the then 17 year old appeared on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino’s first team in a Premier League game against Leicester City. Now after a frustrating 2017/18 season Shashoua surely has to be back on the cusp of featuring for Pochettino’s side in the forthcoming pre-season with Spurs’ first team scheduled to play five pre-season friendlies this summer, Shashoua must have a big chance of making his debut for the Tottenham first team. The experience of playing in Spain has helped Samuel no ends and it will continue to do so over the coming months ahead. I personally think that he is ready to make that big step up to the Tottenham first team next season, at least in one of the five friendlies which are being played over the course of this summer. Both physically and mentally I believe that Shashoua is ready to play for Spurs’ first team and this excellent loan for Atlético Baleares just reaffirms my belief in him and the potential in which he has.

Shashoua is thoroughly enjoying his time in Mallorca and he is currently in good form having been directly involved in three goals from his last three games for the ‘ Balearicos ‘. Up next for Samuel and Atlético is an away game against Badalona on Sunday morning. Samuel ‘ Shashowa ‘ as he has been nicknamed in the local press on the island, has been a revelation for Manix Mandiola’s side this season impressing with his razor sharp movement, ability to dictate play and create chances from out on the left wing, and of course his outstanding dribbling ability. For such a cultured young player I really cannot wait for him to return to Spurs in the summer and really make a push for the first team, and hopefully force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Technically he is the best player that i have ever seen play for Spurs at youth level, but most importantly of all he is a greats sportsman and a very polite young man. I would like to wish Samuel and Atlético all the very best of luck for their remaining games this season and I sincerely hope that they get promoted to the La Liga 2. Finally if you could all vote for Samuel in the link provided below for an end of season award, I am sure that he would greatly appreciate it. 

https://twitter.com/LMcCand/status/1123656572239011840?s=20

Spurs’ Dennis Cirkin – A most promising young left back who has enjoyed a fantastic season in his first year of scholarship at the club:

One of our under 18’s most consistent performers this season has been first year scholar Dennis Cirkin (17). The Dublin born left back has put in many an excellent shift for Spurs across the various age levels this campaign, impressing with his physicality, lung bursting forward runs and mesmeric skill, as well as his decision making and defending. Cirkin epitomises the modern fullback in so many ways despite his young age, and it is the well roundedness and all round game of the England under 17 international which has always impressed me the most. Operating primarily as a left back during his first year of scholarship, after scoring an impressing seven goals for our under 16’s the previous season, Cirkin has adapted really well to under 18 football since he made his competitive debut for Spurs at this level in a league game against Swansea City back in August. So well in fact that the former Wanstead High School pupil has stepped up to play for our under 23’s on six occasions and a further four times for our under 19’s in the UEFA Youth League. This is on top of the 19 appearances that he has made for our high flying under 18 side. A hugely exciting prospect who has made huge strides during the 2018/19 season on both the domestic and international stage, Cirkin for those of you who haven’t watched him play extensively, is a good all round fullback. What I mean by that is that he is so well rounded. An aggressive and attentive defender who likes to be the first to every ball, the Dubliner is a strong and committed player who has a tendency to slide in and make crunching challenges. Authoritative without making rash decisions, the teenager is an intelligent player who reads the game just as well as he uses the ball. Apart from his defensive solidity Cirkin is a formidable attacker, and with his pace, dribbling ability, low centre of gravity and his all round positive play he has the ability to penetrate defences. An adventurous fullback not too dissimilar to how Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon was at the same age. Young Dennis isn’t the kind of fullback who plays with his head down and looks to make safe, cautious passes. Instead Cirkin is a young man who is always playing with his head up, constantly looking forward and looking to drive at oppositions defences. Unsurprisingly our very own Ben Davies is a player who Dennis admires greatly.

Having been at Spurs since the age of nine Dennis has managed to work his way up the ranks at the North London club, and for England at international level. The Dublin born fullback has made huge strides in his development this season and as you will all know from my many match reports Cirkin is a player who I am a very big fan of hence, why I am writing this detailed piece on the best left back of his age group in the country. Born in Dublin, Ireland to Latvian parents on the 6th of April 2002, Dennis moved across the water to London with his family when he was just three years old and it was in the English capital where he first developed his love of football. A pupil of Wanstead High School, Dennis was a regular for the England under 16 national side during the 2017/18 season but Cirkin had to wait until August of this season to make his competitive debut for our under 18’s after he signed scholarship terms with the ‘ Lilywhites ‘ that summer. That came in a 5-2 win over Swansea City at the ‘ Swans ‘ Landore training centre in a league game at the start of this season, and it was a fantastic debut for the then 16 year old who managed to score a brace on his first start for Matt Wells’ side. Since making his first competitive appearance for our under 18’s the first year scholar has gone onto achieve great things during the 2018/19 campaign. Not only has he cemented his place in the under 18 side, he has also made four appearances for our under 19’s in the UEFA youth league. Furthermore, the England under 17 international who was called up to represent the ‘ Three Lions ‘ in a friendly tournament back in September has gone onto make the step up to our development side. After making his debut for Wayne Burnett’s side in a hectic Premier League International Cup game against Athletic Bilbao’s B team in January, Cirkin has gone onto make a further five appearances for the under 23’s and he has really looked the part in all of those games. He has been able to deal with the physicality of under 23 football, and the pace of it. Cirkin has been excellent for Spurs on a consistent basis this season. Since establishing himself in the under 18’s he has been nothing but solid and potent going forwards. He has demonstrated to great effect his ability to get up and down the left flank so well for 90 minutes of the game. From the 29 competitive games that he has played for Spurs this season I have not once seen him have a bad game, and that speaks volumes.

Cirkin is a young player who is constantly improving at left back, the former left winger was a mainstay in our title challenging under 18 side this season, and the quality of his performances have been just as good as anybody else’s. Putting in a string of superb performances against the likes of Leicester City, Fulham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona across the various age levels this campaign. Only a couple of weeks ago the first year scholar was selected by Spurs to compete in The Future Cup which was hosted by AJAX in Amsterdam, Cirkin played all four of Spurs’ matches in that tournament. Cirkin has demonstrated his well roundedness and his adaptability to games during the course of the season. The 17 year old has made a big impact at both ends of the pitch from his rock solid defending and assertiveness, to his many surging attacking forays, and wonderful close ball control. The Dubliner is a good all round fullback who possesses so many good qualities as an up and coming modern left back/wingback. The 17 year old possesses both defensive steel and attacking flair, this makes him an interesting young fullback and that is what makes Cirkin such a promising player. Interestingly the Dublin born defender is very similar to former Spurs youngster Nick Tsaroulla a player who I was a big fan of, in his style of play. Like Tsaroulla (20) who left the club upon the expiration of his contract last summer, Cirkin is a very adventurous player. Combining his offensive and defensive play so well, many of the first year scholars greatest attributes are akin to those of our former defender Nick Tsaroulla. Offensively Cirkin is as good as anybody in his age group. The Dubliner is a very skilful player and his fine dribbling ability helps him to go on fruitful attacking forays down the left hand side, as well as helping him to dribble his way out of tricky situations. The young left back also has a good low centre of gravity as well as a good burst of pace about him, again things which make him such a threat going forwards. Cirkin manages to get up and down the flank well and it is his positivity with the ball at his feet which has always impressed me so much. Wherever Cirkin receives the ball out wide he always looks up before driving forward with the ball glued to his foot. Such positive play and directness reminds me of how Kyle Walker-Peters was at the same age, albeit on the opposite flank.

Young Dennis Cirkin is a creative force from left back and his pace, agility and good crossing ability has made him a major attacking threat for Spurs this season. Chipping in with two goals and three assists across all levels for Spurs this campaign, Cirkin’s many lung bursting forward runs have created many, many more goal scoring chances for his teammates. The 17 year old loves to overlap the left winger and he has a natural urge to get forwards and make runs down the left channel. Furthermore, Cirkin loves to be on the ball and he has a tendency to play the ball down the line, something which he has done on many occasions so far this season. On a number of occasions I have seen Cirkin pick the ball up deep inside his own half and skilfully dance his way around three or four opponents as he helps to bring the ball forward. Cirkin is also a goal threat and he is always very quick to loose balls in and around the the danger zone, he has a knack of timing his runs to perfection and he often spots gaps in the oppositions defence which he can exploit. A very intelligent player with an attacking eye, Cirkin is forward thinking and very confident when he has the ball at his feet. On numerous occasions this season for both our under 18’s and 23’s Cirkin’s pace, dribbling ability and all round positive play has caused a whole host of problems for teams. In the UEFA Youth League round of 32 game against PAOK back in February, Cirkin showcased his attacking qualities in front of a crowd of over 10,000 supporters. A constant attacking threat with his many surging runs up and down the left flank, his confidence on the ball and forward passing was something which the Greek club couldn’t deal with, and this led to PAOK putting more than one player on Cirkin which in turn allowed the left winger and the CAM with more space to trouble the PAOK defence. Going back to my comparisons with Nick Tsaroulla, there is something about the way in which Cirkin runs with the ball and dribbles which is so similar to how Tsaroulla used to play. I don’t know whether the first year scholar has been influenced by Tsaroulla in some way but everything from his short bursts of pace to the way in which he defends is strikingly similar to the Bristol born former Spurs man.  

Offensively Dennis Cirkin is a very, very good player who has the essential skills to be like Danny Rose or Ben Davies from an attacking perspective however, that is only one side of the teenagers game. Defensively speaking he is also highly effective and it is that which I am going to speak about next. Strong, committed in the challenge and extremely courageous. Cirkin is an excellent defender who has made many important defensive interventions over the course of this season for our under 18’s and 23’s. The left back who is fluent in Russian, has great stamina which allows him to get up and down the left flank so well for 90 minutes of a game. Furthermore, he is a very aggressive player who makes sure that he is always the first to get to every ball. However, it is the 17 year olds challenges which are perhaps his greatest attribute. Again, linking back to Tsaroulla, Cirkin is committed in the challenge and he loves to slide in, but he also makes sure that he times them to perfection, so as to get as much of the ball as possible. He also oozes confidence and he reads the game very well indeed for a defender so young and he isn’t afraid to make big calls such as risky sliding challenges inside his own penalty area. The Dublin born defender reads the game tremendously well and I love how good he is at not only anticipating danger but also at snuffing it out. Neville-esque with his one on one defending, Cirkin defends well while he is under pressure and it is his composure and decision making which makes him so difficult to get the better of for pace. As I have already said, Cirkin is a remarkably well rounded player who doesn’t lack quality in any department. He is strong, decisive, good in the air, skilful but above all else he is committed. Dennis is able to combine both his defensive discipline with an adventurous attacking streak and it is that combination for which makes him such a good young left back. For our under 18’s this season, Dennis has been one of our most consistent and important players. The quality of the performances that he has put in for our under 18’s over the course of the 19 games which he has played for them has been top drawer. Cirkin also put in four solid performances for our under 19’s in the UEFA Youth League, this came about because our only other natural left back Jaden Brown had left the club in January.

If that wasn’t impressive enough Cirkin has also racked up six appearances for our under 23’s since the turn of the year. All six of those performances have been excellent and the first year scholar has shown that he not only has the physicality to deal with the step up, but he has also shown the maturity needed for that level. Already our under 23’s first choice left back at the age of just 17, Cirkin’s continued rise over the course of the 2018/19 season has been seriously impressive and the season isn’t over yet. With the 2019 Terborg tournament still to look forward to, Dennis will be hoping to finish what has been an excellent season on a positive note. A tremendously well rounded left back who has all the attributes needed to emulate a player like Ben Davies’s path to the first team. For those wondering why England’s best left back of the under 17 age group wasn’t included in Steve Cooper’s squad for the forthcoming European Championships in Ireland, this boils down to the fact that Cirkin would be tied down to England for the rest of his footballing career if he was capped by them in a competitive fixture. Still eligible to represent Ireland and Latvia at international level, Cirkin still has the option to change allegiance in the future. I would like to congratulate Dennis on having such a fantastic season at Spurs. He has been a pleasure to watch and I look forward to seeing him progress even further next season.