Month: July 2022

My piece on Spurs’ talented and skilful Academy central defender Alfie Dorrington:

Posted on by superhotspur

Alfie Dorrington signed his first professional contract with Spurs last season, and the 17 year old central defender is a player who has real quality. Now in his second year of scholarship with the club, the Enfield born Spurs player is a very tall defender (he is approximately 6ft 5 inches), but he has great ability on the ball. Dorrington made 29 competitive appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season (Alfie scored one goal and provided one assist), in 2021/22, having made three appearances during the season before that, in 2020/21. The defender also made the bench on one occasion for the Spurs Under 23 side last season. Alfie often started matches alongside Charlie Sayers, in central defence for the Spurs Under 18 side in 2021/22, following the former Southend United player joining Spurs in late 2021. Alfie hardly missed a game for Stuart Lewis’ side last season, and he also represented England at Under 17 level last season. A real footballing centre-half, Dorrington is like a playmaker from defence. As he likes to go on surging and skilful forward runs out of defence, taking players on for skill as he brings the ball into midfield, or looks to make a long pass out to the flanks.

Alfie Dorrington is a good passer of a football, and he is very capable of making long and accurate cross field diagonal passes. A strong defender, Alfie is a brave central defender who keeps good defensive positioning on the pitch. He is very good at making blocks and is also strong and decisive in the challenge. A passionate player on the pitch, Dorrington makes it difficult for forwards to get good chances on goal, as he is clever in his defending. The 2021/22 season would have been a great learning experience for the second year scholar, as although results didn’t always go Spurs’ way at Under 18 level, Alfie got to experience playing in the very competitive Premier League South, on a week to week basis. He also got to represent Spurs at the end of season Terborg Tournament, in the Netherlands, where once again he was ever present for Spurs.

 There were a number of matches that Alfie Dorrington impressed me in last season for Spurs. A close and highly entertaining away Premier League South match against Chelsea ended in the home side winning the match, but Alfie Dorrington and Charlie Sayers impressed with their defensive positioning, the amount of headers that they won and also with how many blocks they made and challenges that they won. In an impressive win against Ipswich Town in the third round of the FA Youth Cup last season, Alfie showed his quality on the ball as well as his tenacity in defence, and also his fine reading of the game. He had another very good game in a 2-1 away league win against Reading in 2022, where he had a very solid game defensively. And also, in a loss to Arsenal in Spurs’ final Premier League South game of last season, Dorrington was the best outfield player for Spurs during that match, and he was the main reason why Spurs didn’t lose by more goals, such was his very good defending during the whole of that match. 

A player who I think has really good potential, Alfie Dorrington has been playing quite a lot for the Spurs Under 21 side during this pre-season. And he is currently with the Spurs Under 21 side in France, as they are competing in the prestigious Tournoi Européen. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Alfie make his Premier League 2 debut for Spurs during this season, and I think that he will also be a very important player for the Spurs Under 19 side in the 2022/23 edition of the UEFA Youth League. I would like to wish Alfie all the very best of luck for this season.

My piece on talented and versatile Spurs Academy player and second year scholar – George Abbott:

Posted on by superhotspur

Second year scholar George Abbott (16) is a defensive-midfielder, who also played at right-back and as a box to box midfielder for the Spurs Under 18 side, during the 2021/22 season. Born in Islington but brought up in Muswell Hill, George Abbott made his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 18 side as a late substitute in an Under 18 Premier League Cup group game against Leeds United, last season. He made an additional 14 appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side, scoring two goals and providing one assist from those appearances. Abbott is a tenacious defensive-midfield player, who got better and better as the 2021/22 season went on. He has good pace and skill on the ball, and he had a number of impressive matches last season. As a defensive-midfielder George Abbott does well in front of the Spurs defence, and he is strong in the challenge and a player who covers a lot of ground in the central areas of the pitch.

The midfielder also likes to get forward to support the forwards, especially when he is playing as a box to box midfielder. Very capable of going on surging forward runs with the ball at pace, arguably Abbott’s best performance for the Spurs Under 18 side last season came in a 2-1 Under 18 Premier League South win over West Bromwich Albion. George started and completed that match in the defensive midfield role, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He was excellent defensively, and he won a good number of challenges in midfield. He also scored a goal in that game, but it was the then first year scholar’s work off the ball, as well as on it, when he would bring the ball forward at pace, which impressed me the most. He didn’t stop running, and he helped the Spurs defence out a lot. Another impressive performance came in a 7-0 home Under 18  Premier League South win over Birmingham City, when George scored a really good goal. 

Also capable of playing at right-back, George Abbott played in that position on occasions during last season, and once again I thought that he did well while playing in that position. In an away 3-2 Premier League South loss to Chelsea the midfield player had a lot of work to do defensively, but he showed his good pace in that game. And he won quite a lot of challenges, and was good defensively. George Abbott also played at right-back at the end of season Under 19 Terborg Tournament, in The Netherlands. In Spurs’ final group game at that tournament, George was without doubt Spurs’ best player in a 2-0 loss to Dutch side De Graafschap, while playing at right-back. He made some important blocks during that game, in what was a good defensive performance on his side of the pitch. George made his debut for the Spurs Under 21 side as a late second half substitute in a pre-season friendly with Billericay Town, this pre-season. Which was great to see.

Just yesterday the midfielder came off the bench during the second half of the Spurs Under 18’s 7-0 win against Kerala Blasters, in the Premier League Next Generation Cup, at Hotspur Way. Abbott did well when he came on to the pitch during the second half, in midfield. He also scored a good goal after going forward with the ball at pace, before passing the ball to Damola Ajayi on the left side of the pitch, before then receiving the ball again in the centre of the penalty area, and then scoring a goal with a nice composed finish. I would like to wish George all the very best of luck for the 2022/23 season with Spurs, and I personally believe that he will be a very important player for the Spurs Under 18 side this season. 

My preview of the Spurs Under 21 sides’ participation in the 2022 Tournoi Européen:

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Spurs’ Under 21 side will travel to Brittany, in France, this week to compete in the annual Tournoi Européen. The prestigious annual pre-season tournament which Spurs won in 2017, is a great and very competitive pre-season tournament. Unfortunately this pre-season I am unable to attend the tournament, despite my best efforts, as it is just too difficult to get there, this time. I have attended the previous two editions of the tournament that Spurs have been involved in, and it’s a really enjoyable tournament, which is just so competitive. Spurs did well in the last tournament that they entered a team into, but in this tournament you have to win your respective group (there are two groups of four teams) to get to the final. In Spurs’ group this time (Spurs are in group A) are AS Saint-Étienne, Paris FC and AS Monaco. In the other group are OGC Nice, Standard de Liège, Stade Rennais and En Avant Guingamp. The only other side that isn’t based in France that is competing in the 2022 edition of the pre-season tournament, is Belgian side Standard de Liège. In Spurs’ group are AS Monaco, who really impressed me in the 2018 edition of the tournament, and I’m sure that they will be a very difficult team to play against, in this edition of the tournament.

The tournament starts on Friday, but I haven’t been able to find a list of fixtures or a schedule for this edition of the tournament. Spurs usually include close to 20 players who travel as part of the squad, to European tournaments, at Academy level. It will be interesting to see who is part of the squad for this particular tournament. It will also be interesting to see whether or not Alfie Devine travels with the squad to France, as he hasn’t played for the Spurs first team this pre-season, as he would likely have returned late to pre-season, after being with the England Under 19 side at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Devine hasn’t been to a European tournament with any of the Spurs Academy sides, since joining the club in the summer of 2020. This will be a very interesting tournament involving eight very good under 21 sides. I will try my very best to keep people updated with how Spurs get on at the tournament. I would like to wish the Spurs Under 21 squad all the very best of luck for the 2022 edition of the Tournoi Européen.

Spurs’ group: 

AS Saint-Étienne

Paris FC

Spurs 

AS Monaco

My predicted Spurs Under 21 squad: Keeley, Gunter, Dorrington, Sayers, Muir, Paskotši, Fagan-Walcott, Cesay, Lavinier, Bowden, Lyons-Foster, John, Robson, Devine, Mundle, Santiago Mathurin, Donley. 

Spurs’ Youth team 7-0 Kerala Blasters’ Youth team: (match report)

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In the semi-finals of the Premier League Next Generation Cup, at Hotspur Way, Spurs’ Youth team faced Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters’ Youth team. Spurs’ side was basically their Under 18 side, and Stuart Lewis’ side impressively won the match 7-0, to set-up a final match with West Ham United on Saturday. Spurs lined-up with Elliot Krasniqi in goal, while Brandon Bryan-Waugh, Archie Chaplin, Will Andiyapan and Jahziah Linton started in defence. Rio Kyerematen and Billy Heaps started in central midfield. Maxwell McKnight and Riley Owen started out wide on the flanks, either side of CAM Tyrese Hall, as Spurs’ captain Jaden Williams led the line. Spurs got the game underway in Enfield. After winning the ball midfielder Rio Kyerematen went forward with the ball, before having an effort blocked inside the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area. Spurs had started the game well, and they were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty kick, after Tyrese Hall seemed to have been fouled inside the penalty area, by number 34 (unfortunately I couldn’t find a list with the names of the Kerala Blasters players). However, the referee didn’t award the penalty for Spurs. After winning the ball, Tyrese Hall passed the ball to Jaden Williams on the edge of the Kerala Blasters penalty area, but his effort was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Brandon Bryan-Waugh managed to deflect an effort over the Spurs goal, from the left side of the Spurs box. Archie Chaplin then did well to block an effort on the Spurs goal, before Stuart Lewis’ side almost took the lead. A good cross into the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area by Maxwell McKnight, was headed away by number four, but Williams managed to get on the ball. However, his effort was saved well by the goalkeeper. A low effort from distance at the other end of the pitch was saved well by Elliot Krasniqi. After receiving Tyrese Hall’s pass, Rio Kyerematen hit an effort over the goal, from the edge of the Kerala Blasters’ box, before Kerala Blasters’ number nine and centre-forward missed a good chance inside the centre of the Spurs box, but he ended up putting the ball wide of the goal. Number eight had an effort which went over Elliot Krasniqi’s goal, before Rio Kyerematen hit a free-kick effort over the goal, from the edge of the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area. Spurs took the lead soon after however, as a good move resulted in Williams receiving a pass from Kyerematen, and he then showed some excellent skill inside the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, before passing the ball to Kyerematen, who had an effort on goal blocked on the line. However, the ball came to Jahziah Linton on the left side of the box, and he finished well into the goal, 1-0.

Spurs doubled their lead soon after taking the lead, as a clever lofted pass from Riley Owen to Rio Kyerematen inside the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, resulted in the Spurs player passing the ball to Jaden Williams, who finished well into the goal, 2-0. Some great skill from Tyrese Hall on the left side of the penalty area to lift the ball over a defender, resulted in the first year scholar putting the ball over the goal, from a difficult angle. A pass out from the Spurs defence was met by Kerala Blasters’ number ten, who tried to score from distance, with Elliot Krasniqi out of his goal, but his effort went wide of the goal, with the referee sounding his whistle for half-time soon after. Kerala Blasters got the second half underway (Thomas Bloxam had replaced Tyrese Hall for the start of the second half). Kerala Blasters’ number 34 headed over a corner-kick, before Spurs went forward at the other end of the pitch, as Jahziah Linton hit an effort just over the goal, from the left side of the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area. Linton then did really well inside the Spurs box to make a great challenge on the Kerala Blasters’ number 17. After Thomas Bloxham had won the ball well, he passed it to Jaden Williams, who then passed it to Riley Owen on the left side of the penalty area, and he then delivered a low cross towards the back post, which Maxwell McKnight was able to guide into the goal, 3-0.

Kerala Blasters’ number nine headed over a cross from the left flank, just over the Spurs goal. Then a couple of minutes later number ten hit an effort just over Elliot Krasniqi’s goal, from the edge of the Spurs box. After winning the ball the impressive Thomas Bloxham passed the ball to Maxwell McKnight on the right flank, and the second year scholar delivered a really good low cross into the centre of the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, which Bloxham was able to finish well from, into the goal, with a good first time effort, 4-0. Will Andiyapan did well to block number 11’s effort inside the Spurs box, before Spurs made three changes. Damola Ajayi, Yusuf Akhamrich and George Abbott all came on to replace Archie Chaplin, Riley Owen and Billy Heaps respectively. Williams had an effort blocked on the edge of the penalty area, just before Damola Ajayi passed the ball to Yusuf Akhamrich, on the left side of the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, but the forwards’ effort went just wide of the near post. Spurs made it 5-0 soon after, as George Abbott went forward with the ball at pace, before passing the ball to Damola Ajayi on the left side of the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, and the first year scholar passed the ball to Abbott in the centre of the box, and he calmly side-footed a low effort into the goal, 5-0.

James Roswell replaced Maxwell McKnight, before Kerala Blasters’ number 17 received the ball on the left side of the Spurs box, but Elliot Krasniqi saved his low effort well with his feet. After Kerala Blasters’ number 34 tripped Jaden Williams inside the penalty area, Spurs were awarded a penalty. Williams stepped up to put the ball into the centre of the goal, 6-0. Then shortly after the game got started again, Williams won the ball before taking it into the Kerala Blasters’ penalty area, and from the right side of the box he curled the ball into the left corner of the goal, 7-0. Kerala Blasters’ number 25 hit a lofted effort wide of the Spurs goal from distance, late on in the match, before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs face West Ham United in the final of the Premier League Next Generation Cup, on Saturday.

Player reviews:

  • Elliot Krasniqi: The first year scholar and goalkeeper didn’t have many saves to make today, but he was good and reliable in goal.
  • Brandon Bryan-Waugh: This was a good defensive performance from the right-back, and during the first half he did well defensively, before later moving into central defence later on during the second half. This was a good performance from Brandon.
  • Archie Chaplin: The central defender did well alongside Will Andiyapan, and he was good defensively. He also liked to pass the ball forward, out from defence.
  • Will Andiyapan: The versatile defender did well in defence, and like Archie Chaplin he was good defensively, as Spurs kept a clean-sheet.
  • Jahziah Linton: The left-back got forward really well and he deserved to get his goal, and he was unlucky not to get another goal later on in the match. 
  • Rio Kyerematen: Starting the match in defensive-midfield, Rio Kyerematen brought the ball forward well, and his link-up play and involvement in the forward areas of the pitch was impressive.
  • Billy Heaps: I thought that this was an excellent performance in midfield from Billy Heaps, who did everything so well in midfield, and he used the ball so well. The former Stevenage Academy player impressed greatly with his movement off the ball.
  • Maxwell McKnight: Starting the match on the right flank as a winger, second year scholar Maxwell McKnight got forward really well, both with and without the ball. He took his goal well, and he also got an assist during his time on the pitch in the second half.
  • Tyrese Hall: I thought that the midfielder did well in the CAM position during the first half of the match. He showed good skill on the ball, and he was unlucky not to score during his time on the pitch.
  • Riley Owen: The winger was involved in two of Spurs’ goals today, and he was very clever in his all-round play. And he used the ball well.
  • Jaden Williams: My man of the match, see below.
  • Thomas Bloxham: The skilful winger entered the pitch for the beginning of the second half, and the Republic of Ireland youth international started the second half in the CAM position. He showed some excellent skill on the ball, impressed with his hard work off the ball and he also took his goal well. 
  • Damola Ajayi: The forward did well with the ball after he came onto the pitch during the second half.
  • Yusuf Akhamrich: The first year scholar came very close to scoring a goal not too long after he was substituted on, during the second half.
  • George Abbott: This was a very good second half performance from second half substitute George Abbott, who did well in midfield and he impressed on the ball. George Abbott scored a well taken goal, after starting the move with the ball himself.
  • James Roswell: The defender and second half substitute went to right-back, late on it the game.

My man of the match – Jaden Williams. The centre-forward scored a hat-trick today, but his all-round performance was very good on the day. Impressing with his excellent movement off the ball, the second year scholar was always looking to receive the ball in and around the penalty area. Williams took all three of his goals really well. 

My preview of the Spurs Under 18 sides’ 2022/23 season:

Posted on by superhotspur

The Spurs Under 18 sides’ 2022/23 season will be starting soon. Stuart Lewis’ side includes 27 full-time first and second year scholars, who will officially be part of the Spurs Under 18 side this season. This is a very talented squad of players, and while results didn’t always go Spurs’ way last season in the Under 18 Premier League South, a lot of the performances were good in my opinion, and they didn’t always reflect the scoreline. The Spurs Under 18 side reached the fifth round of the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup last season, and I think that they could definitely go further in that prestigious competition this season. In the league there are so many very good teams, such as Southampton, who won the Premier League South last season, Chelsea, West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. But with the experience that the second year scholars have of playing in the Premier League South last season, as well as some of the new first year scholars who also played for the side last season, in my opinion they could do really well this season, in the league. In addition to the Under 18 Premier League South and the FA Youth Cup, there is also the Under 18 Premier League Cup, which Spurs’ Under 18 side usually compete in every season, since it’s first edition in 2017/18.

A really good number of the Spurs Under 18 side will also be competing in the UEFA Youth League, for the Spurs Under 19 side, this season. That competition will provide the players who do get the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Youth League, great experience of playing against some of Europe’s best sides at that level. Second year scholar and England youth international Luca Gunter, is a very good and promising goalkeeper who I personally think will be a very important player for the Spurs Under 18 and Under 19 side, during 2022/23. The Spurs Under 18 squad is so talented, and while I wouldn’t be surprised to see second year scholars Jaden Williams, Alfie Dorrington, Jamie Donley, Rio Kyerematen and Maxwell McKnight feature for the Spurs Under 21 side this season, I’m sure that they will still feature a lot for the Spurs Under 18 side during this season. Another second year scholar who I think will be a very important player this season for the Spurs Under 18 side, is talented and versatile midfield player Billy Heaps. The former Stevenage Academy player started to get a lot of opportunities in the Spurs Under 18 side, during the second part of the 2021/22 season. He is capable of making excellent passes, and he is a very creative player.

Archie Chaplin is a first year scholar who made a really good number of appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season. A very good central defender,  Archie really impressed last season. As did first year scholar and midfielder Han Willhoft-King, as well as versatile midfielder Tyrese Hall, when they played for the Spurs Under 18 side last season. Also, Spurs fans should look out for second year scholars Riley Owen, Brandon Bryan-Waugh and Thomas Bloxham this season. All second year scholars, Riley Owen is a highly skilful and creative winger, as is Republic of Ireland youth international Thomas Bloxham, while versatile defender Brandon Bryan-Waugh, was a player who really impressed me last season. I’m really looking forward to going to the matches again this season, and I would like to wish Stuart Lewis’ side all the very best of luck for the 2022/23 season. 

The Spurs Under 18 squad of 2022/23:

Goalkeepers: Luca Gunter, Elliot Krasniqi, Carey Bloedorn.

Defenders: Will Andiyapan, Jahziah Linton, Alfie Dorrington, Brandon Bryan-Waugh, Archie Chaplin, Pele Arganese-McDermott, Maeson King, James Roswell, Zach Simons.

Midfielders: George Abbott, Rio Kyerematen, Tyrese Hall, Billy Heaps, Kieran Morgan, Leo Black, Han Willhoft-King.

Wingers/forwards: Riley Owen, Oliver Irow, Thomas Bloxham, Maxwell McKnight, Jaden Williams, Jamie Donley, Yusuf Akhamrich, Damola Ajayi.

Where are they now? Former Spurs Academy player Luke O’Reilly:

Posted on by superhotspur

Luke O’Reilly was a Spurs Academy goalkeeper, who was at the club for one season – 2017/18. The London born former professional footballer had previously represented West Ham United and Peterborough United, as a youth team player, before joining the Nike Academy. O’Reilly joined Cardiff City as an Academy player in 2015, from the Nike Academy. He would play for Cardiff at Academy level, before joining non-League side Redditch on loan, for a while during his time at Cardiff. Not long after returning to Cardiff from Redditch, Luke left Cardiff City. After some time without a club he joined Spurs on a one year contract, joining their then Under 23 side. Luke O’Reilly made the bench for Wayne Burnett’s side on occasions during that 2017/18 season, a season where he competed with Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman for a starting place in the side. However, Luke’s one and only competitive appearance for the Spurs Under 23 side, came in a quite remarkable Premier League 2 match at the Lamex Stadium, in Stevenage. He started in goal for Wayne Burnett’s side, up against a Liverpool Under 23 side that had Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings playing as the two centre-forwards in that game. Adam Lallana was also playing for Liverpool in that game.

O’Reilly had a really solid game in goal for the Spurs Under 23 side against Liverpool, as he kept a clean-sheet, in a 1-0 win for Spurs. The goalkeeper didn’t play for Spurs again at Under 23 level, during the remainder of that 2017/18 season. He left Spurs after his contract came to an end at the end of that season, but he joined Carlisle United during that summer. O’Reilly made the bench on six occasions for the Carlisle United first team, during his relatively short time at the club during the 2018/19 season. A commanding goalkeeper with good reflexes, Luke would later spend some time in the non-League, with Chelmsford City, Beaconsfield Town and Maldon & Tiptree, before calling time on his playing career, in the summer of 2020. The now 26 year old former professional footballer, has since started a really promising coaching career, as a goalkeeping coach. During and after his playing career, Luke has so far coached Academy goalkeepers at Colchester United, become the first team goalkeeping coach at Stevenage and later the head of Academy goalkeeping at the League Two club. 

Later becoming a goalkeeping coach at Ebbsfleet United, Luke is impressively now the first team goalkeeping coach at League Two side Crawley Town. He is clearly a talented and promising coach, and I wish him all the very best for the new season, and for his future in the game as a goalkeeping coach.

My preview of the Spurs Under 21 sides’ 2022/23 season:

Posted on by superhotspur

The new Premier League 2 season is not far away now, and so I thought that I’d write my annual preview of the Spurs Under 21 side. All Premier League 2 clubs will now be changed from being Under 23 sides, to Under 21 sides, for the new 2022/23 season. The Premier League 2 fixtures for this season have yet to be announced, but Spurs will be playing two new sides that they haven’t played for a while in Division One of the Premier League 2, in Fulham and Wolves. Following their promotion from Division Two. Leeds United and Derby County were the two sides who were relegated from Division One last season. Manchester City are the current Premier League 2 Division One champions, and they will be one of the teams to watch this season, although Spurs did win both of their league games against them last season. However, the Premier League 2 Division One is a very good and competitive league, and with teams such as West Ham United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, the Premier League 2 Division One is always such a difficult league to win. Also, in recent years Blackburn Rovers have been a difficult side to play against. Spurs’ Under 21 side will also be competing in the 2022/23 Papa John’s Trophy, and they have been drawn in a difficult group with Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United and Stevenage. 

Also, a Spurs Under 19 side will be competing in the 2022/23 edition of the UEFA Youth League, which some members of the Spurs Under 21 squad could be eligible to represent Spurs’ Under 19 side in that competition. It will also be interesting to see whether or not a Spurs Under 21 side will be entered into any other Premier League Cup competitions, this season. There are currently 24 players who are a part of the Spurs Under 21 side, as it stands. That doesn’t include players who are officially part of the Spurs Under 18 side. A number of players from the Spurs Under 21 side could potentially leave Spurs on loan this season, which could then mean that players from the Spurs Under 18 side get more opportunities in the Spurs Under 21 side. Second year scholar Jamie Donley was one player who featured for the Spurs Under 21 side on occasions, as a first year scholar last season. And he could well get more opportunities for the Spurs Under 21 side this season. Jaden Williams also featured quite a bit for Wayne Burnett’s side last season, and he is also a forward.

I also personally wouldn’t be at all surprised to see second year scholars Maxwell McKnight, Rio Kyerematen and Alfie Dorrington all feature for the Spurs Under 21 side at some point during the 2022/23 season. Second year professional Max Robson has been a player who has missed quite a lot of game time over the last couple of seasons, because of injury. However, he is in my opinion a player with a lot of potential, and as a CAM he can contribute with a lot of assists and goals, and he could well be a very important player for the Spurs Under 21 side this season. Jeremie Mukendi is another player who has been very unlucky with injuries, since his time at Spurs, as a scholar. But his experience of playing as a centre-forward, could be very important for the Spurs Under 21 side this season. Spurs signed two new players for their Under 21 squad this season, with goalkeeper Josh Keeley joining the club from Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic, while versatile defender Tyrell Ashcroft joins the club from Reading. I’m sure that both players will get plenty of game time during this season. 

Also, central defender Marqes Muir finished last season really well, and I think that he will be a very important player in defence for the Spurs Under 21 side this season. And out wide on the flanks, Roshaun Mathurin (he missed much of last season because of injury) and Romaine Mundle will in my opinion also be very important players for the Spurs Under 21 side this season, and they can contribute a lot with their creativity and goals. I’m really looking forward to going to all of the Spurs Under 21’s games, both home and away this season. And I would like to wish the side all the very best of luck for the 2022/23 season. Spurs’ Under 21 side will finish their pre-season, by going to France to compete in the annual Tournoi Européen, which starts on Friday. I will be writing a preview of Spurs’ participation in that tournament, later in the week.

The Spurs Under 21 squad of 2022/23:

Goalkeepers: Josh Keeley, Aaron Maguire, Adam Hayton.

Defenders: Kallum Cesay, Marcel Lavinier, Tyrell Ashcroft, Charlie Sayers, Marqes Muir, Maksim Paskotši, Malachi Fagan-Walcott.

Midfielders: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Dante Cassanova, Harvey White, Jamie 

Bowden, Nile John, Matthew Craig, Alfie Devine, Max Robson.

Wingers: Roshaun Mathurin, Yago Santiago, Romaine Mundle.

Forwards: Dane Scarlett, Jeremie Mukendi, Kion Etete.

A piece on Spurs’ new Academy first year scholars for the 2022/23 season:

Posted on by superhotspur

It was announced by Spurs on Friday, who the new Academy first year scholars will be at the club, for the 2022/23 season. Six of Spurs’ new first year scholars have already played for the Spurs Under 18 side, while an additional three players featured on the bench for the Spurs Under 18 side last season. I saw six of the 14 Spurs Academy first year scholars play for Spurs’ Under 18 side last season. And although I didn’t see some of the new first year scholars last season, I will write a brief bit on each player, while writing more extensively on the players who I did see play for the Spurs Under 18 side last season. The goalkeepers in this seasons’ new group of Spurs Under 18 players, are Elliot Krasniqi and Carey Bloedorn. Elliot Krasniqi made the bench for the Spurs Under 18 side on 12 occasions last season, without featuring for the side, while Carey Bloedorn made the bench for the Spurs Under 18 side on one occasion last season.

There will be six new defenders joining the Spurs Under 18 side next season, as first year scholars. Pele Arganese-McDermott, I believe had previously represented Luton Town, before joining Spurs, and he is a central defender. New first year scholar Archie Chaplin, is also a central defender. He made 12 Premier League South appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season, before joining the club full-time this summer. I was very impressed with how Archie Chaplin did for the Spurs Under 18 side last season, and he stepped up to that level really well. I thought that he was on occasions the best player in matches last season, such was his excellent reading of the game, positioning and the quality and decisiveness of his challenges. Chaplin is a defender who also has really good pace, and I personally wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him feature for England at youth level next season. Other defenders in the group, are Maeson King, Zach Simons and James Roswell. James Roswell has represented England at youth level in the past, and he made the bench for the Spurs Under 18 side in their home Premier League South fixture with Aston Villa, in the March of 2022.

In midfield, there are four players who are joining the Spurs Academy full-time. Leo Black is a midfield player who made three competitive appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season (all as a substitute). I believe that the first year scholar can play in the CAM position, as well as in central midfield. In the games that he was involved in for the Spurs Under 18 side last season, he showed some fine skill on the ball. Tyrese Hall is a versatile goalscoring midfield player, who can also play as a winger. Hall can also play as a defensive-midfielder and as a CAM, and he was another first year scholar who I thought did well for the Spurs Under 18 side last season. Tyrese looks like a very skilful player, and I also noticed that he seems to be  good with both feet. He made five competitive appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season, including one in the FA Youth Cup, and he provided one assist from those matches. He was excellent in a 2-1 Premier League South win away to Reading last season, while playing in central midfield. His skilful surging forward runs with the ball, as well as his good decision making on the ball impressed me a lot in that game against Reading. Hall scored a goal in Spurs’ Under 18’s 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Leyton Orient, earlier this month.

Kieran Morgan and Han Willhoft-King are also midfielders who are part of the new group of Spurs Under 18’s. I haven’t seen Kieran Morgan play for Spurs, yet, but I have seen quite a lot of Han Willhoft-King for the Spurs Under 18 side. The England youth international started all three of Spurs’ FA Youth Cup games last season, and he also started for a Spurs Under 17 side in the 2022 Premier League Under 17 Cup final, against Manchester City, last season. Willhoft-King made 13 competitive appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side in all competitions, last season. Often starting matches in the defensive-midfield role, Han reminds me a bit of two Spurs Academy graduates, in Oliver Skipp and Armando Shashoua. He is always looking to receive the ball, and he uses it very well, and he is so composed on the ball. Willhoft-King is good defensively, but he is also a very creative player, whose passing is good, as is his skill on the ball and ability to skilfully get past players. He had some really good games for the Spurs Under 18 side during 2021/22.

There will be four forwards who will be joining the Spurs Under 18 side this season, as first year scholars. Damola Ajayi made two Premier League South appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side last season, both as a substitute. Although he is a forward, Damola Ajayi can also play in midfield. He scored two goals in the Spurs Under 18’s recent 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Leyton Orient, earlier this month. The other forwards, who are part of the new group of first year scholars, are Yusuf Akhamrich, who scored a goal in the friendly win over Leyton Orient, and also Oliver Irow. Oliver Irow has also represented England at youth level, and although he only made one competitive appearance for the Spurs Under 18 side last season (as a substitute in a Premier League South fixture against Leicester City), the forward impressed with his movement off the ball in that game. He also almost scored a goal from a header in that match. Oliver Irow can play as a centre-forward or as a winger. I would like to wish the Spurs Academy first year scholars of the 2022/23 season, all the very best of luck for this season. 

Spurs Under 21’s 4-1 Billericay Town: (match report)

Posted on by superhotspur

In their final pre-season friendly before going to France to compete in the annual Tournoi Européen, Spurs’ Under 21 side faced Isthmian League Premier Division side Billericay Town, at their New Lodge ground, on Saturday evening. Spurs won the game 4-1, and it was a deserved win for Wayne Burnett’s side, who were the better team for much of the game. Spurs lined-up with Josh Keeley in goal, while Maksim Paskotši, Marqes Muir, Alfie Dorrington and Marcel Lavinier started in defence. Captain Jamie Bowden and Kallum Cesay started in central midfield, while Roshaun Mathurin and Yago Santiago started on the flanks, with Nile John starting in the CAM position. Jamie Donley led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. An early effort from Maksim Paskotši on the right side of the Billericay penalty area, was blocked by Toby Stevenson. A couple of minutes later, John Ufuah went past Makism Paskotši with the ball, and into the Spurs box, but Marqes Muir did well to block his effort. Spurs took the lead soon after that chance for the home side, as Roshaun Mathurin passed the ball to Yago Santiago on the edge of the Billericay box. He then gave the ball to Kallum Cesay, who gave the ball back to Santiago, who had gone into the penalty area, where he finished low past goalkeeper Harry Seaden, 1-0.

Marqes Muir blocked Montel Agyemang’s volleyed effort from the edge of the Spurs box, before Billericay got an equalising goal. A long ball forward by Marvel Ekpiteta, was headed away by Alfie Dorrington, but the ball came to Bradley Stevenson, whose lobbed, volleyed effort on the right side of the Spurs box, went over Josh Keeley, who had came off his line, and into the goal, 1-1. Muir and Dorrington switched sides in central defence, before the game got back underway. Marcel Lavinier blocked Bradley Stevenson’s effort on the right side of the Spurs box, before Spurs’ goalkeeper Josh Keeley gathered an effort from John Ufuah. Spurs continued to do well, but after Nile John had an effort from distance blocked by Bradley Stevenson, Billericay managed to create a good chance. After receiving John Ufuah’s pass, Bradley Stevenson had an effort well blocked by Marcel Lavinier, inside the Spurs penalty area. Alfie Dorrington then guided a header onto the Billericay goal, after meeting Jamie Bowden’s corner-kick, but the Billericay goalkeeper Harry Seaden did well to keep it out and make the save.

Spurs regained the lead in the 41st minute of the game, after the alert Yago Santiago latched onto a loose pass out from the Billericay defence inside their penalty area. Despite Montel Agyemang making a sliding challenge, Santiago calmly found the back of the goal, with a low effort, 2-1. Montel Agyemang hit an effort over the Spurs goal from distance, before Josh Keeley managed to save John Ufuah’s free-kick effort, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Billericay got the second half underway. Marqes Muir did well to win the ball in defence, before stepping forward with it and passing it to Roshaun Mathurin, who skilfully worked his way into the Billericay box, before hitting an effort over from a tight angle. Josh Keeley saved John Ufuah’s effort from the left side of the Spurs box, before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Jeremie Mukendi replaced Marqes Muir and Alfie Dorrington respectively. Roshaun Mathurin had an effort saved from distance. Then, after getting on the ball inside the Spurs box, Billericay’s Trialist B missed the goal with his effort, which went wide of the Spurs goal.

A forward pass from Yago Santiago into the path of Jamie Donley inside the Billericay penalty area, resulted in the centre-forward showing good composure in front of goal, as he finished low into the goal, 3-1. Max Robson replaced Nile John, and then a couple of minutes later Jahziah Linton and George Abbott came on in place of Marcel Lavinier and Jamie Donley respectively. Spurs made it 4-1 soon after, as Jamie Bowden’s cross into the Billericay box, from the left flank, was missed by Jeremie Mukendi, before Maksim Paskotši had an effort saved by goalkeeper Emmanuel Nwosu, but Max Robson read the situation well, and headed the loose ball into the goal, 4-1. Anthony Jeffrey hit an effort wide of the Spurs goal, from the right side of their penalty area, a couple of minutes before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster had an effort blocked inside the Billericay box. The referee sounded his whistle soon after for full-time. Spurs’ Under 21 side will travel to France next week to compete in the annual Tournoi Européen, which begins on Friday.

Player reviews:

  • Josh Keeley: The Spurs goalkeeper made some saves, all of which were fairly comfortable saves, on Saturday evening against Billericay. This was Josh Keeley’s second appearance for the Spurs Under 21 side, after he made his debut for them against Bromley, on Wednesday.
  • Maksim Paskotši: Versatile defender Maksim Paskotši started the match at right-back, and would later move to central defence during the second half, before finishing the game at right-back. The 19 year old almost scored a goal late on in the game.
  • Marqes Muir: I thought that this was a very good and assured performance in central defence from Marqes Muir. He made two important blocks, read the game well, was solidly defensively and I don’t recall him making a single error during his 60 minutes on the pitch.
  • Alfie Dorrington: Central defender Alfie Dorrington started the game on the left side of central defence. However, he would later switch with Marqes Muir, to the right side of central defence, during the first half. Dorrington had some good moments in the game, showed his quality on the ball and he almost scored a goal from a header. He completed 60 minutes of the match.
  • Marcel Lavinier: Starting the game at left-back, I thought that Marcel Lavinier had a good game in defence. He read the game well.
  • Jamie Bowden: The Spurs captain started the game as the defensive-midfielder, where he did well, and made some good forward passes. However, he finished the game in central defence, where he looked assured and composed defensively.
  • Kallum Cesay: Providing the assist for Yago Santiago’s first goal of the game, defender Kallum Cesay started in central midfield for this game. He impressed with his all-round play, and he also went on some good skilful forward runs with the ball. 
  • Roshaun Mathurin: The highly skilful and creative winger used the ball well out on the right flank, brought it forward well with good skill and he was also involved in Spurs’ opening goal of the game.
  • Nile John: The Spurs CAM had an effort blocked during his time on the pitch, and he did well with his link-up play on occasions.
  • Yago Santiago: My man of the match, see below.
  • Jamie Donley: Always looking to drop deep to receive the ball, centre-forward Jamie Donley took his second half goal well, and he showed some good skill on the ball during the game.
  • Jeremie Mukendi: The second half substitute played at centre-forward for the final 30 minutes of Saturday’s match. Jeremie Mukendi worked hard off the ball, and he came close to scoring a late goal.
  • Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The defensive-midfielder got another important 30 minutes of game time, as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
  • Max Robson: The late substitute scored a headed goal during the second half, to get Spurs’ fourth goal of the game.
  • Jahziah Linton: The late substitute went to left-back, on his debut for the Spurs Under 21 side.
  • George Abbott: The late substitute went into central midfield after entering the pitch in the 73rd minute of the game. He also made his debut for the Spurs Under 21 side.

My man of the match – Yago Santiago. With two goals and an assist, Yago Santiago had a really good game for Spurs’ Under 21 side against Billericay Town. The 19 year old started the match on the left flank as a winger, and he was confident with the ball, and at going forward with it. Santiago took both of his goals well, and he showed good vision to find Jamie Donley, for his goal during the second half.

Spurs Under 21’s versus Billericay Town: (match preview)

Posted on by superhotspur

Spurs’ Under 21 side will play their final friendly game of pre-season this Saturday (the game starts at 18:30pm at Billericay’s New Lodge ground), when they face Isthmian League Premier Division side Billericay Town, before then going to France to compete in the annual Tournoi Européen, next week. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side won 2-0 against National League side Bromley, on Wednesday, in what was a good performance from the Spurs Under 21 side, as they won their second friendly match of pre-season. This will be a good pre-season game for Spurs, tomorrow, and they will be hoping to get another win, before going to France to compete in the Tournoi Européen. Former Spurs Academy player Tariq Hinds, was playing for Billericay last season, but I don’t believe that he is currently playing for them. While Spurs Academy player Charlie Sayers used to play for Billericay Town, at youth level. This will be an interesting game, and I look forward to attending it. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Maguire, Paskotši, Muir, Dorrington, Lavinier, Lyons-Foster, Bowden (c), Mundle, Robson, Mathurin, Donley. 

Substitutes from: Keeley, Ashcroft, Cesay, Sayers, John, Santiago, Mukendi, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: John Ufuah. The 23 year old Billericay winger has great pace and is very skilful with the ball. He will be a player that the Spurs defence will have to watch on Saturday.