Category: U23’s

Farewell Keanan and good luck:

Posted on by superhotspur

Farewell Keanan and good luck:

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On Tuesday afternoon quite out of the blue, rumours started popping up on social media suggesting the imminent departure of our promising young winger Keanan Bennetts, to German club Borussia Mönchengladbach. The rumours came from a story on a website called footballinsider247.com, the title read simply ”Bennetts agrees move to Gladbach”. This sudden story startled me and many other youth followers on Spurs Twitter, prompting the question of why would one of our most promising youth players want to leave Spurs? After making such great strides for the development squad during the 17/18 season. Bennetts who recently turned 19, has been without a shadow of a doubt our most consistent and effective player in the under 23 side this season, Bennetts was able to carry on his fine form for the under 18’s the previous season, into the development squad. Where he has shone at both LW and LWB over the course of the season, his rapid progress made me convinced that he would have appeared on the bench at least once for Pochettino’s side, before the season ended. Unfortunately, that never came to fruition and today the club announced that they had reached an agreement with Mönchengladbach for the transfer of our young starlet, believed to be in the region of £2 million pounds. With a year left on his remaining contract, the club would have wanted to cash in on Bennetts rather then letting him leave on a free at the end of next season. Unlike the recent exodus of young English players who have made the move to the Bundesliga, the likes of Jadon Sancho, Reece Oxford and Ademola Lookman all springing to mind. Bennetts has strong ties with the country, his mother is German, Bennetts speaks the language and has previously represented the German under 15 side before later going on to represent England at youth level.

For those with long memories, you’ll remember back in 2015 when Bennetts was the tug of war between England, Germany and Nigeria as to who he would pledge his allegiances to. After being massively hyped during his first season as a scholar, Bennetts endured a bit of a difficult campaign as he divided his time playing for Ugo Ehiogu’s under 21 side and Kieran McKenna’s under 18’s. It was not until the following season that Bennetts began to show the confidence and flair which had been so prevalent at schoolboy level. A mainstay in the under 18 side, Bennetts proved to be a vital part of the side that reached the semifinals of the FA youth cup in 2017. Whilst he did lack a bit in consistency and decision making in the final third, the teenager from Borehamwood had shown great confidence at taking defenders on, on either flank, scoring some spectacular goals in the process. It was not until this season however, that Bennetts was able to make the permanent step up to the under 23’s and what a season it has been for Bennetts. Across the various youth levels for Tottenham, Bennetts has chipped in with nine goals and assists, his exceptional performances as both a fullback and as a winger, have won him many plaudits throughout the campaign. His ridiculously quick feet, unstoppable pace and fine eye for a cross made him an extremely difficult player to play against. Not only was he direct and tricky, he was also exciting and unpredictable. The amount of times he would cut inside on either foot, and totally outwit the keeper with a fizzing shot, was sensational.

If you go back and read my reports over the course of this season, you’ll see that 99.9% of the time I’ve written glowing reports of the teenager, as he divided his time as both a fullback and winger. Bennetts blistering pace, mercurial skill and unpredictably made him almost Zaha like in style. Not only does he have all the tools of a modern day wing back, he has more than just speed, skill and intricacy. Bennetts is an expert at dead ball situations and has managed to score many free kicks over the campaign, he is comfortable on corners and good at reading the game. A prime example of the wingers magic, came only a month ago at Stamford Bridge during a PL2 game involving Spurs and Chelsea’s under 23’s. Down to ten men against a Chelsea side who were leading comfortably at the bridge, Bennetts provided the impetus behind a remarkable comeback for Burnett’s side. Not once, but twice did he risk the fortunes of his team by driving at the Chelsea defence. On the first occasion he did excellently well to win a free kick on the edge of the box, he stood up comfortably to bend a sublime effort into the back of the net. Burnett and his coaching staff would have been more than happy with a point, but Bennetts had other ideas. A couple of minutes after scoring our equaliser he drove at the Chelsea defence once again, winning a free kick in an almost identical position to the first. He stood up once more, this time with little to aim at, before calmly tucking the ball around the wall and past the Chelsea goalkeeper into the bottom corner of the net, to ensure all three points for Spurs. His tendency to try his luck at the extraordinary has also resulted in a string of stunning goals for the young lilywhites this season, most of these goals come from his excellent ball control in tight spaces and two footedness.

Whilst many of us would have been focusing on the rumours regarding the Reo Griffiths contract saga, a player who has also incidentally been linked with the Bundesliga. I feel that losing Bennetts is an even greater loss for the club, especially as I’m confident that he will excel in Germany’s top division over the course of the next few seasons. The lure of first team football in a country he knows so well, will have been an offer far too tempting for Keanan to refuse. He becomes part of a group of young English players to make the move to the country over the last few seasons, to better their chances of playing first team football sooner rather than later. Another young English player who decided to make the move to Die Fohlen was Mandela Egbo, a promising right back who joined the German club a couple of season back from Crystal Palace. Bennetts will be hoping to emulate the path of players such as Sancho, Egbo and Lookman. And when you think about it from his perspective, it’s not difficult to figure out why he’s decided to leave. I would expect Bennetts to rack up at least a dozen appearances for the German club next season compared with playing the majority of the season for the Spurs development squad, tied in with maybe a couple of league cup appearances if he was lucky. Still, I feel that it is a great, great shame that we have lost one of our most promising youth prospects, a player who I have had the great pleasure of watching develop over the last couple of seasons. Whilst it is unknown whether or not Spurs have included a buyback clause as part of the transfer, I certainty wouldn’t rule him out from returning to Spurs in a couple of seasons time. I wish young Keanan all the very best of luck at Mönchengladbach and I look forward to following his progress over the coming seasons.

Spurs under 23’s 0-5 Manchester City: (match report)

Posted on by superhotspur

Spurs under 23’s 0-5 Manchester City: (match report)

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A surprisingly strong Manchester City side ended our under 23’s eight match unbeaten run on Wednesday evening, with a dominant display at Broadhall Way. Wayne Burnett’s side were played off the park by the sky blues, whose sharp possession based football managed to overwhelm the Spurs players. City’s excellent regrouping, movement and counter attacking football proved to be one challenge too many for our development squad who ended the PL2 campaign with a 5-0 thumping from the technically much better Man City. I feared the worst after looking at the team sheet prior to kick off, the likes of Phil Foden, Brahim Diaz and Lukas Nmecha all started for City. And from their performances against Spurs it was easy to see why all three have been involved with Pep Guardiola’s senior side this season, the trio managed to cause major problems for the Spurs defence. Burnett’s side saw the inclusion of under 18 full back Tariq Hinds in the starting lineup whilst first year scholar Dilan Markanday was named on the bench. Also included in the starting 11 was Samuel Shashoua who has recently recovered from injury. Spurs got the game underway at a sunny Broadhall Way for our development squads final game of the season. Almost immediately after getting the game underway, George Marsh ran over to Nmecha to prevent him from running forward. However, he ended up looking a little startled after the Man City striker forced him to the ground with his sheer strength. The visitors would have the first attempt on goal of the game, after Ian Poveda surged forward after pouncing on a loose ball. The winger continued on to the edge of the box before curling an effort narrowly wide of the Spurs goal.

City were enjoying a bright start to proceedings, soon after Poveda’s effort Man City threatened the Spurs defence again. Brahim Diaz managed to trick his way across the Tottenham penalty area before sliding the ball out to Luke Bolton on the left. The wide man swept a low ball into the danger zone which Nmecha decided to leave (due to being in an offside position) it ended up squirming agonisingly wide of Whiteman’s left post. Head coach Wayne Burnett could be heard roaring to Anthony Georgiou “Where are you going?” As Spurs struggled to adapt to the high intensity start from the visitors. The dominant Manchester City were knocking the ball about for fun as they continued to unsettle the Spurs defence with their Guardiola-esque attacking football. Shortly after forcing Oliver Skipp into making an important block inside the penalty area, the visitors took a deserved lead through Lukas Nmecha. The Man City forward had managed to cap off a wonderful attacking move from Simon Davies’ side. A move which started from the heart of the city defence, Adarabioyo passing the ball forward to Nmecha who combined well with Foden before rifling a low effort into the back of Whiteman’s net from an acute angle, on the edge of the Tottenham penalty. Although it was a fine strike from Nmecha, Whiteman’s chances of saving it were severely hampered by a massive deflection off of the sliding Dinzeyi which caught out the Spurs keeper. Man City almost doubled their lead a couple of moments later through Brahim Diaz. Ed Francis sent a lovely ball over the top of the Spurs defence to Diaz inside the penalty area. Diaz tried to catch Whiteman out with a thumping effort on the half volley, but the Spurs keeper reacted well with an excellent save at his near post. Spurs were being totally outplayed in the opening stages!

Stifled by the high pressing of the Manchester City players, Spurs were prevented from launching any meaningful attacks on the City defence. Continuing to blossom under the evening sun, City produced another fine move when Adarabioyo picked out Bolton on the right wing with a lovely lofted pass. Bolton sent in a dangerous looping cross towards the far post which in all reality wasn’t a million miles away from totally embarrassing Whiteman and nestling inside the far corner of the goal. City continued to dominate and there was little that Spurs could do to prevent it. Jonathan Dinzeyi managed to prevent Nmecha’s effort with an important goal line block. However, Burnett’s side could produce no such heroics to stop City from doubling their lead only a couple of moments later. City punished us after being allowed to break forward through a sloppy pass from George Marsh which gave the ball straight to Diaz in the centre of the park. The Spaniard drove at the Spurs defence before shifting the ball out to Bolton on the right. He swept the ball into the box which the pacy Diaz managed to get forward and meet, flicking the ball past Whiteman to cap off a sparkling move. Spurs managed their first attempt on goal of the game shortly afterwards through Kazaiah Sterling, who fired wide of Muric’s goal after receiving Tracey’s pass. The latter forced a comfortable save out of Muric a couple of moments later after hitting a weak effort on his left. Samuel Shashoua conceded a free kick on the edge of the Spurs box after bringing down Nmecha, as Spurs continued to be frustrated.

Nmecha’s resulting under the wall effort flew wide of the mark as Spurs managed to escape further embarrassment, in what was turning out to be an all too easy game for the away side. With three on two City burst forward towards Whiteman’s goal before Nmecha’s over hit through ball narrowly deceived Foden inside the box. We then managed to produce our finest chance of the half, Tariq Hinds lovely floated cross from the left was well attacked in the air by Sterling. Muric spilt the ball which came out to Oliver Skipp on the edge of the box, but he fired the ball straight at the chest of the Montenegrin keeper. Anthony Georgiou had a promising effort blocked shortly afterwards. Burnett’s side were showing more positive signs going forward as the half came to a close, Georgiou had a menacing cross cleared by Ed Francis. Whilst Samuel Shashoua did well to win a dangerous free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The same player stood up to test Muric with a fine effort over the Man City wall, which was heading into the top left hand corner but for a fine acrobatic stop from Muric to tip the ball over. Burnett desperately needed to shake things up during the interval. Man City got the game back underway, but it was Burnett’s side who were able to create the first chance of the half. Samuel Shashoua managed to turn his man brilliantly before floating in a cross from the right. The ball eventually came out to Georgiou on the edge of the box, the Cypriots powerful low effort flew inches wide of the goal after taking a nick off of a City defender. Despite improving their attacking play danger was never far away for Burnett’s side.

The impressive Dinzeyi was forced into making an important block before the newly introduced Dele-Bashiru saw his low effort deflected out for a corner kick by Skipp. Thankfully Tanganga was on hand to prevent Bolton from the finding the danger man inside the box. Manchester City’s dominance on the game continued and they reflected this when they managed to find their third of the game on 52 minutes. Once again it had been all too easy for Davies’ side to carve open the Tottenham defence, Diaz’s precise through ball managed to pick out Luke Bolton down the right hand side. He continued into the Spurs box before calmly tucking the ball past Whiteman and inside his near post despite Dinzeyi’s desperate lunge, 0-3. Straight from the Spurs kick off came another golden chance for the visitors who came so close to making it 4-0. Diaz caught the Spurs defence by surprise, threading a nice pass through to Nmecha inside the box. The tall centre forwards first time effort came off of the underside of the crossbar before bouncing high enough for Whiteman to claim, goal line technology would have come in handy! Spurs responded down the other end through Kazaiah Sterling who ended up getting his ambitious effort all wrong soon afterwards. Frustrated by a lack of openings in the City defence Spurs needed to use the ball wisely, that’s why it came as a great waste when Shashoua chose not to play Georgiou through on goal, after embarking on a good attacking foray of his own, instead opting to shoot. His effort would go out for a Tottenham corner kick. Sterling rose well to nod the resulting corner wide at Muric’s near post.

A flurry of chances came the visitors way, first through Luke Bolton who breezed past Hinds down the right before whipping a menacing ball in to the box, thankfully Tanganga was on hand to make a timely clearance. Brahim Diaz bent an effort inches wide of the mark a couple of moments later, before Phil Foden sliced an effort well wide after going on a promising forward run. Wayne Burnett made an attacking double substitution to change things up for his struggling side, when he brought on Bennetts and Markanday (u23 debut) for Georgiou and Shashoua. Georgiou looked particularly sad as he made his way into the dugout. Man City were showing no signs of lowering their high energy tempo as the clock ticked down, Latibeaudiere squared the ball to Foden inside the box but the England under 18 internationals improvised back heel was somehow cleared on the line by Dinzeyi, much to the relief of Whiteman. Then the Tottenham goalkeeper did well to come out of his box and get to the ball before the advancing Nmecha could punish him. Burnett’s team couldn’t seem to string a couple of passes together, they were sloppy and overwhelmed by the dominant possession based football being played by the visitors, it wasn’t nice to watch. In a rare attacking move from the lilywhites Shilow Tracey fired an effort narrowly over the Man City goal. However, Man City would go at our defence again a couple of moments later. The sky blues punished Spurs for losing possession, Nmecha was slipped in down the left channel. The leagues top scorer forced Whiteman into making an important save with his feet after unleashing a ferocious strike. Somehow Brahim Diaz was unable to tap home the rebound, instead blasting it high into the Austin stand behind the goal.

One thing which was striking from City’s performance was their regrouping, for a side so young they were just as organised and well drilled as Guardiola’s seniors, it was quite remarkable to watch a team of teenagers play football in such a way. Once again Manchester City threatened the Spurs goal, Foden managing to find Nmecha inside the box. Somehow Nmecha couldn’t sort his feet out in time and Whiteman was able to gather the ball from under his feet. Phil Foden embarked on a surging run down the left hand side a couple of moments later before forcing Whiteman into making an important stop with his legs. The frustration with in the side was plain to see, Sterling was evidently annoyed that he wasn’t being given support up top as he singlehandedly pressed the City defenders, he could be heard shouting “why aren’t you there?” To his team mates. Alfie Whiteman was alert to make an important save down to his left to prevent Luke Bolton’s thunderbolt as Man City pushed for a fourth goal. Limited to long range efforts such as Oliver Skipp’s ambitious volley on 85 minutes, Spurs looked flat and lethargic. City’s fourth goal of the game duly arrived in the 88th minute, another incisive attacking move had undone the Tottenham defence. The creative spark which was Phil Foden saw the starlet from Stockport thread a peach of a through ball in to Lukas Nmecha who was allowed to run through on goal. Whiteman made the decision to come running off of his line but soon regretted it as the pacy centre forward rounded him with ease before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net, 0-4. Spurs had hardly been given enough time to get back in position before City rounded the game off with a fifth deep in stoppage time.

After being allowed to carve open our defence with ease Phil Foden was able to get a well deserved goal of his own. Ed Francis passed the ball to Nmecha who drove forward before slipping the ball out to Foden on the left wing. Foden continued into the box before powering an effort past Whiteman and into the top left corner of the net, the Spurs goalkeepers touch on the ball was not enough to thwart the ferocity of the strike. The final score from Stevenage Spurs under 23’s 0-5 Manchester City, it was a disappointing end to what has been an excellent season on the whole. We were missing quite a few players for the final league game of the season whilst City went full strength. The quality of Diaz, Nmecha and Foden was a class above any of our lads. We end the season in ninth place with 26 points, I will be doing an end of season review in due course of which will include a detailed review of every players season. COYS

Player reviews: – Alfie Whiteman: It was a decent performance from the 19 year old in between the sticks. Whiteman made a string of fine stops to ensure that the scoreline wasn’t by a far greater marginfor the visitors. Although he will have been disappointed to have been outdone by Nmecha, for the citizens fifth goal of the game. He must have made at least nine saves.
– Tariq Hinds: He did ok on his first u23 game of the season, playing at left back Hinds looked solid for the most part. However, Bolton was allowed to beat him for pace and guile on many occasions and did give him a tough game.
– George Marsh: Not his finest game by any means, the midfielder was overwhelmed by the likes of Diaz and Foden, struggling to assert his authority on the game Marsh looked sloppy and out of place, such was the energy provided by the sky blues front line.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: My motm, see below.
– Japhet Tanganga: It was a very tough game for the skipper but all in all he gave a decent account of himself. Tanganga made a couple of really timely interventions and also did a good job in the air. However, he did struggle to marshal his defence,
– Shilow Tracey: Struggled to make much of an impact going forward, remained pretty anonymous throughout the game.
– Oliver Skipp: Like Marsh, Skipp struggled to contain the attacking threat of City’s central players and was unable to get forward. He did however make a couple of really important blocks.
– Kazaiah Sterling: It would be unfair to judge Sterling’s performance up top as he was living off hardly any support from the wide men. He pressed the City defenders very well.
– Samuel Shashoua: It was great to see our very own David Silva back on the pitch after enduring an injury hit campaign. Shashoua impressed on the ball and went on some fine forays through the middle. Came within an inch of scoring from a free kick on the stroke of halftime.
– Anthony Georgiou: He was one of the players who was eager to run at the City defence despite the risks involved. He was positive and direct and managed to go close to finding a goal of his own on a couple of occasions. Georgiou made some intelligent runs down the left hand side.
– Keanan Bennetts: He gave a good account of himself out on the right wing during his 25 minute cameo, Bennetts was tricky and direct.
– Dilan Markanday: A positive cameo from the u23 debutant who looked bright going forwards.
– Jaden Brown: N/A

My man of the match: Jonathan Dinzeyi. No one from the Spurs team really stood out but my man of the match has to go to 18 year old centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi on his sixth league appearance of the season. He was by no means perfect nor was his partner Tanganga, but it was Dinzeyi’s persistence which really impressed me. His positioning throughout the game wasn’t excellent but it was his committed defending which proved so effective. He was always on his toes, alert to danger and quick in to making a challenge. His excellent goal line clearances saved us on a couple of occasions. In a sense he is still quite raw, he is a risky but exciting centre half who loves to play it out from the back, it’s also worth considering that he is still a relatively recent convert to CB. Soon after coming off late on in the second half Spurs conceded two goals!

Spurs: Whiteman, Eyoma, Hinds, Marsh, Dinzeyi (Brown 83), Tanganga (c), Tracey, Skipp, Sterling, S Shashoua (Markanday 65), Georgiou (Bennetts 66). Substitutes (not used): Austin, Duncan.

Manchester City: Muric, Humphreys (Dele-Bashiru 46), Adarabioyo, Latibeaudiere, Francis, Smith, Poveda (Garre 46), Diaz, Nmecha (c), Foden, Bolton (Gonzalez 83). Substitutes (not used): Scott, Kigbu.

Goals: City – Nmecha 19, 88, Diaz 30, Bolton 52, Foden 90+1.

Referee: David Rock.

Attendance: 411.

Spurs under 23/21’s statistics 2017/18:

U23’s 2017/18 statistics: Top scorers: Sterling-11
Loft-1
Duncan-2
Edwards-4
Tanganga-1
Pritchard-4
S.Shashoua-5
Bennetts-7
Tracey-3
Harrison-4
C.Maghoma-2
Roles-4
Walkes-1
Eyoma-1
Skipp-1
Georgiou-1

Assists: Skipp-1
Miller-1
Sterling-2
Pritchard-7
Edwards-3
Tracey-7
Eyoma-1
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Sterling-4
Bennetts-8
Marsh-1
Harrison-1
Roles-1
Tanganga-1

Spurs under 23’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

Posted on by superhotspur

Spurs under 23’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

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After an exhilarating first league campaign under head coach Wayne Burnett, Spurs under 23’s will play their final game of the PL2 season on Wednesday evening, when they host Manchester City at Broadhall Way. A campaign of many ups and downs, from staring relegation right in the face to going on a remarkable run which all started on a chilly evening at Old Trafford in January that saw them beat Manchester United 3-1. Burnett’s side who after beating Chelsea 2-1 in their previous fixture have secured their first division status for another season, will be able to experiment a bit more with his squad for the visit of the sky blues. Man City sit one place above us is in the table in eight after being in and around the middle of the table for the majority of the season, but a win for Spurs would see them leapfrog City in the table and finish the campaign in an impressive eight place, particularly impressive when you consider the fact that we were rock bottom in January. Despite leading by two goals during the reverse fixture up in Manchester in November, Spurs were pegged back by Simon Davies’ side and would go on to lose 4-2. Now looking to avenge that result and finish the season on a high, Burnett will be eager to maintain Spurs’ impressive eight game unbeaten. The visitors who have won their last three away matches, boast a plethora of talent with the likes of U17 World Cup winners Joel Latibeaudiere and Phil Foden on their books, City also have players such as Ian Poveda. A ridiculously skilful winger who they signed from Brentford in 2016, I saw Poveda play for England under 16’s a couple of years ago and was left amazed at what he could do with a football.

In addition to Poveda Man City also have the leagues joint top scorer in Lukas Nmecha who has scored 14 goals this season, as well as the mercurial talent that is Brahim Diaz. It will be a great experience for Burnett’s side who will likely be much changed from their 2-1 win over Chelsea, with game time for a number of under 18’s likely. There are also a fair few of our players out on trial with other clubs. Surely the prolific 34 goal as season Reo Griffiths will be given some game time? My in-depth match report will be out on Thursday. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Tanganga (c), Georgiou, Skipp, Duncan, S.Shashoua, Roles, Bennetts, Griffiths.

Subs from: Austin, Hinds, Edwards, Tracey, Sterling.

Doubtful: Tom Glover.

Injured/unavailable: Nick Tsaroulla, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Christian Maghoma and Joe Pritchard.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-4.

One to watch: Due to his recent involvement in Pep Guardiola’s senior side it’s quite unlikely that the Stockport Iniesta will travel down to London for Wednesday evenings PL2 encounter. But if Phil Foden does travel with the City squad down to Stevenage, then the England youth starlet is bound to cause problems for Burnett’s side. A skilful midfielder with a great passing ability and eye for goal Foden is a special, special player.

Spurs under 23’s versus Leicester City: (match preview)

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Spurs under 23’s versus Leicester City: (match preview)

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After a lengthy break over the festive period, Wayne Burnett’s development side return to action when they travel to Leicester for a PL2 game on Wednesday night. The game which is being played at Holmes park (a tiny little ground owned by the Leicestershire FA) is the second meeting between these two sides this season after a closely encountered 1-1 draw at Hotspur way in the reverse fixture. And the foxes are flying in the league and are currently on a remarkable 9 game undefeated run in the league which has seen them move up to second in the table only to Liverpool. Steve Beaglehole’s side are mounting a series challenge for the league title, and having already seen Leicester’s youth team three times this season it’s obvious to see why. Whilst they don’t have any outstanding youth prospects, Leicester have a very talented young pool of players as well as being aided by a couple of fringe members of the senior team, are tough to breakdown. As the stats would suggest, they have conceded the least amount of goals in the league this season, a mere 9! Whilst it likely that some of the fringe senior players will be involved such as 30 year old centre half Yohan Benalouane and 25 year old Nigerian international Ahmed Musa, that experience combined with some of the foxes young talents may be too much for Burnett’s young side. But as always it’s an experience and a game which I am very much looking forward to reporting back from. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Eyoma, Tanganga, C.Maghoma, Brown, Skipp, Pritchard(c), S.Shashoua, Edwards, Georgiou, Harrison.

Subs from: Austin, Bennetts, Marsh, Roles, Sterling.

Doubts: Dylan Duncan and Nick Tsaroulla.

My score prediction: 2-2.

One to watch: Experienced Tunisian centre half Yohan Benalouane is a player who most of you will know. The former Saint Etienne defender has struggled for game time since joining the foxes and this season has found himself playing three times for the development squad. He will be a tough player to play against, if involved.

A round up of recent Spurs games plus a youth update, and more:

Posted on by superhotspur

A round up of recent Spurs games plus a youth update, and more:

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Apologies for my lack of writing over the festive period, a dislocated knee amongst other reasons has given me little time to sit down and write pieces on recent games. Now it is the new year, all will return to normal and I’ll be writing about Spurs everyday. However, as I’m quite behind in my articles on recent games I thought I’d combine all my pieces in to this one blog post. Starting on those two sparkling performances against both Burnley and Southampton, the record breaking Harry Kane was at the heart of both of those wins. But it was the togetherness and sheer dominance of Pochettino’s players collectively as a team, which saw them overcome Burnley and Southampton so emphatically. The fluid attacking play and the sharpness and incisive movement overwhelmed the opposition, it looked just like the Spurs of last season. There’s a lot of talk about Liverpool’s ‘fab four’ and the attacking prowess of the leaders Manchester City. But when our four attacking players are all on form they are just as unstoppable as shown in our previous two games, the victory over the saints saw us play some of our best football this season. Tomorrow Pochettino’s side travel to South Wales for a tricky away game with relegation stricken Swansea, buoyed by a rare win against Watford in their last game. Newly appointed manager Carlos Carvalhal has a monumental task on his hands to keep the swans in the league, they’ve scored the fewest goals this season. Have the poorest home form and lack quality and depth, on paper it’s an inviting game for Spurs and one which they would want to achieve maximum points.

In other news our under 18’s and 23’s both return to action in the coming week starting with our under 23’s who face Leicester in the PL2 on Wednesday night. I will be making the trip to Leicester for that one to report on the game. Meanwhile our under 18’s return to league action on the Saturday with a home game against Leicester at the training centre. In other youth related news, I was at the valley earlier today to watch Spurs loanee Connor Ogilvie in the Charlton v Gillingham game. The 21 year old full back only came on for the last 20 or so minutes of the game, at which point the gills were leading 2-0. Ogilvie put in a typically assured and composed performance at left back. Ogilvie got involved and was dominant in the air, he is getting plenty of game time at the league one club. Watching today’s game (which ended 2-1 to the visitors) it got me thinking. A club like Charlton for example who are on a poor run of form (seemingly lacking a bit of creativity) with a manager with a good youth policy in Karl Robinson, would surely be a good place to send a couple of our young academy starlets on loan to, over the January transfer window. Players like Marcus Edwards (so lacking in senior game time) the brilliant Keanan Bennetts who has been exceptional at wing back for our under 23’s this season and the commanding centre half Japhet Tanganga are just some of the players who could in my eyes all benefit from a loan spell in the football league. We shall see if any of those players are loaned out over the course of the coming weeks.

 

Spurs under 23’s 0-0 Sunderland: (match report)

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Spurs under 23’s 0-0 Sunderland: (match report)

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Our under 23’s league meeting with Sunderland on Tuesday evening at the Lamex stadium, was by youth football standards a dull affair. As Wayne Burnett’s development side drew 0-0 with the black cats, to record their first league point in over five matches. Burnett would have been slightly disappointed that his side hadn’t picked up all three points, considering we were the better team, especially during the second half. When we bombarded the Sunderland defence, it seemed inevitable that Spurs would break the deadlock. However, that was not to be the case as a sturdy (albeit it quite negative) Sunderland side managed to hold on to the point, despite missing their best youth players who were all left at home. The Spurs team included promising young winger Anthony Georgiou who I assume was returning to action from injury following a spell of no game time. And the young winger turned wingback for this occasion certainly made an impact on the game. The first chance of what was an incredibly dour first half fell to Ethan Robson inside the opening minutes when he tried his luck on the turn. The visitors effort being comfortably gathered by Austin in the Spurs goal. Some good early play from Sunderland culminated in Andrew Nelson volleying over Denver Hume’s pin point cross as Spurs struggled to get a hold of the ball. A good move from Spurs at the other end followed, when Pritchard set Harrison racing through on goal down the right channel, the Spurs striker showing good feet before failing to really test Stryjek with his low effort, which was easily met by the former Polish youth international.

Sunderland were pressing high as Spurs struggled to keep possession during the early stages of the game. An of balance Kazaiah Sterling couldn’t trouble Stryjek from range, a player who he forced a howler out of during this fixture last season. A lucky break for the visitors saw the ball fall kindly to Kimpioka on the edge of the Spurs box, the forwards powerful low effort being spectacularly palmed away from goal by Austin. Both sides were cancelling each other out as few clear cut chances ensued, Burnett had his team really well structured at the back with the tenacious pairing of Eyoma and Maghoma at centre half. Spurs then created their best chance so far through the surging Sterling down the right, his low cross was received by Harrison inside the penalty area as the strikers low deflected effort squirmed inches wide of Stryjek’s left post. Though the game lacked creativity and continued to be a scrappy affair, Spurs were giving more of a go at getting forward. The lively Sterling flashed an effort wide of goal before the centre forward headed Georgiou’s cross well wide a couple of minutes later, as Sunderland continued to sit deep. Burnett’s team started the second half with a more attacking approach, Georgiou in particular seemed to be getting up more. Shortly after the restart the young winger burst past Josh Robson down the left hand side before whipping in a dangerous cross, which frustratingly for the youngster wasn’t met by any Spurs player inside the box. Spurs had now started to stamp their authority on the game a shift in the flow of the game swiftly followed. Whilst Ethan Robson fired over a rare Sunderland attempt shortly afterwards, Spurs were soon back in the driving seat.

Shayon Harrison’s decent effort from range stung the palms of Stryjek before another opportunity followed for Spurs. It was a nice quick attacking move which saw Harrison pass to the unmarked Georgiou down the left channel, he surged forward with the ball before hitting an effort straight at Stryjek who could only parry, Georgiou’s follow up was again stopped by the alert keeper who made a fine reaction save. Spurs were really pushing for that winner, and their sudden creativity had a lot to do with the recent introduction of young magician Samuel Shashoua, who was starting to initiate some nice passages of play. Pritchard saw his long range effort fly over before another golden opportunity fell for Burnett’s team. It was another incisive attacking move as Harrison passed the ball out to Shashoua down the left side, his well measured cross was narrowly missed by the in sliding Tracey inside the box, as a Sunderland defender managed to scramble the ball away for a Spurs corner. Another goal scoring opportunity arose from the corner kick as Harrison volleyed the ball over the cross bar from close range, after receiving a nice cushion header from Maghoma. Harrison then saw his effort blocked after receiving a cross from out left, unfortunately he hadn’t left it for substitute Jack Roles who was ghosting into a nice pocket of space.

Our lads were desperately looking for that illusive goal, Luke Amos blasted an effort over the crossbar from range, whilst Georgiou delivered yet another promising cross into the danger area. Pace was injected into the game through the newly introduced Keanan Bennetts, and it didn’t take him long to make an impact. The wide man trying his luck at goal with a nice curling effort which was met low down by Stryjek. Despite the additional five minutes of added time which was shown by the fourth official, I just got this feeling that for all Spurs’ huff and puff and creativity, that we just weren’t going to see the net bulge. Well, at least not officially there was still time for some late drama after Stryjek went down inside the area defending a cross. Stryjek who was lying on the floor injured didn’t take to kindly to Harrison kicking the ball into the back of the net, the towering goalkeeper quickly sprung to his feet before squaring up to the Spurs man. Harrison saying to Stryjek “are you stupid?” before the matter was quickly resolved. It may be a slightly disappointing result for Burnett’s side but they enjoyed a really good second half and showed great character throughout. Next up for Burnett’s side is an away trip to Leicester’s Holmes park stadium in the new year, as always I will be attending that one. COYS

Player reviews: – Brandon Austin: Had very few saves to make apart from one good one in the first half. Was very comfortable in dealing with crosses.
– George Marsh: Solid and efficient done a fine job, but wasn’t really tested much.
– Christian Maghoma: A really good commanding performance from Christian Maghoma last night. The centre half had a flawless game in central defence, solid and tidy throughout. Maghoma was also a very vocal figure in the team.
– TJ Eyoma: Not to dissimilar to Maghoma, u17 World Cup winner Eyoma had a terrific game against a Sunderland team which lacked potency up top. Strong in the challenge and dominant in the air.
– Anthony Georgiou: My motm, see below.
– Oliver Skipp: Yet another top display from Oliver Skipp or ‘Skippy’ as he is known to his teammates. Dominant in the central areas, Skipp dictated play showing good movement and tactical awareness both on and off the ball. Also made some nice crunching challenges and ambitious forward passes.
– Joe Pritchard: An engine in the midfield, Pritchard was slick and tidy in his play. Initiated numerous good moves for Spurs.
– Luke Amos: Sheer dominance from the skipper overwhelmed the Sunderland players who he gave no time on the ball to!
– Kazaiah Sterling: Great movement throughout, tracked back and made good runs. But didn’t really get the service to convert.
– Shayon Harrison: Operated as a 10 for the majority of the game and looked good throughout. Showed nice ball control and skill under pressure and had a fair few attempts on goal, was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
– Shilow Tracey: Had very few touches of the ball down the wing, made more of an impact in the second half but was never really in the game.
– Samuel Shashoua: Was the creative spark we so desperately lacked, following his introduction in the second half. Shashoua changed the pattern of the game and became Spurs’ main creative outlet, with his good movement, awareness and fine decision making in the final third. He has adapted really well to u23 football this season.
– Keanan Bennetts: Bright cameo.
– Jack Roles: Brief but impressive cameo, got into good positions.

My man of the match: After a lay off with injury Anthony Georgiou showed exactly why he’s been in the first team fold this season, as he put in an motm display at Stevenage on Tuesday evening. The young winger who operated at left back for the visit of Sunderland put in a really good shift. Whilst he was defensively sound, Georgiou showcased his attacking qualities as a winger. With his searing pace and determination to beat his man, Georgiou really troubled Robson during the game, the defender unable to prevent his lung bursting runs. Georgiou was really positive throughout and was one of the few players on the pitch who actually wanted to run at players and take them on. Georgiou’s high pressing and attacking intent resulted in him getting into some really promising positions, and he whipped in some delightful crosses into the danger zone. In my opinion he is exactly the type of player that Pochettino’s squad is currently lacking. An old fashioned out and out winger who constantly wants to take people on and whip crosses into the box, all that combined with a work rate that few could match, I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing Anthony playing for the senior team again this season!

Side notes: Development squad striker Ryan Loft was not involved in the squad for the Sunderland game, he was sat a couple of rows in front of me in the stands, I’m unsure if he was injured. In addition midfielder Dylan Duncan was involved in the pre match warm ups as he continues to recover from injury. And finally long term absentee, Nick Tsaroulla was once again observing the teams in the warm up from the touchline, I would doubt he’ll be back anytime soon which is a big shame.

Spurs: Austin, Marsh, Georgiou, Skipp, C Maghoma, Eyoma, Pritchard (Roles 82), Amos (c), Sterling (S Shashoua 63), Harrison, Tracey (Bennetts 80). Substitutes (not used): Whiteman, Brown.

Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Beadling (c), Taylor, Storey, Kimpioka (Diamond 61), E Robson, Nelson (Hacket 76), Embleton (Gamble 82), Allan. Substitutes (not used): Woud, Wright.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Georgiou 90, Harrison 90+5; Sunderland – Nelson 19, Taylor 77.

Referee: Gary Parsons.

Attendance: 482.

Spurs under 23’s versus Sunderland: (match preview)

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Spurs under 23’s versus Sunderland: (match preview)

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It feels like a very long time ago when I watched our under 23’s kick off their PL2 campaign up in rural County Durham against Sunderland. Tomorrow evening Wayne Burnett’s side face the reverse fixture against the black cats, at the Lamex stadium. After a long break from league action, Burnett’s side will be looking to sign off the year with a much welcome three points. Spurs who sit bottom of the table, are without a win in five games, whilst the visitors who are also in the relegation zone, are a point ahead of us having played a game more. It was a quite thrilling game when these two teams met up in Durham, Sunderland somehow managing to nick the game 2-1 courtesy of two late goals. Concerning whether or not the game will go ahead, I phoned Stevenage earlier today and they said that they are quite confident the game will do! Sunderland have a good crop of talented youngsters that could all make the trip down to Stevenage which includes brothers Ethan and Thomas Robson as well as arguably their most talented youngster, forward Joel Asoro. Hopefully it’ll be a great game for Burnett’s youngsters, my in-depth match report will be published sometime on Wednesday. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Eyoma, C.Maghoma, Tanganga, Bennetts, Skipp, Amos(c), Edwards, Harrison, S.Shashoua, Sterling.

Subs from: O’Reilly, Marsh, Pritchard, Roles, Loft.

Doubtful: Duncan, Oakley-Boothe, Tsaroulla.

My score prediction: 2-1 Spurs.

One to watch: Sunderland’s pacy forward Joel Asoro is a very highly rated player indeed. The young Sweden under 21 international was a real handful in this fixture last season.

Spurs under 23’s versus West Ham: (match preview)

Posted on by superhotspur

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Tomorrows PL2 game involving Spurs and West Ham United is the third meeting between these two sides this season, the previous two games have been enthralling to say the least. Seeing 14 goals, including a memorable 7-2 victory over the hammers in the premier league international cup back in September. Both sides are in bad form, with neither managing to record a victory in there last 5 matches. Though it is Terry Westley’s hammers side who are doing better then Spurs in the league, currently occupying a healthy 5th place, whilst Burnett’s team languish in the relegation zone. Looking to change all that, Burnett’s side will hopefully take the game to the hammers like they so often do on away games, with there being added incentive on this occasion. Having already seen them twice this season, the players that I’d be most wary of are – striker Toni Martinez, talented goalkeeper Nathan Trott and hammers centre half Olatunji Akinola, whose a threat from corners. Though of course, there’s always the possibly that Westley will field a couple of fringe players from Moyes’ senior side. I will be reporting on tomorrow evenings game (kick off: 7:00pm) which will take place at Dagenham and Redbridge’s Chigwell construction stadium, weather permitting! Then the follow night (providing there are no postponements) I’ll be in Stevenage for our FA Youth cup third round tie against Preston. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Marsh, C.Maghoma, Tanganga, Bennetts, Pritchard(c), Amos, Edwards, Harrison, S.Shashoua, Sterling.

Subs from: Austin, Brown, Tracey, Loft, Skipp.

Doubtful: Dylan Duncan, Nick Tsaroulla and Jonathan Dinzeyi.

My score prediction: 3-2 to Spurs.

One to watch: Toni Martinez. The up and coming Spanish striker has been in fine form for the development squad this season, netting 8 goals in 11 league games. He has also made the bench for the senior team in recent weeks, Martinez is a strong and clinical target man.

Spurs u19’s go marching into the last 16 of the UEFA youth league in style, with 4-1 home win over APOEL:

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Spurs u19’s go marching into the last 16 of the UEFA youth league in style, with 4-1 home win over APOEL:

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“It was a good, professional performance. APOEL were a team we lost to at their place so we didn’t underestimate them. Although they’ve not had great results in the group, our main focus was to get a result, we knew it was in our hands to win and confirm top of the group and I thought the lads did that very well. In the second half, we had a little bit of a scare when they scored at 3-1 and gave it a bit of a push, but the lads saw out the game and deserved the win. I never felt at any point that we weren’t in control but I suppose the goal was a massive confidence boost for them and you never know, after that, the next goal is crucial but I still felt we controlled the game and in the end showed other bits of quality which pulled us away.”(Scott Parker)

Our under 19’s cruised in to the last 16 of the UEFA youth league with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over APOEL Nicosia at Hotspur Way, yesterday. Needing a win to cement top spot, which would see them avoid a tricky play off draw, Parker’s side went for the win against a team who had already beaten them this campaign. Courtesy of goals from Reo Griffiths, Marcus Edwards, Japhet Tanganga and substitute Rodel Richards saw Spurs overcome the Cypriot side whose goal came from Adoni. Though I wasn’t able to attend the game, it sounds like it was another fluid attacking display from Spurs with a panache about their game. Something which has been so prevalent throughout this campaign, in total contrast to last seasons disappointing one. It’s been a fantastic feat to top a group which included some top class youth teams. Furthermore, Parker’s side played some wonderful football full of confidence and style, they expressed themselves really well and have reaped their rewards with a place in the last 16. Spurs won’t find out who they have drawn in the last 16 until February, with the play off round still to be played. We could draw anyone from PSG to Inter Milan. My hope is that we draw the world renowned Ajax, who we beat in the nextgen series a couple of seasons back. Crucially the game will only be a one legged affair, and Spurs will be the home team. COYS

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Bennetts, Skipp (Bowden 82), Tanganga, Marsh, S Shashoua, Roles, Griffiths (Richards 73), Edwards (c), P Maghoma (Reynolds 61). Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Patterson, Hinds, A Shashoua.

APOEL: Paraskevas, Kouppis, Constantinos, Stylianides, Zacharias (c), Neophytos, Sokratous (Okkaridis 46), Artemiou, Grubac, Naoum (Polikarpou 46), Andreou (Charalambous 81). Substitutes (not used): Priniotaki, Papdopoulos, Papoutsos, Veletinas.

Goals: Spurs – Griffiths 12, Edwards 29, Tanganga 43, Richards 80; APOEL – Adoni 61.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Richards 89; APOEL – Kouppis 59.

Referee: Erik Lambrechts.

Attendance: 175.

Statistics: Under 19’s: Goals: Edwards-4
Bennetts-1
Sterling-3
Roles-1
Tanganga-2
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Griffiths-1
Richards-1

Assists: Edwards-5
Tanganga-1
S.Shashoua-4
Sterling-1
Roles-2
Bennetts-1

Luke Amos and Kazaiah Sterling: Some insight on the two Academy starlets braced for their Spurs debuts this evening:

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Luke Amos and Kazaiah Sterling: Some insight on the two Academy starlets braced for their Spurs debuts this evening:

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There was a lot of talk about which Spurs youngsters would be included in our final champions league group game at home to APOEL on Wednesday evening. I myself went on about it in some detail in my preview of the game, predicting (as well as hoping) that the likes of S.Shashoua, Edwards and Sterling would all be amongst the match day squad, for a game which from Tottenham’s perspective they can not benefit from, having already secured top spot. It turns out that two Academy starlets will be part of this evenings squad as confirmed by Pochettino at yesterday’s press conference, tenacious midfielder Luke Amos (20) and promising striker Kazaiah Sterling (19) are both braced for their first appearance for the lilywhites. Even though it’s just the two players included by Pochettino and co, I’m absolutely delighted for the pair, who I have watched progress and develop for many years at youth level, below is some of my thoughts on the two players and some insight into their styles of play and traits.

Luke Amos: Now 20 years of age, Hertfordshire born midfielder Luke Amos looks set to make play his first competitive game in a Spurs shirt. The midfielder who joined our Academy set up from Ware youth in 2006, has risen through the ranks at Hotspur Way winning many plaudits along the way. An integral part of our talented FA youth cup team of 2014/15, Amos has also appeared on two occasions for the England under 18’s team and has gone on to become a key member of the development side. A tenacious defensive midfielder by trade, Amos enjoyed a successful loan spell at league one side Southend during the second part of last season. impressing manager Phil Brown and Southend fans alike. In my many match reports of Spurs development squad games, you’ll know from my individual player reviews that I’ll often describe Amos’ performance, as incredibly tidy/efficient, or that he broke up play really well and dominated the midfield. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen the youngster have a bad game, he is one of the most consistent and hard working Academy performers and that will be something that Pochettino will have noted from his time at the club. Though a versatile player, Amos mainly operates as a holding midfielder, a little like former Spurs man Lesniak in many respects. Amos is an anchor man a vital clog in a Spurs side that loves to attack and go forward. The midfielder covers a ridiculous amount of ground, presses the opposition well and isn’t flashy in his play. He keeps it simple with short passes and sharp incisive movement. He is tough tackling and determined, he isn’t the kind of player that’s going to play a defence splitting pass or one that will overplay situations with a sparkling piece of skill. He is more a player in the Wanyama mould, a player who does his defensive duties impeccably so that others can do the attacking sides of the game.

I remember Spurs legend Cliff Jones was left mighty impressed after seeing Amos play in PL2 game last season. Amos has impressed in the numerous senior friendlies he has been involved in, and with his terrific attitude and determination I’m sure that he’ll impress again tonight, if called upon.

Kazaiah Sterling: After bursting on to the scene as a schoolboy back in the spring of 2015 in the FA Youth Cup, former Leyton Orient youngster Kazaiah Sterling has been touted as a hot prospect by many Spurs fans and coaches alike. A talented young striker who has represented England at youth level, Sterling is a powerful and pacy centre forward who possesses a terrific work rate and desire to make promising runs in between the defenders. He is always on the move something that Pochettino will like a lot, but what I like most about young Sterling is his clinical ability in front of goal. He likes to finish with a hard and low effort he hits them early (like Keane) he is sharp of his mark and a real threat in the air. He shows great awareness and is a player who possesses a great goal scoring record at youth level. This season his tally for goals scored stands at 10, whilst he has also chipped in with 2 assists. His cameo for the season side in Hong Kong last season saw him net his first goal for Spurs! I was already planning on writing a much longer piece on the young striker and I will do that soon, I wish both our lads the very best of luck for this evening. COYS