My interview with former Spurs man Darren Davies:

I had the great pleasure of catching up with former Spurs youth player Darren Davies  who played for the Spurs youth team during the 1990’s. Davies who is a native of the Welsh steel town of Port Talbot was a left back throughout his career and after departing Spurs in 1998 he went onto have an interesting career, playing for the likes of Barry Town, Greenock Morton, Forest Green Rovers and Redland City Devils. Since retiring from the game life long Spurs fan Davies has since made the foray into coaching and only recently he was the interim manager of Australian A league side Brisbane Roar. I caught up with Darren who now lives in Australia, as he looked back on his younger years at Tottenham Hotspur and life at one of England’s biggest clubs. Darren is a man who has a very bright future in management.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Darren: One of my earliest memories was within the first week, the club had signed Jürgen Klinsmann and four or five of us apprentices who were away from home and in digs had to have a mini training session with him and Ossis Ardiles, in the old ball court at White Hart Lane one afternoon, to present him to the worlds media. 

It was insane the amount of media around him at that time and for us apprentices a little surreal. I’d only finished school in South Wales the Friday before and here I was thrust into that scenario, unbelievable but certainly life changing. I was captain of the Wales U15 schoolboy side and a lifelong Spurs fan! I had opportunities to join quite a few other clubs but once Tottenham showed interest there was never any other place that I wanted to go. 

What was your time at Spurs like on the whole?

Darren: I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel very honoured to have spent the years I did there and the football opportunity and life experience it gave me. It gave me huge life learnings to take forward with me and as far as a football education is concerned it instilled a belief and passion of how the game should be played and a playing philosophy I believe in, to take with me in my playing and coaching career. 

Who was your footballing inspiration/hero?

Darren: Paul Gascoigne! But I could name them all, I was Tottenham daft! The only record I ever bought with my pocket money as a kid was Chas & Dave! 

Who were your greatest influences at the club?

Darren: Gerry Francis as he was the manager who gave me both my professional contracts after graduating as an apprentice. The youth team coach then was Des Bulpin who was great to me and Chris Hughton who was then reserve team coach, was also very good to me. The senior players at the club then also had a massive influence on me as a person but particularly now in my coaching career were people like Gary Mabbutt, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Barmby, Colin Calderwood, Justin Edinburgh, Dave Kerslake, Dean Austin, David Ginola, Sol Campbell and the list goes on. The way those senior players treated us youngsters, the way they looked after us both on and off the pitch, the help they gave us, it taught me huge lessons in how to educate, protect and develop young players in all aspects. Fantastic people! 

Were there any other players at the club or outside, who you would model your game around?

Darren: Not really. Of course I watched football and wanted to learn as much as I could from as many people as I could. That’s why, as I say each and every senior player there contributed to something I have taken forward with me. 

What was the toughest thing about being a young up and coming player during that time?

Darren: It’s obviously a huge club but it was very difficult to break through as a home grown youngster, especially at that time with the quality foreigners we had. 

But I regret nothing. I gave everything and Tottenham gave me so much. 

The pedigree that I obtained from being there, the playing style and philosophy that I had instilled in me which was in the clubs DNA enabled me to forge a career away from White Hart Lane, travel the world, and now currently live in Australia, working in a fantastic country in a league that will only continue to grow and get better. 

Were there any youth players at Spurs who you were particularly close to and are you still in touch with any of your former team mates?

Darren: I have occasional contact with a number of former Spurs colleagues yes. Social media is a wonderful thing sometimes. But Paul Mcveigh is without doubt the one I keep in most touch with. He is without doubt one of my best friends in football, we regularly FaceTime and he visited me in Australia a couple of years ago and only last summer we enjoyed a few pints of Guinness in Dublin with his brother. 

What was your greatest memory from your time at the lilywhites?

Darren: Walking in and out of the players entrance at White Hart Lane was something very special. I used to love it and the history that went with it and the players that had been there before me. It was something never lost on me. 

Captaining the Tottenham youth team is something I am also very proud of. 

The FA premier league youth cup final against Arsenal and league cup win at White Hart Lane over Norwich, after which Gerry Francis offered me my very first Professional contract, are probably standouts.

Could you talk me through your career after you left Spurs?

Darren: I went back to South Wales initially, and played for Barry Town in a very successful team including in the Champions League, I then moved to Scotland to Greenock Morton to play in what is now the Championship, before a number of years in the Conference with Dover Athletic and Forest Green before finishing my playing career at Tiverton, Merthyr Tydfil and returning back to the league of Wales with my hometown club Port Talbot. 

What was the pinnacle of your footballing career 

Darren: It has to be representing Wales. I am a very proud Welshman and I was

privileged to captain and represent my country at all levels up to and including U21. 

Who was the greatest player that you ever played alongside?

Darren: Too tough to choose! Teddy Sheringham, Jürgen Klinsmann and David Ginola were all unbelievable footballers! 

What would your advice be to the current Spurs academy players, as they look to make their way up the footballing pyramid?

Darren: Embrace and enjoy everything! Every moment is a learning moment and don’t have any regrets about not giving your very best! If you give your best and apply yourself properly, whatever happens, it will stand you in good stead for your future. 

My piece on Spurs’ valiant and extremely creative young central midfielder Harvey White: 

As much a midfield craftsman as he is a midfield anchorman, versatile 17 year old academy player Harvey White is yet another youngster who has enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 season for Spurs. The first year scholar is a graceful midfield technician who has only recently made the switch from CAM to CDM however, he is also a combative midfielder who can effectively break up play and recycle possession in the central areas of the pitch. Since making his competitive debut for our under 18’s as a schoolboy back in April of 2018, White has played predominantly at CDM although he has also filled in at left back on a number of occasions as well as at centre half and his former position of CAM. The Kent born midfielder has been one of John McDermott’s most consistent performers throughout the current campaign. A central midfielder in the mould of Harry Winks, White offers far more of an offensive threat than the Spurs first teamer although he does remind me of the 23 year old in his style of play. The offensive threat which Harvey carries has certainly bore fruit this season. Over the course of the campaign from his 33 competitive appearances for Spurs across all levels, the holding midfielder has chipped with a remarkable seven goals and 13 assists. Being directly involved in 21 goals from 33 appearances is an impressive statistic for a forward, attacking player however, I doubt that any CDM across Europe’s top five youth leagues has come anywhere near to Harvey in that respect, this season. Since joining Spurs at the age of just six, the Maidstone born midfielder has risen through the ranks at the North London club, often playing above his age group. A commanding and physical presence in the middle of the park, White may not posses searing pace or flare and panache however, what he does well he does very well. He reads the game exceptionally well and he has great vision. With a wand of a left foot at his disposal, the free kick and penalty specialist can cut open a defence with a single pass. White is also an excellent crosser of the ball and a potent taker of corner kicks. He is a composed player who never panics, and it is his constant scanning of the pitch, as well as his commitment and hard work which for me makes him such a talented young midfielder, who quite literally has the world at his feet. 

A real joy to watch this season, the Maidstone born midfielder who grew up in the County of Kent just like his good friends Luis Binks and Rafferty Pedder, has been at Spurs for the vast majority of his short life. Last summer Harvey signed a two year scholarship at Spurs after enjoying a successful 2017/18 season for the clubs under 16 side, chipping in with seven goals. Having been called up to represent England under 15’s at a training camp in Loughborough two seasons previous, it was clear to see how highly rated the young midfielder is. One of the first times I saw Harvey play was at the Alkaas Cup in Qatar midway through the 2017/18 season where he played both at CB and CDM. Impressing with his ball retention, composure and passing accuracy I looked forward to seeing more of the then schoolboy in action. Harvey then subsequently featured at the Borgaro Maggioni Righi in the easter of 2018, where he put in a string of very tidy but energetic midfield performances. Then a couple of weeks later he turned out for our under 18’s for the very first time in a 5-3 league defeat to Norwich City. Just like in the 2017/18 season, the 2018/19 season has been one of great progress for the diligent teenager who has improved throughout the course of the campaign. After playing in a pre-season tournament in Belgium, Harvey represented our under 19’s at the Oberndorf tournament before starting the domestic season with our under 18’s. A regular for our under 18’s throughout the season, Harvey started our first 13 consecutive league games and during the early parts of the season he was one of our most influential players. Putting in match winning performances against the likes of Chelsea, Norwich City and Aston Villa, White took to under 18 football like a duck to water. Physically adept, intelligent enough to cope with the pace of the game and above all else determined to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. The industrious young anchorman was essentially operating as a box to box midfielder during the first half of the season and he wasn’t afraid to dictate games from the middle of the park.

The former Holmesdale School pupil featured in the vast majority of our under 18 Premier League games, before later making the step up to play for our development squad. Furthermore, White played in seven of our under 19’s eight UEFA Youth League games this season. Although he hasn’t earned a call up to the England under 18 side so far this season, White still may do, as England do have a set of fixtures planned for the end of this month. A consistent performer at all levels for Spurs this season, the teenager from Maidstone was a mainstay in our under 18 side and his many excellent performances for our under 18’s played a big part in them finishing second in the Premier League South. Regularly lining up with our under 18’s captain fantastic Armando Shashoua during the first half of the season, the pair would complement one another. And both players although they were very much box to box midfielders always seemed to be on the same wavelength. White and Shashoua’s styles of play are very different but both players knew when they needed to drop deep in order to allow for the other one to advance forward, they also maintained excellent positioning throughout the season. Harvey is a player who doesn’t have bad games, he plays with aplomb and a distinctive gracefulness about him. White whose footballing hero is a certain Steven Gerrard is a very well rounded central midfielder who has a fantastic skillset. A player who possesses great vision and guile and he is always on alert. Constantly looking over his shoulder as he patrols the central areas of the pitch, White is a commanding figure in the Tottenham team (both under 18 and 23). He is also an excellent passer of the ball and he has a wand of a left foot. His passing range and laser like, deft passes are so effective. Furthermore, the 17 year old moves the ball around so well in the central areas of the pitch. He keeps things ticking and he manages to create space for himself to receive the ball. Both his short passing and long passing is so deftly accurate for a midfielder so young.

A specialist at taking corner kicks as well as free kicks on the edge of the danger zone, White can cross a football as good as anybody. His pacy whipped crosses have caused so many problems for opposition defences throughout the course of the season and it has resulted in him setting up a number of goals. However, it is White’s free kicks which are even more dangerous especially from around 20-25 yards out from goal. As a CDM Harvey is an extremely creative player who along with being able to dictate the tempo of the game, he has the ability to open up a defence with a single pass. However, Harvey the CDM is also very good at defending and breaking up play, as he has shown throughout the current campaign. The 17 year old is industrious and good at breaking up play. He is strong in the challenge and he is also committed. His combative nature and determination to win every ball makes him a very important team player. In addition Harvey is a mature player for his age and through watching him play extensively I have got to appreciate just how well he reads the game and sees and anticipates the danger. Despite his lack of pace the former attacking midfielder gets around the pitch so well, and he is a very strong player even though he is of medium build. After excelling for our under 18’s during the opening months of the season, putting in outstanding performances against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City, White made his debut for our development side in a massive Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Portsmouth back in November. That game was a tough introduction to life at this level however, Harvey adapted well to the intensity of the game as well as the atmosphere which was created by the fans at Fratton Park. Coming up against very physical and experienced central midfielders was a test for Harvey however, he dealt really well with the pressure. He covered more ground than any other Spurs player on the day and he also made some really important interceptions and clearances, and he covered well for centre halves Japhet Tanganga and George Marsh. A fine midfield performance from the first year scholar was capped off by him scoring an excellent late, curling free kick.

Like Harry Winks, White likes to make quick short passes to his teammates however, he isn’t afraid to make ambitious lofted passes. Furthermore, Harvey also isn’t afraid to take risks or to take more touches than he needs to in certain situations. A fantastically well rounded CDM who can do all different sides of the game so effectively, the youngster is also adept at filling in at left back as he has done on a number of occasions so far this season. He makes up for his lack of pace with his very Ogilvie-esque defending. I say that because the way in which he defends against wingers and reads the game, is very similar to the Tottenham loanee. In addition he also likes to play the ball down the line and he is positive and forward thinking while in possession. Harvey’s excellent crossing ability and battle like nature also helps him to play at left back and I have been very impressed whenever I have seen him fill in, in that position. The 17 year old is remarkably calm both in and out of possession and his coolness and classiness on the ball makes him a very good player to watch. He is incisive but always composed, he knows when to lunge in just as much as he knows when not to. The penalty taking specialist has raised his game in big games this season and that really helped our under 18’s out throughout their domestic season. A solid and effective presence in central midfield, he was also more often than not one of John McDermott’s sides most creative players with his excellent vision and passing ability, as well as his urge to push up the field in order to influence the game. An enthusiastic cricketer during his schooldays, Harvey White has come on leaps and bounds this season as he develops as a player. He has contributed so much to both our under 18’s and 19’s, and from an offensive perspective he has overachieved massively. However, there is so much more from the Kent boys game to appreciate such as his good sportsmanship and excellent work ethic. White is a hugely exciting talent who will surely fancy his chances of breaking into the first team in the coming seasons just like a whole host of similar players have done, namely Harry Winks and Ryan Mason. 

White is a courageous team player with outrageously good technical ability, so far this season he has been superb and dare I say it but I think that he has surpassed under 18 football, so impressed am I at his step up to under 23 level. Having trained a number of times with the first team throughout the campaign it is clear that the 17 year old is highly rated and thought of by the Tottenham coaches. Still with the end of season Terborg tournament to look forward to, I think that Harvey has had a season which he should be extremely proud of himself for. The qualities both offensive and defensive which he has shown throughout the 2018/19 season has been mightily impressive and for somebody so young he should fill every Tottenham fans hearts with hope and excitement for the statistics which he has recorded this season are unbelievable for that of a CDM. I would like to congratulate Harvey on having such an excellent season and I wish him all the very best of luck for the forthcoming Terborg tournament in Holland. 

Look out for an interview with Harvey in Sunday’s match day programme.

My interview with former Spurs man Brian Statham:

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

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs?

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

How did you come about joining the club?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who were your greatest influences at Spurs?

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

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

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

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

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

What was the greatest moment of your footballing career?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Georgiou for Atlético Levante this season:

Appearances: 10

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spurs under 23’s 3-1 Derby County: (match report)

Our under 23’s hosted Derby County at the Lamex Stadium on Monday evening for their final PL2 game of the 2018/19 season. Still not mathematically safe from the threat of relegation to division two, Wayne Burnett’s needed to record a victory against the ‘ Rams ‘ to rubber stamp their division one status for another season. It was an excellent end of season performance from Burnett’s side on Monday as they over came Derby County 3-1 courtesy of a Jack Roles hat-trick and a really good team performance, when it mattered. Spurs started the league game brightly and with a good energy about them on a cool spring evening in Stevenage. Both sides started the game well but it was Spurs who struck first after just seven minutes through Jack Roles. A lovely lofted pass from Jamie Bowden had managed to pick out Roles inside the Derby penalty area and after bringing the ball down well the 20 year old was able to fire the ball home from a tight angle. Burnett’s side continued to play well but both sides were managing to create good goals scoring chances. Derby’s Cameron Cresswell managed to head the visitors level shortly after the half hour mark however, Spurs managed to respond through none other than Jack Roles who regained Spurs’ lead with a clever finish in first half stoppage time. The ‘ Rams ‘ were the marginally better side during the second period but some excellent defending from the likes of Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Japhet Tanganga as well as some important stops from Brandon Austin managed to keep the visitors at bay. There was a lengthy delay after Tottenham centre forward received treatment for a nasty looking leg injury. And it was in fact the player who replaced Parrott who helped to set up the goal which put the game to bed. 18 year old Rodel Richards set up Jack Roles on the edge of the Derby penalty area, and the  Cyprus under 21 international clinically slotted the ball home to record an invaluable three points for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. Spurs finished the season in tenth place, three points clear of 11th place West Ham, who despite beating Everton on the same night were unable to avoid the drop.

Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation for Monday’s game with Brandon Austin starting in goal, behind a back four of Tariq Hinds, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, captain Japhet Tanganga and Harvey White. Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Jamie Bowden paired up in central midfield while the attacking trio of Dilan Markanday, Jack Roles and Shilow Tracey started behind centre forward Troy Parrott who led the line for the second successive game. Derby County got the game underway and it didn’t take long for both sides to assert themselves on the game. Troy Parrott narrowly missed connecting with Harvey White’s early whipped cross inside the Derby penalty area before the ball ran through the legs of Dilan Markanday. A couple of moments later the versatile White played a lofted ball down the left flank for Shilow Tracey to run onto. Tracey managed to get to the ball before surging past Derby defender Ethan Wassall and cutting inside onto his right foot and bringing the ball into the Derby box. However, Tracey was unable to keep his composure in front of goal and he ended up blazing the ball over Henrich Ravas’ crossbar. After a slip from Lyons-Foster had allowed Derby’s Josh Shonibare to dart into the Tottenham penalty area, Spurs looked like they were in trouble. However, captain Japhet Tanganga was on hand to make a crucial interception on Shonibare before helping to get the ball clear. Spurs had started the game brightly and a combination of good vision and skill had resulted in them taking the lead on seven minutes thanks to a classy finish from Jack Roles. After Jamie Bowden had received the ball some 30 yards out from goal, the young central midfielder looked up before picking out Jack Roles inside the Derby penalty area with an inch perfect lofted pass. Roles took the ball down with real class down the left hand side of the danger zone, he then managed to twist his way past Kellan Gordon before firing the ball into the roof of Henrich Ravas’ goal from an acute angle, 1-0. Wayne Burnett called young Bowden’s name before giving him the thumbs up in response to his excellent assist. Japhet Tanganga did well to head Kellan Gordon’s cross away from danger before Josh Shonibare came close to scoring an equaliser.

After sprinting past Japhet Tanganga Tyree Wilson passed the ball to Shonibare inside the Tottenham penalty area but the wingers first time side footed effort flew narrowly over Brandon Austin’s crossbar. Jamie Bowden saw his attempted through ball to Jack Roles snuffed out by Derby captain Joe Bateman, before Roles received Parrott’s pass out on the left flank before drifting inside and seeing his curling effort on goal headed behind by Ethan Wassall. Jamie Bowden’s resulting corner kick was glanced across the face of Henrich Ravas’ goal by Troy Parrott a couple of minutes before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster managed to cut out a dangerous pass from the ‘ Rams ‘ Timi Elsnik before it could come through to Cameron Cresswell inside the Spurs box. There was a brief pause in play after Troy Parrott injured his back after colliding painfully with Derby’s Joe Bateman while attempting to get to Brooklyn Lyons-Foster’s long pass. An in swinging cross from Spurs’ Harvey White was plucked out of the air by Derby goalkeeper Henrich Ravas. After picking the ball up on the left flank Troy Parrott came inside onto his right foot before entering the Derby box and letting fly however, his powerful effort was blocked behind for a corner kick by Ethan Wassall. A couple of minutes later Derby midfielder Timi Elsnik managed to win the ball off of Spurs’ Tariq Hinds, he then went on a driving forward run before having a pop on goal, but his effort was bravely blocked by Lyons-Foster inside the Spurs box. Spurs continued to threaten the Derby defence and after Harvey White received Shilow Tracey’s pass out on the left flank White sent a glorious first time cross into the Derby box. White’s cross picked out Parrott who cleverly flicked the ball over Henrich Ravas and narrowly over the crossbar. However, Derby then went straight down the opposite end of the pitch and equalised. Josh Shonibare managed to pick the unmarked Cameron Cresswell in the middle of the Tottenham penalty area with an inviting cross, and Cresswell was then able to just nod the ball past the helpless Brandon Austin from close range and into the back of the net, 1-1. Burnett’s side tried to respond, Parrott attempted to play Roles through on goal with a clever pass but Derby substitute Sven Karic was able to get in front of Roles and clear the ball. Derby responded through Josh Shonibare who, after receiving the ball down the right hand side of the Spurs box, fired a venomous effort across the face of Brandon Austin’s goal. 

Dilan Markanday had a shot on goal blocked by Ethan Wassall before Lyons-Foster managed to work the ball out to Harvey White down the left wing. White’s resulting cross was menacing and it hit off both Parrott and Bowden inside the Derby box before it was cleared away by Wassall. Lyons-Foster was on hand at the other end to get in front of the speedy Shonibare down the left flank before getting the ball clear. Japhet Tanganga then did well to clear a dangerous cross from Sven Karic before a Derby corner kick which was delivered by Joe Bateman was cleared away by Oakley-Boothe. After Dilan Markanday gave the ball away to Kellan Gordon the Derby right back passed the ball to Tyree Wilson down the right side of the Spurs box. Wilson managed to cut inside White but the Tottenham left back was able to recover to make an important block to prevent Wilson’s powerful resulting effort from testing Austin. The ever reliable Brooklyn Lyons-Foster managed to clear a cross from Timi Elsnik, before Brandon Austin claimed Ethan Wassall’s cross. Then in the first minute of first half stoppage time Spurs managed to retake the lead through Jack Roles who scored his second goal of the game. After Tariq Hinds has received the ball out on the right wing, the Tottenham fullback whipped a delightful cross deep into the Derby penalty area where he looked to pick out either Roles or Parrott. In the end it was Roles who attacked the ball down the left hand side of the box, and the Cyprus under 21 international managed to send a powerful looping header up and over Derby goalkeeper Henrich Ravas and into the top left hand corner of his goal, 2-1. Harvey White had a late cross cleared by Joe Bateman before the referee Christopher Pollard blew for halftime. Spurs got the second half underway and it was Burnett’s side who managed the first goal attempt of the half after Troy Parrot had a shot on goal blocked by Ethan Wassall. Timi Elsnik then managed to clear a cross from Harvey White, a couple of moments before the ‘ Rams ‘ forced Brandon Austin into making his first save of the game. After embarking on a darting run down the left flank Josh Shonibare managed to cut inside Lyons-Foster inside the Spurs box before testing Austin with a powerful effort. The Spurs goalkeeper managed to beat the ball away by getting a strong hand to it, before Tanganga managed to clear it. 

Tariq Hinds was able to clear Alex Babos’ free kick before Tanganga cleared a dangerous cross from Max Hunt, a couple of moments before Hinds managed to block a shot from Cameron Cresswell. Derby were really heaping the pressure on the Spurs defence and their attacking onslaught continued. Ethan Wassall then nodded Sven Karic’s cross over Brandon Austin’s crossbar. Spurs attacked the ‘ Rams ‘ down the other end of the pitch after Bowden played the ball down the right flank to Shilow Tracey who ran onto it. Tracey continued forwards before whipping the ball into the danger zone but it was cleared by Joe Bateman. Tracey and Markanday had switched flanks during the second half. Bateman was on hand to clear a cross from Dilan Markanday a couple of minutes before Japhet Tanganga managed to get across Josh Shonibare inside    the Spurs box before clearing the ball away from danger. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster then did well to clear Kellan Gordon’s cross as the Tottenham defence continued to hold strong. After Jamie Bowden had sprayed the ball out to Dilan Markanday on the left flank the skilful Spurs winger managed to travel into the Derby box where he attempted to slip the ball into Parrott, but Bateman managed to get to the ball and clear it in time. Harvey White then lashed an effort well wide of Henrich Ravas’ goal from long range. Shilow Tracey was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Sven Karic, before Japhet Tanganga cleared Alex Babos’ resulting free kick. The alert Brandon Austin was then able to claim the same players cross a couple of moments later as Derby continued to trouble the Tottenham defence. Timi Elsnik fired the ball against Brandon Austin’s left hand post with a shot from the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. Unfortunately the tigerish Troy Parrott was the victim of a nasty late challenge from Joe Bateman which after a lengthy pause in play resulted in Parrott being stretchered off the pitch. He had appeared to be in a lot of discomfort, Rodel Richards replaced the 17 year old up top. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster managed to make a superb sliding block to stop Josh Shonibare’s powerful low effort from testing Austin inside the Spurs box, after he had received Alex Babos’ pass. Harvey White headed clear Babos’ resulting corner kick before Spurs managed to put the game to bed after Jack Roles completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute of time. A well worked move resulted in White passing the ball to Roles who then gave it to Richards down the left side of the Derby box. Richards then cut the ball back to Roles on the edge of the penalty area and the Spurs midfielder clinically slotted the ball past Ravas and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal with a powerful first time effort, prompting jubilant celebrations amongst the Spurs players. 

Dennis Cirkin replaced Dilan Markanday before Brandon Austin managed to come out and clear Joe Bateman’s long pass with his head on the edge of his penalty area. Phoenix Patterson then replaced Shilow Tracey for the final minutes of the game. A late Derby attack resulted in Joe Bateman crossing the ball into the Tottenham penalty area. Shonibare managed to head the ball back across goal for Babos who smashed the ball off the underside of Austin’s crossbar. The ball bounced back up off the line and out to Bateman whose resulting low effort was saved by Austin. The referee Christopher Pollard blew his whistle for full time a couple of moments later to bring an end to an impressive end of season performance for Wayne Burnett’s side, who successfully managed to escape relegation to the second division. 

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: Making two important saves in total on Monday evening to cap off an excellent season for the 20 year old, who had a flawless game against the ‘ Rams ‘. Austin made a hugely important save right at the beginning of the second half to deny Josh Shonibare before later going onto deny Alex Babos. Austin dealt excellently with all of the set pieces and crosses which came his way, he was authoritative and anticipated the game well and I also thought that his distribution was good on the day.
• Tariq Hinds: This was a very good performance from the young right back who did an excellent job at defending against Derby’s pacy winger Josh Shonibare. Hinds made some important interceptions down the right flank and he also chipped in with a glorious assist to set up Jack Roles’ second goal of the game.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Once again the second year scholar put in an outstanding defensive performance for Wayne Burnett’s side. Operating at RCB the 18 year old defended solidly alongside Spurs captain Japhet Tanganga who he shared a good understanding of the game with. Lyons-Foster made four vital defensive interventions on Monday evening and everything from his anticipation to the timing of his interceptions and blocks was top class. His positive forward passing once again helped us out massively!
• Japhet Tanganga: The Spurs captain had a strong game at LCB where he put in a commanding performance. Tanganga won the vast majority of his aerial duels, he read the game well and he made some very important defensive interventions.
• Harvey White: Filling in once against at left back before reverting back to CM for the final stages of the game, I thought that the first year scholar did a good job at keeping the ‘ Rams ‘ Tyree Wilson quiet for large periods of the game. White put in a very Ogilvie-esque performance and some of his defending was very similar to the 23 year old Spurs man who is currently on loan at Gillingham. Defensively solid and attentive throughout the game, White got up and down the left flank well and he whipped some glorious crosses into the danger zone.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: It was a tidy performance from the central midfielder, who went on some good attacking forays through the middle. 
• Jamie Bowden: At times masterful within the midfield young Bowden put in a very effective performance last night. Constantly keeping things ticking and winning important balls. Bowden set up Jack Roles’ opener with a lovely lofted pass and he also created a number of additional chances during the latter parts of the game.
• Dilan Markanday: Operating on the right wing and later the left wing, Markanday worked hard to try and make an influence on the game although he did come up against some very physical Derby defenders.
• Jack Roles: My motm, see below. 
• Shilow Tracey: The winger had a very strong first half at LW and a good second half out on the opposite flank. Tracey went on some good attacking forays and he made some good runs in and behind the Derby defence.
• Troy Parrott: Unfortunately Parrott’s night lasted only 75 minutes after a strong challenge from Ethan Wassall brought him great discomfort. Parrott held the ball up excellently, linked up play well, and got himself into some good goalscoring positions. Furthermore, Parrott came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions. I wish him a speedy recovery.
• Rodel Richards: It was a lively cameo for the 18 year old who led the line well and managed to set up Jack Roles for his third goal of the game. Richards pressed aggressively throughout his time on the pitch and this unsettled the Derby defence.
• Dennis Cirkin: The left back helped to bolster the Tottenham defence during the final minutes of the game.
• Phoenix Patterson: N/A.

My man of the match: Hat-trick hero Jack Roles has so often been the game changer for our under 23’s during the 2018/19 campaign and his excellent performance on Monday evening against Derby County was nothing unusual. Oozing class from the first to the final whistle the 20 year old was a constant thorn in the Derby defences side with his many ghosting runs from the CAM position. All three of Roles’ finishes were top class and his off the ball movement and tireless running should get the same plaudits. I would love to see Jack get a call up to the Cyprus senior team next month. Roles’ form this season has been sensational!

Spurs: Austin, Hinds, White, Oakley-Boothe, Tanganga (c), Lyons-Foster, Markanday (Cirkin 85), Bowden, Parrott (Richards 75), Roles, Tracey (Patterson 90+5). Substitutes (not used): Kurylowicz, Dinzeyi.

Derby County: Ravas, Gordon, Anya (Karic 17), Bateman (c), Wassall, Hunt, Wilson (Bird 67), Elsnik, Cresswell (Whittaker 80), Babos, Shonibare. Substitutes (not used): Yates, Knight.

Goals: Spurs – Roles 7, 45+1, 81; Derby – Cresswell 31.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Tracey 66; Derby – Bateman 71.

Referee: Christopher Pollard.

Venue: Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

Attendance: 483.

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Jack Roles – 13

Shayon Harrison – 5

Kazaiah Sterling – 5

Paris Maghoma – 4

Jaden Brown – 2

Vincent Janssen – 2

Troy Parrott- 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Harvey White – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 6

Kazaiah Sterling – 3

Vincent Janssen – 3

J’Neil Bennett – 3

Tariq Hinds – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Jamie Bowden – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

George Marsh – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Dennis Cirkin – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Some notes on Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua’s performance against Valencia CF Mestalla:

Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua was in action for Atlético Baleares on Sunday  afternoon in the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III, when Manix Mandiola’s table toppers welcomed Valencia CF Mestalla to the Son Malferit. The inform Samuel Shashoua completed the entirety of the ‘ Balearicos ‘ 3-2 win over Valencia as Manix Mandiola’s edge ever closer to clinching the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III title and a place in the simplified section of the play offs, on what was his 30th competitive appearance for the Spanish club. Samuel put in an outstanding performance for the Balearic club on Sunday as he started the game out on the left wing. At times very David Silva-esque, it was a highly influential performance from the 19 year old. His intelligent movement, reading of the game, stamina, passing and all round craftsmanship proved to be pivotal in Atlético securing all three points and overcoming Valencia. Shashoua chipped in with an assist but on another day he could have had a hat trick of assists. Manix Mandiola’s side started the game well and after putting pressure on the Valencia defence during the opening stages of the game the visitors started to look vulnerable. After receiving Francesc Fullana’s pass out on the left flank Samuel did well to hold off Valencia fullback Guillem before attempting to cross the ball into the danger zone, but it was blocked by Valencia captain Miki Muñoz. A couple of moments later Shashoua was found once again by Fullana down the left flank, this time he opted to put a first time delivery into the Valencia box. Shashoua clipped an excellent first time cross into the danger zone where he managed to pick out Atlético striker Nuha who sent a dangerous looping header narrowly wide of Christian’s goal. Around five minutes later Samuel was given the ball by Nuha out on the left wing but Samuel’s resulting low cross into the Valencia box was cleared by Muñoz. Shashoua had been making some good sprints during the early periods of the game and he was constantly looking to create space for himself. After being given the ball by Peris out on the left flank Samuel laid the ball off for Fullana on the edge of the Valencia box but his resulting effort was saved relatively comfortably by Valencia goalkeeper Christian.

Despite being tightly marked by the oppositions defence Samuel continued to work hard in order to try and influence the game. A nice bit of skill down the left flank resulted in Samuel side stepping his way past Guillem before passing the ball to the overlapping Peris, but his resulting cross was cleared away by a Valencia defender. Another fine cross from Shashoua on the left flank caused more problems for the Valencia defence after it picked out Canario who was in space inside the danger zone, the Atlético wingers resulting overhead kick flashed narrowly wide of Christian’s goal. However, the visitors took a surprising lead in the 34th minute of the game through Javi Jiménez who scored from a Valencia free kick. Mandiola’s side tried to respond, after Nuha managed to head the ball down to Samuel inside the Valencia box the Spurs man attempted to pass the ball across the face of the goal but it was cleared away by a Valencia defender. A nice bit of play resulted in Shashoua controlling Canario’s long pass out on the left wing, he then shimmied his way around Pascu as he surged forward into the penalty area where he was met by Javi Jiménez who managed to put Samuel off, and he ended up putting the ball behind for a goal kick. Atlético Baleares managed to respond shortly before the interval after Villapolos headed home a free kick from Francesc Fullana a matter of moments before the referee blew his whilstle for halftime. The second half couldn’t have started any better for Samuel’s team, less than three minutes into the second half Atlético took the lead for the first time in the game and Shashoua had a lot to do with the goal. After sending an excellent clipped cross deep into the Valencia box Samuel managed to pick out the head of Vallori who headed the ball towards goal. However, it was jabbed past Christian by the alert Nuha from close range to give the home side the lead. Shashoua started to become even more involved in the game during the second half, after being given the ball by Kike López down the right side of the Valencia box, Samuel cut inside onto his left foot before laying the ball off to Marcos De la Espada on the edge of the penalty area. However, the Atlético midfielders resulting effort was deflected behind for a corner kick. A couple of moments after Nuha had had a goal harshly ruled out, Samuel managed his first goal attempt of the game. A clever move started with Marcos De la Espada who passed the ball to Shashoua who, then sprinted his way past both Muñoz and Guillem and into the Valencia penalty area before coming inside onto his right foot and curling an effort wide of Christian’s goal. Samuel’s effort was deemed to have taken a deflection off a Valencia defender by the referee and so a corner kick was given. Atlético’s third goal of the game duly arrived on the hour mark and it was set up by Samuel. After latching onto Kike López’s pass down the right flank Samuel cleverly turned his way past Guerrero      

and into the Valencia box, before clipping an inch perfect cross into Marcos De la Espada. The Atlético midfielder rose up to meet Shashoua’s cross before powering an unstoppable header perfectly into the top right hand corner of the goal. A couple of minutes later the lively Samuel Shashoua decided to try his luck from long range but his shot was blocked by Valencia defender Miki Muñoz. The visitors did manage to pull a goal back through Sekou however, Atlético managed to see out the remaining minutes of the game with relative ease. An ambitious but cleverly thought of through ball from Samuel to Nuha was cut out by Javi Jiménez a couple of minutes before Samuel came inside from the right flank before lashing an effort well wide of Christian’s goal from long range. That was to be Shashoua’s final involvement in the game. It was an outstanding performance from the inform 19 year old, the West Londoner played like he was a seasoned pro. Not only was he excellent on the ball and highly productive as you would have just read, there was a remarkable intelligence about Shashoua’s game. I really paid close attention to his movement off the ball and it really was top class. His crossing, passing, vision, hold up play and ball control were all fantastic on the day but I thought that it was Samuel’s desire to run and create space for himself as well as the sharpness of his movement which were the important of all. This is a young man who is maturing by each passing game.

Samuel Shashoua for Atlético Baleares this season: 

Appearances: 30

Goals: 6

Assists: 3