Spurs under 19’s versus PSV: (match preview)

Our under 19’s have a crucial game tomorrow lunchtime at Hotspur Way, when they take on PSV in the UEFA youth league. With three draws from their opening three group stages games in the competition, Matt Wells talented young side will know that they will have to win tomorrow against the Dutch side if they want to progress to the knockout stages. All three of our performances in this competition this season have been excellent despite the fact that we haven’t won a game. In our last game came against tomorrow’s visitors, Rudd Van Nistelrooy’s highly thought of PSV side. We fought back from two goals down in Eindhoven to record a dramatic 2-2 draw courtesy of Jaden Brown’s equaliser at the death. Tomorrow’s game promises to be fascinating viewing (sadly it is isn’t being shown in the UK) and with both sides so eager to get all three points I would expect both teams to lineup in attacking formations. Amongst Van Nistelrooy’s many fine talents are Vertessen, creative midfielder Ihattaren and midfielder anchorman Sadilek. It will be interesting to see what side Wells and McDermott will pick for tomorrow’s game. I would expect both Bowden and Maghoma to play in the middle of the park, but with it not being known whether or Skipp will be involved in the champions league game that evening. It’s very hard to predict. Apologies for my short preview but I will be at Hotspur Way reporting on tomorrow’s game, and I shall have my in-depth report out by the following day. 

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Austin (c), Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Binks, White, Bowden, Maghoma, Brown, Roles, Richards, Parrott.

Subs from: De Bie, Walcott, Oakley-Boothe, Patterson, A.Shashoua Markanday, Bennett. 

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin (international duty with England), Jonathan Dinzeyi (injury), Enock Asante (injury).

Doubtful: Tariq Hinds (injury), Oliver Skipp (Possible first team involvement).

Previous meeting: 2-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

My one to watch: PSV’s Belgian centre forward Yorbe Vertessen has one goal from his opening three UEFA youth league games this campaign. The technically talented Belgian international impressed me during last summers under 17 European championships in England.

Spurs under 18’s 1-1 Fulham: (match report)

Our under 18’s faced their biggest test of the domestic season on Saturday afternoon, when they took on Fulham in a league game at their Motspur Park training ground. Matt Wells side were top of the southern league going into this game however, after recording a 1-1 draw with their London rivals. Wells side have now been leapfrogged in the table by Arsenal who beat Swansea on the same day. Our encounter with Fulham was an intriguing one to say the very least, it was a game of two contrasting halves. The first half was controlled by Matt Wells side who dominated possession against Colin Omogbehin’s defensive side, which included talented schoolboy Harvey Elliott in their starting 11. Fulham approached the game in a really negative way and their defensive lineup really frustrated Mart Wells’ attacking side in the first half, who were unable to make their possession count. Both wide men Dilan Markanday and Rodel Richards had been neutralised by the Fulham fullbacks and were unable to make their usual impact on the game. Whilst the first half had few clear cut chances in it, the second half was a completely different story. Fulham came out of their shell and started to play their own brand of fast paced attacking football, and this caught the Tottenham defence by surprise. Chances were aplenty at both ends of the pitch in what was an enthralling half of football. After threatening during the opening stages of the half, the home side took the lead in the 53rd minute through centre forward Timmy Abraham (brother of Tammy). However, Spurs equalised through Phoenix Patterson’s fine low strike less than 12 minutes later. Fulham had the far better chances during the remaining 25 minutes of the game. After Luis Binks conceded a penalty and was dismissed with a straight red card on 88 minutes, Fulham had the chance to win the game. However, Harvey Elliot’s penalty was excellently saved by Joshua Oluwayemi who would go onto make an equally important save a matter of moments later to ensure that Spurs’ unbeaten record stands for another week at least.

Matt Wells side lined up in the 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Oluwayemi starting in goal, whilst a back four of Lyons-Foster, Walcott, Binks and Cirkin lined up in front of him. Harvey White and captain Armando Shashoua started in central midfield, as the attacking trio of Markanday, Patterson and Richards stood behind Jeremie Mukendi who made only his sixth appearance of the season. Both sets of players and spectators observed a minutes silence prior to kick off for the victims of the tragic Leicester helicopter crash, in addition both sets of players wore black armbands. Spurs got the game underway on a cool Saturday morning at Motspur Park, Wells side knocked the ball around the park in the opening minutes of the game before they initiated their first decent chance of the game. A good run from Shashoua down the right flank resulted in the Spurs skipper crossing the ball for Richards inside the Fulham box, but the forward was unable to get the ball under control and as a result he was unable to get a shot away. Joshua Oluwayemi did well to gather Cody Drameh’s cross a couple of minutes later, before Jeremie Mukendi poked an effort across the face of the Fulham goal after picking up the ball down the left hand side of the Fulham penalty area. Phoenix Patterson fired over from long range a couple of minutes later after receiving Shashoua’s pass as Spurs continued to hog possession. Patterson then curled an effort over Toni Stahl’s crossbar after receiving Markanday’s pass on the edge of the Fulham penalty area. Wells side worked another good attacking a couple of moments later, after a good passing move saw Shashoua pick up the ball from Lyons-Foster before he played in Patterson inside the box. However, just as the Spurs forward was about to pull the trigger Richards came across him and was unable to make significant contact on the ball to test Stahl. Dilan Markanday won a free kick in a promising position shortly after. Harvey White’s resulting effort was headed over the Fulham crossbar by Drameh.

And the Tottenham midfielder almost managed to set Mukendi through on goal with a lovely lofted pass over the Fulham defence a couple of moments later. Dilan Markanday had a promising shot blocked by Sylvester Jasper on the edge of the penalty area shortly afterwards, as Spurs continued to test the Fulham defence before the Spurs winger curled over from the edge of the penalty area. Rodel Richards then had an effort on goal blocked by Tristan Cover a couple of moments later, as Spurs continued to threaten the Fulham defence. Fulham were defending very well and they weren’t allowing the Tottenham players much space to get a shot away. The hardworking Richards had an effort defected wide of the mark by Ben Davis a matter of seconds after he had been crowded out inside the Fulham box by opposition defenders. A long in-swinging cross from White a matter of minutes later, was gathered by Stahl as Spurs continued to struggle to break down the ‘Cottagers’ defence. Markanday then had an effort on goal blocked by Zico Asare inside the Fulham box after he had the ball slipped slipped into him by the adventurous Cirkin down the left. Spurs then had a goal ruled out for offside right on the stroke of halftime. After Patterson had passed the ball to Richards, he slotted the ball through to Mukendi who managed to clip home from inside the Fulham box. However, the linesman on the near side had adjudged him to have been in an offside position. Colin Omogbehin’s side got the second half underway but it was Spurs who would have the first real chance of the half. After Patterson passed the ball to Shashoua, the Spurs captain fed the ball into Markanday who darted down the right side of the Fulham box. Markanday then cut inside onto his left foot before curling an effort narrowly over Stahl’s crossbar from close range. The Fulham goalkeeper was forced into making an excellent save a couple of minutes later to prevent Phoenix Patterson’s low curler from nestling into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, after he had received Cirkin’s pass on the edge of the box.

However, a matter of minutes later Oluwayemi found himself fishing the ball out of the back of the Spurs goal, after Fulham had taken a surprise lead. Omogbehin’s side had caught us on the break with an incisive move through the middle of the pitch which saw Fabio Carvalho slip the ball into Abraham who was through on goal. The Fulham centre forward got away from Walcott inside the box before curling the ball into the bottom right hand corner of Oluwayemi’s goal, 0-1. Rayan Clarke replaced fullback Brooklyn Lyons-Foster shortly afterwards as Wells looked to add some fire power to his side. And the wide man made an instant impact for Spurs after he assisted Phoenix Patterson’s equaliser a matter of moments after coming on. It was the response that the Spurs coaches would have been looking for as Clarke passed the ball to Patterson on the edge pf the Fulham penalty area, from the left wing. Patterson showed good feet as he shimmied his way past a Fulham defender before firing an unstoppable effort into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-1. Joshua Oluwayemi produced an excellent save at his near post straight after the restart to prevent Harvey Elliott’s powerful effort from close range, after he had received Carvalho’s pass down the left side of the Spurs box. And the home side came desperately close to regaining their lead a couple of minutes later, after Jasper sent a looping pass over the Spurs defence to set Abraham one on one with Oluwayemi. However, the Fulham centre forward slipped at the vital moment just as he was about to round the helpless Tottenham goalkeeper, as the game developed into a really end to end encounter. Markanday had a decent chance at the other end of the park shortly afterwards, following Shashoua’s pass into him inside the box. However, Markanday forced a comfortable save out of Stahl with his tame toe poke. Shashoua was unhappy with Markanday and he had roared at him to hold the ball. Fulham then went straight down the other end and in all honesty they should have regained their lead.

After Cover had blatantly handled the ball as he sprinted down the left wing, the Fulham fullback skinned Binks before darting into the penalty area, and jinking inside White before firing over from close range. Spurs then advanced down the other end as Clarke passed to Markanday and then Shashoua who slipped the ball into Mukendi inside the box. However, the forwards powerful effort on goal was blocked on the line by Fulham’s Sonny Hilton. Harvey White blocked Harvey Elliot’s effort from long range a couple of minutes later, before centre forward Jeremie Mukendi was replaced for defender Jubril Okedina who slotted in at right back. The impressive Oluwayemi then did a good job at holding Carvalho’s powerful low cross, before White found Shashoua with a pacy long ball inside the Fulham box at the other end. However, the Spurs captain was crowded out by white shirts and was unable to square the ball for Markanday out on the right. Although Markanday did have an effort blocked by a Fulham defender shortly afterwards from close range. The courageous Dennis Cirkin who had protected that left hand side so effectively throughout the game, ended up clashing heads with Cody Drameh. Despite the Spurs coaches having Elliot Thorpe all ready to come on, the heavily bandaged Cirkin battled on to play the remainder of the game. The tenacious Luis Binks then made an important block  from the newly introduced Terry Ablade shortly after the restart. Before Oluwayemi frantically tipped a cross from Hilton over his crossbar moments later. Rodel Richards then saw his deflected cross fly right across the face of the Fulham goal, as both sides went in search of a late winner. Then came a significant moment in the game, as centre back Luis Binks was sent off for denying Davis a clear goalscoring opportunity. A powerful break down the left wing resulted in the ball coming to substitute Terry Ablade who quickly played the ball into Ben Davis who managed to get away from Binks inside the Tottenham penalty area, before being blatantly tugged back by the young centre half. The referee had no choice but to give Binks a straight red card and to point to the penalty spot.

The resulting penalty kick was taken by schoolboy Harvey Elliott whose powerful low effort towards the bottom left hand corner of the goal, was excellently saved by the diving Oluwayemi before it was cleared. This sparked jubilant scenes of celebration amongst the Spurs players who all rushed over to congratulate Oluwayemi. The Tottenham goalkeeper spilt Drameh’s cross moments later before Fulham had another golden opportunity to net a late winner. A wonderful passing move from the home side resulted in the ball being worked out to Elliott on the right wing, the England youth international shimmied his way past Patterson before playing a lovely pass into Ablade with the outside of his boot. This sent Ablade through on goal with only Oluwayemi to beat however, his powerful low effort was excellently stopped by the left boot of the 17 year old goalkeeper, to the astonishment of the spectators. Rayan Clarke had a hopeful late shot blocked before the referee brought a dramatic game of football to an end much to the relief of the Tottenham Hotspur players and officials, as their extraordinary unbeaten run from April continues thanks to as superb display from Oluwayemi. Up next for our under 18’s is a home game against Swansea in the premier league cup, next Saturday afternoon.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: Making four saves in total (three of which were top class), Oluwayemi’s excellent performance against Fulham ensured that Spurs’ unbeaten record still stands. Oluwayemi was the difference between us picking up a point against Fulham or going home empty handed. The 17 year olds all round game was good but it was the three excellent saves that  he made in particular (especially the penalty save) which defined the game. He demonstrated outstanding reflexes and even though Elliott’s penalty was well taken Oluwayemi got down so quickly to make the save.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Playing at right back Lyons-Foster completed 62 minutes of Saturdays game after he returned from a minor injury that he picked up during our 6-1 win over Aston Villa. Lyons-Foster defended well down that side of the pitch, and his sheer presence helped to prevent Sylvester Jasper from enjoying much luck out wide. Lyons-Foster was solid and didn’t put a foot wrong. 
• Malachi Walcott: It was an impressive performance from the 16 year old centre half who operated at rcb. Walcott made a couple of really important defensive contributions and his strong defending alongside Binks helped to quell the threat of the potent Timmy Abraham for the majority of the game.
• Luis Binks: First of all I think that young Luis was incredibly brave and unselfish to tug Ben Davis’s shirt after he was one on one with Oluwayemi, knowing full well what the repercussions would be. And Binks decision prevented a certain goal and winner for Fulham. I thought Binks alongside his defensive partner Walcott had a really solid game on Saturday morning, he anticipated danger well and was never caught out of position. The Scotland youth international also made a number of lovely long passes out to Markanday on the right wing. Unfortunately Binks will be suspended for our premier league cup tie with Swansea next Saturday as he serves a one game ban.
• Dennis Cirkin: The left back had an excellent game against Fulham, and his tireless performance down the left flank certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Cirkin (16) defended impeccably against the talented Harvey Elliott and he rarely let the 15 year old beat him down that side of the pitch. Cirkin made some important interventions and managed to get up and down the left flank well. The England under 17 international was also very impressive on the ball and he carried it well. Cirkin bravely played the last five minutes of the game with a bandage on his head after he clashed with Fulham’s Cody Drameh.
• Harvey White: White was the midfield anchorman for our game against Fulham on Saturday. Playing a slightly more defensive role than usual, the 17 year old provided the back four with an all important barrier. White’s passing was as impressive as ever and the midfielder came close to playing Mukendi through on goal in the first half, after making a lovely lofted pass over the Fulham defence. As both sides went in search of a late winner, the teenager would often drift out onto the wing to pick the ball up, and he whipped some really inviting crosses into the danger zone.
• Armando Shashoua: My motm, see below. 
• Dilan Markanday: The right winger worked hard down the right flank to try and influence the game and he was positive throughout. However, Fulham’s left back Tristan Cover kept him in check throughout the game. Markanday did come close to scoring a goal at the beginning of the second half. Markanday linked up well with Shashoua down the right channel.
• Phoenix Patterson: The attacking midfielder was prominent in the final third and he was heavily involved in the majority of Spurs’ attacks. Patterson used the ball well and the way in which he took his goal in the second half was very impressive.
• Rodel Richards: Like Markanday, Richards struggled to get the better of his fullback and was therefore unable to influence the game in his usual way. He did however, cut inside a lot of the time and did his best to try and make things happen.
• Jeremie Mukendi: The lone striker had very few goalscoring opportunities during his time on the pitch. The tenacious Fulham defence made Mukendi’s job a difficult one, and despite making many well timed runs through the middle he just didn’t get the rub of the green.
• Rayan Clarke: Clarke added power and pace to the side following his introduction in the 62nd minute of the game. The left winger got the assist for Patterson’s goal and the 17 year old went on some good runs down the flank. 
• Jubril Okedina: Okedina put in a solid shift at right back after he came on to replace Mukendi in the 77th minute.

My man of the match: For the second consecutive game it goes to Armando Shashoua. The captain put in another masterful performance in the centre of midfield for Matt Wells side. Shashoua who turned 18 last week was our most creative and effective player on the day, he was the creative spark with in the side. As always his movement was excellent, as was his constant shape shifting and change of direction, but the west Londoner also worked so tirelessly to create chances for his teammates. Shashoua played in a slightly more advanced role than usual and this resulted in him linking up well with Markanday on the right wing whilst also making some clever runs in and behind the Fulham defence. The teenagers passing was accurate and although he didn’t have a shot on goal, he did create many a fine chance for other players. He pressed aggressively and took the odd kick from Fulham players on the chin, and despite his height he was one of our strongest players on the ball. Coming to think of it I have actually never seen Armando have a bad game!

Spurs: Oluwayemi, Lyons-Foster (Clarke 62), Cirkin, Binks (sent off 88), Walcott, White, Markanday, A.Shashoua (c), Patterson, Mukendi (Okedina 77), Richards.

Unused substitutes: Kacper Kurylowicz, Elliot Thorpe.

Goals: Timmy Abraham (53), Phoenix Patterson (65).

Venue: Motspur Park, London.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Troy Parrott – 7

J’Neil Bennett – 5

Dilan Markanday – 5

Rayan Clarke – 4

Armando Shashoua – 4

Harvey White – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

Dennis Cirkin – 2

Jeremie Mukendi – 2

Rodel Richards – 2

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Luis Binks – 2

Phoenix Patterson – 2

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Assists: Armando Shashoua – 7

Harvey White – 7

Jamie Bowden – 5

Phoenix Patterson – 4

Troy Parrott – 3

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Dilan Markanday – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Rayan Clarke – 2

Paris Maghoma – 1

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Malachi Walcott – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Dennis Cirkin – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 3

Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Swansea City: (match report)

Hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Derby County last Sunday, our under 23’s encounter with bottom of the table Swansea City at Hotspur Way on Friday lunchtime would have been viewed as a very winnable game for Wayne Burnett’s side. However, Spurs lacked that cutting edge needed to overcome the ‘Swans’ who were winless in all competitions this season going into this game. Burnett’s side albeit without a trio of important and experienced players, lacked in creativity as well as craft. Like the Derby game, it was another flat performance. We were missing a certain sharpness and awareness to our game and we didn’t press anywhere near aggressively as we normally do. Yes it was disappointing to lose to what was quite frankly a poor Swansea side by such a score line. However, as in every game at this level it is important to look at individual performances. And once again a number of our players most notably Paris Maghoma and Japhet Tanganga had really good games, despite the poor performance of the team as a whole. The ‘Swans’ who are co managed by Gary Richards and Cameron Toshack didn’t include a single overage player in their squad for the trip to Enfield. On paper we had the far better players, that’s why it came as a great surprise to me that Burnett’s side were on the second foot for the majority of the first half. Constantly being put under pressure by the visitors, Spurs struggled to play their brand of attacking football. Despite this Spurs took the lead towards the end of the half through the inform Paris Maghoma, courtesy of some dodgy goalkeeping from Swansea goalkeeper Steven Benda. However, Spurs’ bright finish to the half didn’t continue into the second half, and some particularly poor defending from our wingbacks who were often too high up the field, ultimately cost us. Swansea hit us where it hurt and the South Wales club managed to score   three goals inside the opening 19 minutes of the second half. This resulted in Burnett’s side falling apart, and despite a couple of nice passages of play, his lads were unable to mount a fight back. And to make matters worse for Spurs, Swansea got a fourth goal in the 84th minute of time through Scottish centre forward Botti Biabi.

Indeed it was a poor performance from the young Spurs lads, who on their day were lacking the intensity, vision and awareness needed in order to carve open the Swansea defence. I think the game will be viewed as a disappointment in the sense that they couldn’t push further up the table with what should have been a routine win for the young Lilywhites. However, results are not always paramount at this level, and the individual performances of some our players on the day is something which we should all draw positives from. The sun was shining down on Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon ahead of our PL2 encounter with Swansea. Burnett went for a a similar team to the one that he picked against Derby in the previous game. Opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation Brandon Austin started in goal for Spurs, whilst a back four of George Marsh (the skipper), TJ Eyoma, Japhet Tanganga and Jaden Brown sat in front of him. Young Jamie Bowden and Tashan Oakley-Boothe manned the centre of the park, as Bennett, Roles and Maghoma lined up behind frontman Kazaiah Sterling who led the line. It’s worth noting that we changed shape on numerous occasions through the second half. Bennett and Maghoma in particular changed positions a number of times throughout the game. Both sets of players and spectators observed an impeccable minutes silence for the victims of the tragic Leicester helicopter crash prior to kick off. In addition, both sets of players wore black armbands. Spurs got the game underway at the training centre and it was Tottenham’s TJ Eyoma who had to be on hand to make an important early clearance from Liam Cullen’s low cross into the penalty area. The lively Paris Maghoma attempted to pick out Sterling with an ambitious ball through the middle shortly afterwards. And the 17 year old midfielder drew the first save of the game a couple of moments later after he saw his effort on goal take a heavy deflection off of Brandon Cooper, before it was gathered comfortably by goalkeeper Steven Benda. Cullen then came desperately close to meeting Tyler Reid’s header at the back post after the Welshman hadn’t been picked up by a Spurs defender.

George Marsh blocked Botti Biabi’s shot on goal a couple of minutes later as Burnett’s side struggled to find their feet. TJ Eyoma made a vital defensive intervention on Biabi moments later, as the ‘Swans’ continued to test the Spurs defence. The former Falkirk man then fired over with an effort from the right hand side of the penalty area. Swansea continued to push for an opener, Jordan Garrick caused a bit of panic amongst the Spurs defenders after he darted past Eyoma in the penalty area, before slipping at the vital moment. Tanganga then did well to clear Garrick’s pacy low cross a couple of moments later. Spurs were really struggling to deal with the pressure that Swansea were putting on them during the opening stages of the game. Left back Jaden Brown  headed a promising free kick from Keiran Evans clear at the back post before a pacy dangerous cross from Reid somehow managed to evade every Swansea player inside the six yard box, the game was lacking any sort of spark from either side. The only Spurs player to offer any sort of attacking threat had been young Paris Maghoma. And after the midfielder advanced on a powerful run through the middle of pitch, Maghoma blazed an effort well wide of Benda’s goal from over 20 yards out. The tenacious Japhet Tanganga then made a crucial sliding block at the other end of the pitch to thwart Evans shot from the edge of the penalty area, after he latched onto Aaron Lewis’s corner kick. Jack Roles picked up a yellow card shortly afterwards, before Spurs surprised the sharper and more impressive Swansea side by taking a surprise lead in the 36th minute of time through Paris Maghoma. It was a really good move from Spurs which started with Kazaiah Sterling who shifted the ball out to Bennett on the right wing. The 16 year old took on the physically imposing Tyler Reid who managed make contact with the teenagers cross which found Maghoma who was just inside the box. The midfielder had managed to find space before striking a sweet low effort on the half volley, which ended up slipping straight through the hands of Swansea goalkeeper Steven Benda before hitting the back of the net, 1-0. 

Eyoma managed to thread a pass through to Sterling down the left side of the penalty area shortly after the restart. However, the centre forward was closed down well by Swansea’s Tyler Reid. Paris Maghoma then fired an effort over the Swansea crossbar after he received Oakley-Boothe’s pass on the edge of the penalty area. Before the ever solid Tanganga made an important defensive intervention on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. Maghoma continued to be the shining light for Burnett, and the teenager almost slotted Sterling through on goal with a well measured pass however, Cooper managed to intercept the pass at the vital moment. Tyler Reid blazed an effort well wide of the mark for the visitors a couple of minutes later before Evans forced a comfortable save out of Austin with a curler from the edge of the penalty area. Spurs were extremely fortunate to find themselves 1-0 up going into the half time interval. Swansea got the second half underway and Richards and Toshack’s side couldn’t have made a better start to the half if they had wanted to. Less than two minutes into the half the visitors drew level through winger Liam Cullen. The goal came from a Swansea set piece. A free kick out on the right wing was whipped into the box by Reid whose delivery came out to the unmarked Liam Cullen at the back post. Cullen got the ball under control before managing to bundle it past Austin who despite his best efforts on the line couldn’t prevent it from crossing the line, 1-1. Then less than three minutes later the ‘Swans’ took the lead after they caught Spurs out down the wing. The prominent Tyler Reid got the better of Brown out on the left as he darted past the Spurs defender with ease before picking out Cullen with a cross towards the back post. Unopposed and unmarked, Cullen volleyed the ball home much to the frustration of the Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin, 1-2. Burnett’s side tried to respond with a well worked move from a free kick after Maghoma had won it in a promising area on the edge of the penalty area. Roles played the free kick out to Marsh on the right and the makeshift right back squared it into Roles who had made a good run into the box. However, the 19 year old was unable to make sufficient contact with the ball and it was eventually smothered by Benda, before the German was clattered by Roles as he attempted to get to the ball. 

Spurs came close to drawing level a couple of minutes later after another well worked move. Brown passed the ball to Roles from the left, the midfielder then managed to pick out Bennett who went on a surging run towards the edge of the penalty area, before curling an effort narrowly wide of Benda’s goal. George Marsh had a free kick cleared by the head of Brandon Cooper shortly after, as Spurs started to find their feet going forwards. Young Troy Parrott replaced Kazaiah Sterling a couple of moments later as the 19 year old continues his return from injury. Jaden Brown then produced an excellent sliding challenge to prevent Jordan Garrick getting through on goal inside the Spurs box. However, Burnett’s side were dealt a further blow in the 66th minute after Botti Biabi put the ‘Swans’ 3-1 up. Swansea moved the ball around well as Reid passed the ball to Garrick down the left wing. Garrick squared the ball for Biabi in the centre of the box and the Scottish youngster got lucky as Tanganga slipped to the floor just as he received the ball. Biabi finished the move off in style with a clever back heeled finish which nestled into the bottom right hand corner of Austin’s goal, 1-3. Spurs were beginning to fall apart at the back, as they tried to mount a comeback. Japhet Tanganga headed wide from a Paris Maghoma corner kick before the same player sent an inviting cross into Eyoma in the box moments later. However, the 18 year olds header forced a comfortable save out of Benda. Dylan Duncan then replaced Jack Roles in the 76th minute. However, any hopes of a Spurs comeback were extinguished eight minutes later through Botti Biabi who netted his second goal of the game to make it 4-1 to Swansea, after some really poor defending from the young Spurs lads. After Jaden Brown had passed the ball straight to Liam Cullen, the Welshman spotted the run of Biabi through the middle before slotting him through on goal with a well weighted pass. Biabi sprinted down the right side of the penalty area and past Tanganga, before rifling the ball into the far corner of Austin’s goal, 1-4. Spurs responded through Parrott who glanced a header wide of Benda’s goal after meeting Bennett’s cross, following some good work from the wide man.

Swansea then broke down the other end as Biabi slipped in the newly introduced Jordi Govea down the left side of the Spurs penalty area. However, the Ecuadorean’s powerful effort was well blocked by the sliding Tanganga. The last chance of the game also fell to the ‘Swans’ after Aaron Lewis played a corner short to Belgian Simon Paulet, who whipped the ball narrowly over Austin’s crossbar. At the end of the day it was a disjointed team performance from Burnett’s side. Their usual aggressive pressing and energy just wasn’t there, and the lack of creativity within the Spurs side combined with the many defensive errors at the back allowed a poor Swansea team to beat them comfortably on the day. Our development sides next game is against Portsmouth in the Checkatrade trophy during the upcoming international break.  

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: Although it’s hard to believe, Austin didn’t actually have an awful lot to deal with apart from the four Swansea goals, of which he could have done nothing about. He only made one save which was a comfortable one towards the end of the first half. Austin dealt authoritatively with set pieces, and the 19 year old marshalled his defence well throughout the game. I would expect him to play against PSV in the UEFA youth league in midweek.
• George Marsh: The skipper didn’t have the best game he’s ever had during our 4-1 defeat to Swansea. Operating at right back, Marsh was nowhere to be seen for Swansea’s first two goals which came down his side of the pitch. Marsh was often too high up the pitch and due to his lack of pace he did struggle on occasions. However, he worked extremely hard and did make some important defensive interventions whilst also leading his teammates by example.
• TJ Eyoma: The 18 year old who operated at left centre back had a decent game on the whole. Eyoma did make some really important headed clearances and defensive interventions throughout the match, he also kept relatively good positioning. However Eyoma did get done for pace by Jordan Garrick inside the penalty area for Swansea’s second goal of the game.
• Japhet Tanganga: The 19 year old centre back had an excellent game on Friday afternoon and by no means did the score line reflect his performance in any way. Tanganga made four crucial defensive interventions against Swansea, and the England under 20 international was decisive in everything that he did. He was also excellent in the air and he won the vast majority of his aerial duels. However, it was Tanganga’s positioning at the back which showed such maturity and understanding of the game. Without the no nonsense defender present I dread to think what the score might have been. He made so many crucial blocks inside the Spurs penalty area.
• Jaden Brown: The left back had an ok game but it was by no means his finest performance. Brown made some excellent interceptions and blocks particularly during the first half of the game where he defended solidly. However, a slightly shaky second half resulted in him making a sloppy pass which led to Swansea’s fourth goal of the game.
• Jamie Bowden: The central midfielder very rarely lost possession against Swansea on what was only his third PL2 appearance. Bowden kept things ticking in the middle of the park with his deftly accurate short passing and impeccable positioning. He snuffed out danger well, and worked hard for the team to provide that midfield barrier in front of the back four. Although he wasn’t as expressive as he is usually within the ball due to the pattern of the game, I thought that Bowden put in a really mature performance. He will likely start against PSV in the UEFA youth league on Tuesday.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Although the 18 year old worked hard and pressed well in the centre of midfield, Oakley-Boothe struggled to impact the game despite making some decent passes throughout. He was quite anonymous for large periods of the match.
• J’Neil Bennett: This was the first year scholars first start at this level and the former QPR schoolboy had a good game out on both the right and left flank. Bennett was direct and constantly looking to take players on in the final third. The 16 year old got the assist for Maghoma’s goal after going on a good run down the right wing, and he could have had a goal of his own in the second half after he came desperately close to finding the top right hand corner of the goal with a curler from range.
• Jack Roles: Operating as a cam the hardworking Jack Roles must have covered more ground than any other player on the pitch. Although he had a  relatively quite game by his standards, the Cyprus under 21 international was often trying to pull things off. An impressively worked free kick by Roles in the second half almost ended in him putting the ball into the back of the net.
• Paris Maghoma: My motm, see below.
• Kazaiah Sterling: The 19 year old put in a good shift up top as he continues to make his return from injury. Sterling worked hard and he always tried to influence play by creating his own space. Sterling was replaced by Parrott around the hour mark.
• Troy Parrott: The 16 year put in a real workmanlike performance up top after he came on for Sterling to play the last 30 or so minutes of the game. He would often drop deep in order to try and influence the game, and Parrott’s sheer strength was impressive in itself on several occasions throughout the second half. The Dubliner managed one goal attempt during his time on the pitch.
• Dylan Duncan: The 19 year old had a positive late cameo in midfield after replacing Roles. He used the ball intelligently and carried it well. 

My man of the match: Paris Maghoma. The shining light from a poor Spurs performance, the ever impressive 17 year old midfielder was once again the standout player. Maghoma started the game out on the left wing before shifting into a more central role during the second half. The London born midfielder was our most creative and potent attacking player. Instead of playing it sideways or backwards, Maghoma would often try to test the Swansea defence by running at them and having a pop from distance. His clever footwork and many excellently timed runs in and behind the Swansea defence weren’t often picked up by his teammates but they certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Above all else he was positive and resourceful with the ball at his feet. He showed the nous and awareness needed in order to get in a position to score our opener which he took well on the half volley. However, Maghoma also showed ambition and he came close on several occasions to setting players through on goal with some clever defence splitting passes. Our under 23’s best player this campaign again demonstrated that Dele Alli like ability to make those perfectly timed runs into the danger zone, and like Alli he has that positive trait of never treating any ball as a lost cause. Maghoma had more attempts on goal for Spurs than any other player.

Spurs: Austin, Marsh (c), Brown, Bowden, Tanganga, Eyoma, Maghoma, Oakley-Boothe, Sterling (Parrott 63), Roles (Duncan 76), Bennett. Substitute (not used): Glover, Reynolds, Walcott.

Swansea City: Benda, Reid, Lewis, Maric (c), Harries, Cooper, Garrick, Paulet, Biabi, Evans (Govea 76), Cullen. Substitutes (not used): Cooper, Zabret, De Boer, Lewis.

Goals: Spurs – Maghoma 36; Swansea – Cullen 47, 50, Biabi, 66, 84.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Roles 34.

Referee: James Oldham.

Venue: Hotspur Way, Enfield.

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

Goals scored: Shayon Harrison – 5

Paris Maghoma – 4

Jack Roles – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Jaden Brown – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus Fulham: (match preview)

Unbeaten and unfazed by any opposition that they have come up against so far this season. Matt Wells under 18 side will go head to head with Fulham on Saturday morning in a London derby at Motspur Park, as the young Spurs lads look to consolidate their place at the top of the under 18 southern division. Wells side haven’t had an under 18 game in the last two weeks and they’ll be raring to go against our London rivals tomorrow morning. Colin Omogbehin’s Fulham side have started the league season with three wins and two draws from their opening eight league matches, and they currently occupy seventh position in the table. Long famed for their academy set up, the ‘Cottagers’ have produced some fine young talents over recent seasons. One could even argue that they have done a better job than the so called bigger clubs at bringing players into the first team. Over the last couple of seasons Fulham have contested some enthralling games with our under 18 side. Last season we lost two of our three encounters with the west London club, although we did manage to beat them 2-1 at Motspur Park in the league. It is almost two years to the day since I was last at Motspur Park for a bitterly cold mornings game against the ‘Cottagers’. That day Samuel Shashoua scored a late winner from the penalty spot in what was a fiercely competitive game. How times have changed! Tomorrow’s Fulham side contains a whole host of talented players. Attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho is Fulham’s top scorer this season with four goals, whilst wide man Sonny Hilton is a tricky winger who tore us apart in the premier league cup last season. In addition, Fulham’s talented schoolboy midfielder Harvey Elliot made his first team debut for Fulham in a league cup game against Millwall in September. I think that this game will be the biggest test that Matt Wells side have come up against since they took on Chelsea back in August. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s game and as ever it is always a great pleasure to see the fantastic group of players take to the field. Apologies about the shorter than usual preview, my report of our game against Fulham will be out by Monday at the latest.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Tainio, Lyons-Foster, Binks, Cirkin, White, A.Shashoua (c), Markanday, Richards, Patterson, Mukendi.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Walcott, Statham, Pedder, Clarke.

Injured/unavailable: Enoch Asante.

Doubtful: Troy Parrott (Involvement with the under 23’s the previous day).

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

My one to watch: Fabio Carvalho. The 16 year old Portuguese Fulham forward, is Colin Omogbehin’s sides top scorer this season with four goals. The first year scholar is very highly rated.

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

Following on from our under 23’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Derby County in the PL2 last Sunday, Wayne Burnett’s development side will be hoping to overcome bottom of the table Swansea City when the two teams meet at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon. Burnett’s sides challenging encounter with Derby at the weekend was an experience from which they will learn from, and they’ll be hoping to return to winnings ways against a Swansea side who are bang out of form. Managed by both Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards, the ‘Swans’ enjoyed a fine season in division one during the 2017/18 campaign where they finished in fourth place, after only winning promotion to the division the previous season. The club from South Wales have drawn four of their opening nine league games this season, losing five and winning none. Toshack and Richards winless side haven’t won a PL2 game since April, and the out of form ‘Swans’ have scored the fewest goals of anybody in the league this season (7). Although the championship club don’t have one of the best under 18 or 23 sides out of the category one clubs, Swansea still have some talented youngsters in their ranks, and the Welsh club have recruited well over recent seasons. Some of their standout players from the development side include former Liverpool youngster Yan Dhanda, former Ajax youngster Kees De Boer who operates as a midfielder, Scottish midfielder George Byers, and locally sourced winger Liam Cullen who we were once linked with a couple of seasons back. Our two meetings with Swansea in the PL2 last season were highly entertaining games, both of which ended in 2-2 draws. The home game which was played at Broadhall Way was most notable for a spectacular solo goal scored by our former player Keanan Bennetts. Once again Burnett’s side will be without the experienced duo of Shayon Harrison and Luke Amos to injury, whilst Cyprus international Anthony Georgiou remains a doubt as far as I am aware. 

This preview was written before our first teams Carabao cup game against West Ham on Wednesday which will likely feature a number of our young players due to fixture congestion. Therefore my lineup prediction for the Swansea game may include players who will have featured for the first team only a couple of days beforehand. Swansea are not as well structured as our last opponents Derby, I also doubt that they will included many if any overage players in their side for Fridays game in Enfield. Therefore I am expecting Burnett’s young side to return to winning ways. I will be at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, and my in-depth match report of that game shall be out by the following evening at the very latest.

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Whiteman, Eyoma, Tanganga (c), Dinzeyi, Hinds, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Reynolds, Duncan, Roles, Sterling.

Subs from: Glover, Brown, Marsh, Patterson, Richards.

Injured/unavailable: Shilow Tracey, Luke Amos, Shayon Harrison.

Doubtful: Anthony Georgiou and Charlie Freeman.

Previous meeting: 2-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-1.

My one to watch: Yan Dhanda. A skilful attacking midfielder who has overcome many injury setbacks during his short career. The 19 year old who joined Swansea from Liverpool in the summer, scored the winner with his first touch for their first team in their championship game against Sheffield United earlier on in the season. However, the skilful and clever Dhanda has struggled for game time in Graham Potter’s side, and the teenager has appeared on two occasions for the development side in the PL2 this season. It will be interesting to see how he gets on against us if he does play on Friday. Dhanda impressed against us for Liverpool last season. 

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/10/29/spurs-under-23s-0-1-derby-county-match-report-2/

Spurs under 23’s 0-1 Derby County: (match report)

Our under 23’s went into their PL2 encounter with Derby County on Sunday afternoon with confidence after having won their last three games in all competitions. However, Wayne Burnett’s side played out a dour game with the  ’Rams’ at Pride Park from which they never really got going. Burnett’s side were second best on the day and despite putting in a relatively solid defensive performance, his side were too negative in possession and their severe lack of creativity cost them. We lost 1-0 to Derby who scored what turned out to be the winner on 74 minutes through their captain Max Bird, whose thumping effort had caught the Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin by surprise. Derby dominated possession against a Spurs side who weren’t effective at playing out from the back against a high pressing side, and they should have won by more than one goal, whilst our most potent attacking players Jack Roles and Troy Parrott were unable to make much of an impact on the game due to the fact that they were so isolated up top, whilst the wingbacks were not given the ball anywhere near enough. In total we only managed two shots on target but none of those managed to trouble the Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos. It is worth noting that Darren Wassall did field four overage players in the Derby starting 11. Most notable of which was the defensive duo of Alex Pearce and Ikechi Anya who are both full internationals for both Ireland and Scotland respectively, this definitely helped Wassall’s side to get the better of us. Spurs were without Oliver Skipp, Kazaiah Sterling and Anthony Georgiou for Sunday afternoons game and this resulted in a numbers of players from the under 18 side making the step up to development squad level. Although they would revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation at halftime, Burnett started his side in the 3-4-2-1 formation. Brandon Austin retained the captains armband as he started in goal for the second consecutive game, whilst a back three of Eyoma, Tanganga and Marsh lined up in front of him. Four players lined up in the middle of the park with Tariq Hinds and Jaden Brown starting either side of Maghoma and Bowden in the centre of the park. And Dylan Duncan and the inform Jack Roles played in an attacking diamond formation behind 16 year old Troy Parrott who led the line.

The home side got the game underway at a sunny Pride Park and it was the hosts who certainly looked the brighter of the two teams during the opening stages of the game. Derby’s Louie Sibley drew an early save from Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin after hitting a low effort at goal from the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. Midfielder Paris Maghoma managed to block George Thorne’s shot shortly afterwards as Spurs tried to work the ball out of their own half. Austin put his teammates under pressure a couple of minutes later after he passed the ball straight to Derby’s Jayden Mitchell-Lawson on the edge of the Spurs box. Mitchell-Lawson squared the ball for Max Bird in the centre of the box and the Derby captain forced Austin into making an excellent reaction save at his near post, to tip behind the Derby captains powerful effort for a corner kick, which the teenager dealt with by punching it away from danger. The home side continued to threaten the Spurs defence and after Thorne played the ball into Mitchell-Lawson down the right side of the penalty area, the wide man quickly shifted the ball across to Aaron Eyoma in the centre of the box. However, the Derby winger was closed down well by younger brother TJ who made a goal saving block to put the ball behind for a corner kick. Thorne’s resulting corner was played short to Mitchell-Lawson who managed to weave his way into the box before curling an effort across the face of Austin’s goal. Spurs’ Japhet Tanganga then managed to block Louie Sibley’s effort from range as Derby continued to put pressure on Burnett’s side. Aaron Eyoma sent a teasing ball across the face of the Spurs goal before the ever solid George Marsh was able to clear Bird’s free kick a couple of moments later as the likes of Roles and Parrott remained mere spectators up top. Spurs gave another free kick away a couple of minutes later following a supposed foul from Brown on Mitchell-Lawson down the right. Derby’s Calum Macdonald whipped a dangerous delivery across goal which Derby centre froward Cameron Cresswell was only inches away from being able to nod home at the back post.

Spurs continued to play poorly and Wassall’s side continued to come at them as they pushed for an opener. Duncan did well to block George Thorne’s shot on goal after the ball had come out to the Derby man on the edge of the box following Aaron Eyoma’s corner, Spurs had still been unable to manage a single attempt on goal as they continued to be sucked into their own half. After the tigerish Troy Parrott had managed to win the ball off of Thorne, the Irishman quickly passed the ball to Roles who was in the centre circle. Roles channeled his inner David Beckham by attempting to catch Roos off his line with an audacious effort from over 50 yards out. However, the Cypriot youth internationals ambitious long range strike ended up going well wide of the Derby goal. The home side threatened us at the other end a couple of moments later after the speedy Anya was able to pick out Aaron Eyoma in the box with a pin point delivery. However, the 21 year old’s resulting effort on goal was well blocked by Spurs midfielder Dylan Duncan as Derby continued to control the game. George Marsh cleared a low cross from Anya a couple of moments later, before Mitchell-Lawson fired an effort wide of Brandon Austin’s near post after he was played in down the right side of the box by Sibley. The Tottenham goalkeeper did well to come out and claim Max Bird’s low cross moments beforehand. However, Burnett’s struggling side managed to mount their first meaningful attack of the half as the result of a sloppy pass from George Thorne whose early free kick was played straight into the feet of Roles in the centre of the park. The alert teenager traveled forwards with the ball before slipping it into Parrot who was able to enter the box before cutting inside and feeding Roles back in. However, he should have hit it first time but instead he took too many touches before seeing his eventual effort blocked behind for a corner by Bird. Japhet Tanganga made a decent block of his own at the other end a couple of minutes later after he cleared Anya’s dangerous low cross from the right wing. And the ’Rams’ came desperately close to opening the scoring right in the dying moments of the first half.

The so far uninvolved Cameron Cresswell ought to have put Derby ahead after he met Aaron Eyoma’s cross at the near post. However, the Derby centre forwards mistimed header flew narrowly over Austin’s crossbar as Burnett’s side escaped danger once more. Former Spurs and Arsenal youth player Aaron Eyoma curled a late effort well wide of the Spurs goal a couple of moments later to bring an end to a disappointing half for Spurs. Burnett made one change at half time as he brought off right wing back Tariq Hinds in place of Tashan Oakley-Boothe, as Spurs reverted to playing with four at the back. The first piece of action came after Duncan threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Roles down the right hand side of the Derby penalty area. Roles looked up before picking out Parrott in the centre of the box however, it was a difficult chance for the Dubliner to convert on the volley, and his jabbed looping effort was comfortably saved by Kelle Roos. Derby then went straight on an attack down the other end which resulted in the speedy Mitchell-Lawson having an effort from within the left side of the Spurs box, blocked behind for a corner by the arm of Eyoma. Alex Pearce then headed George Thorne’s cross wide a couple of moments later as Derby started to find their feet again, before a good piece of well timed defending from Eyoma prevented an opening for Mitchell-Lawson inside the Spurs box. The alert Tottenham goalkeeper Brandon Austin did well to deal with Thorne’s free kick a couple of minutes later after the England youth international lined his wall up well. First year scholar J’Neil Bennett replaced Jamie Bowden shortly afterwards as Duncan dropped back into the centre of midfield. However, Spurs continued to be put under pressure by Wassall’s unrelenting side. The ever effective George Marsh produced an important piece of defending on Mitchell-Lawson inside the Spurs box before substitute J’Neil Bennett blocked Thorne’s effort on goal. Spurs then went on a good break at the other end after Roles picked out Parrott on the right wing with a nice pass.

Parrott quickly shifted the ball into the feet of Oakley-Boothe who teed it off for Bennett to hit on the edge of the Derby box. The 16 year old winger caught the ball on the half volley but his low powerful effort into the turf was routinely saved by the diving Roos. TJ Eyoma ended up in the referees book a matter of minutes later after he cynically stopped Calum Macdonald from advancing down the right wing by pulling his shirt. And then in the 74th minute of time came the moment that Spurs had indeed been expecting all game as Derby finally took the lead, after coming so close to doing so on numerous occasions beforehand. It was a bolt out of the blue from Derby captain Max Bird who after playing a quick one-two with the newly introduced Kyle McAllister let fly on his right foot with a venomous strike which caught Austin by surprise. Bird’s sweet strike had given Austin little time to react with the Spurs goalkeeper off his line. Bird’s effort struck the underside of the bar before hitting the back of the net, 0-1. A couple of minutes later Austin was forced into making a good save at his near post to prevent Derby from doubling their advantage. After being slipped in down the right side of the Spurs box by Bird, McAllister’s powerful effort was denied by Austin who spread himself well before making the stop. There was no urgency from Burnett’s side who were offering little to suggest that they could mount a fight back. Derby threatened our defence once more after Bird received Cresswell’s pass before travelling towards the edge of the Spurs penalty area with the ball before dragging it across the face of Austin’s goal, just as Tanganga had managed to come across him. Dylan Duncan continued to grow into the game and the Tottenham midfielder sliced an effort wide of goal after receiving Oakley-Boothe’s pass on the edge of the Derby box, a couple of minutes later. Japhet Tanganga blocked Louie Sibley’s effort before the Spurs centre half met Maghoma’s free kick in the Derby box moments later, but the 19 year old could only head the ball straight into the arms of Roos. Derby then had a weak penalty shout in stoppage time after Tanganga had bundled Cresswell to the ground inside the Spurs box. 

The final piece of action was probably the most entertaining of the whole game which speaks a thousand words in itself. After TJ Eyoma and Sibley squared up to each other after the referee had blown the final whistle before shoving one another. All in all it was a pretty dour afternoon at Pride Park. Whilst Burnett’s sides oldest player was only 19 years of age, Derby had the massive advantage of fielding four experienced overage players. I thought we defended well on the day but I feel that we didn’t have the attacking intensity needed in order to trouble what was a strong Derby defence, but it was a good experience for Burnett’s lads to go up against such an experienced Derby side. Spurs will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host out of form Swansea City at Hotspur Way next Friday. I have a feeling that, that will be a far more entertaining game of football.

Player reviews: 

• Brandon Austin: The 19 year old retained the captains armband for our game against Derby County on Sunday and had another fine game. Austin made four saves, two of which were fantastic reflex saves, particularly the first one to deny Max Bird at his near post from close range. Austin was commanding and led his teammates by example whilst also dealing well with the many corner kicks and free kicks which came his way. Whilst he was a little bit slow with his distribution I thought that Austin couldn’t have done anymore to prevent Max Bird’s goal despite the fact that he was off his line at the time of the strike. Bird’s effort had so much venom and sting on it.
• TJ Eyoma:  I thought that our whole defence had a really good game against Derby on Sunday. However, I thought that 19 year old centre half TJ Eyoma was the pick of our defenders. He defended well, first on the right side of a back three and later as a right back despite his lack of pace. Eyoma read the game to perfection and made a number of important blocks and interceptions. Including a goal saving block to deny his older brother Aaron from scoring in the first half. 
• Japhet Tanganga: Tanganga put in another strong performance in the heart of the Tottenham defence making many important blocks and clearances. Tanganga defended solidly but most importantly of all he always kept good positioning and won the vast majority of his aerial duels. The 19 year old didn’t allow Derby centre forward Cameron Cresswell to have many goal scoring opportunities inside the six yard box. 
• George Marsh: Marsh operated at centre half, first in a back three and then in a back four. The 19 year old didn’t put a foot wrong and like Tanganga he was solid in defence and could often be seen making important defensive interventions, blocks and clearances. He worked extremely hard for the team and covered a lot of ground. 
• Tariq Hinds: Hinds put in a decent defensive performance at right wing back during the first half, before the 18 year old was replaced at halftime as Spurs switched formations.
• Paris Maghoma: Sometimes it was hard to work out where the 17 year old midfielder was playing, such was the confusing formation which we started up with. Maghoma would often pop up at both ends of the field and although he struggled alongside Bowden to influence the game during the first half due to how the side were set up, Maghoma grew into the game and made a number of good long range passes during the final stages of the game. He did well to adapt to the game and was positive with the ball at his feet.
• Jamie Bowden: The 17 year old central midfielder operated alongside Maghoma in the centre of the park. Like his slightly older teammate, Bowden was unable to influence the game in his usual way due to how stifled we had been creatively. However, I thought the young man from Tottenham still did a good job in the central areas. He stayed deep and snuffed out danger on numerous occasions whilst also impressing with his movement and overall reading of the game, and he always looked so calm in possession. 
• Jaden Brown: The usually attacking left back was neutralised by the speedy and experienced Ikechi Anya who prevented the inform Brown from making any of his usual attacking forays down that side of the pitch. Anya essentially kept Brown out of the game from an attacking point of view. However, the teenager from Lewisham did put in a good defensive shift as he continued his good form of late.
• Jack Roles: He always looked threatening whenever the attacking midfielder had the ball at his feet. And the 19 year old who operated in an attacking diamond behind lone striker Troy Parrott was one of our most creative players on the day. Making a string of fine passes, Roles helped to create space for Parrott with his first class movement and work rate, despite how isolated he was.
• Dylan Duncan: My motm, see below.
• Troy Parrott: Once again I thought that the 16 year old did the best that he could do to lead the line for Burnett’s side. He was isolated throughout the game and the Dubliner was forced into coming deep in order to get the ball and try to make things happen. He had one half chance which he was unlucky with, and he was also involved in two of our most promising attacks, and he was particularly unselfish to square the ball to Roles right on the stroke of half time inside the Derby penalty area.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Oakley-Boothe replaced Hinds at halftime, and whilst he did make some impressive passes during his time on the pitch I felt that he struggled to get involved much in the game as an attacking midfielder.
• J’Neil Bennett: The 16 year old was positive during his 35 or so minutes on the pitch. He was willing to take players on and was constantly asking for the ball to be played into him. Bennett did have a decent shot on goal shortly after he was introduced to the game which drew a save from Roos.

My man of the match: The versatile Dylan Duncan was our best player on the day, first as an attacking midfielder where he put in a fine shift for the majority of the game out on the left hand side, and also as a combative central midfielder for the latter part of the game. Duncan worked hard to influence play and he was quite a threat for Spurs going forwards and he made a number of top draw passes which opened up the Derby defence during the second half. Both Duncan’s high work rate and good movement also impressed me, and the 19 year old helped his teammates out throughout the game by showing a real willingness to win balls in the centre of the park. This was only Duncan’s second start of the season but I’m hoping that he will now get a good run in Burnett’s side.

Derby County: Roos, Anya, Macdonald, Thorne, Pearce, Buchanan, Mitchell-Lawson (McAllister 73), Bird (c), Cresswell, Sibley, Eyoma (Shonibare 82). Substitutes (not used): Karic, Barnes, Hunt.

Spurs: Austin (c), Hinds (Oakley-Boothe 46), Brown, Eyoma, Tanganga, Marsh Duncan Bowden (Bennett 57), Parrott, Maghoma, Roles. Substitutes (not used): Glover, Dinzeyi, Reynolds.

Goal: Bird 74.

Yellow cards: Derby – Thorne 89; Spurs – Eyoma 69.

Referee: Josh Smith. 

Venue: Pride Park, Derby.

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

Goals scored: Shayon Harrison – 5

Paris Maghoma – 3

Jack Roles – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Jaden Brown – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

J’Neil Bennett – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Spurs under 23’s versus Derby County: (match preview)

Wayne Burnett’s development side are in a rich vein of form going into Sunday’s PL2 encounter with Derby County at Pride Park. Our under 23’s have won their last three games in all competitions and have only conceded one goal from those three games. A particularly impressive 1-0 win over a strong Leicester City side which included two overage players last Friday, will only improve our lads confidence going into tomorrow’s match, despite the fact that we are missing a whole host of players to injury. The rams who are managed by Darren Wassall are also in fine form and they have recorded some impressive results so far this season, and are unbeaten in their last four games. Sitting in a comfortable fourth place in the division one table, Wassall’s side have won four of the eight league games that they have played so far this season. And after beating Liverpool 3-2 in their last PL2 outing they have proved that they will be no pushovers for Burnett’s side. Although we have the far better players, Derby do have some talent in their ranks and some of their more notable ones include 17 year old goalscoring midfielder Louie Sibley, skilful winger and older brother of our defender TJ, Aaron Eyoma and silky young Irish midfielder Josh Knight. It is also worth noting that in recent games Wassall has fielded overage players Curtis Davies, Alex Pearce and George Thorne. We contested two really interesting games with the rams last season, the PL2 fixture at Pride Park was a very close game which we lost 1-0. Whilst the reverse fixture at Hotspur Way saw a dominant Spurs side overcome Derby 4-2 in a game most memorable for Anthony Georgiou’s stunning goal from over 25 yards out. I couldn’t be happier with how Burnett’s young side are playing at the moment considering the fact that we have been without the likes of Harrison, Amos and Georgiou. We have been controlling games recently and have been playing some really nice attacking football. Since we got thumped 6-0 by Everton last month, Burnett’s youngsters couldn’t have responded better, and just like our inform under 18 side they have been a real joy to watch.

Some of our younger players such as Paris Maghoma who scored a glorious goal in our 2-2 draw with PSV in the UEFA youth league in midweek, is one player who has really contributed to Spurs’ recent good form. As has Cypriot youth international Jack Roles who has played a part in five of our last eight goals. I’m also hoping to see second year scholar Jamie Bowden who made his PL2 debut in last weeks 1-0 win over Leicester, start tomorrow’s game in the centre of the park after he impressed against Leicester. I will be at Pride Park reporting on tomorrow’s game and I am feeling confident that our lads high intensity attacking football will prove to be too much for Wassall’s defensive Derby side. There would appear to be no planned streams of Sunday afternoons game. My in-depth report of the game will be out on Monday evening.

 

My predicted lineup: (4-3-2-1) Whiteman, Hinds, Eyoma, Tanganga, Reynolds, Skipp, Marsh (c), Bowden, Maghoma, Roles, Sterling. 

Subs from: Glover, Brown, Duncan, Oakley-Boothe, Parrott.

Injured/unavailable: Shayon Harrison, Luke Amos, Shilow Tracey and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.

Doubtful: Anthony Georgiou, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Jonathan De Bie and Charlie Freeman.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-2. 

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Aaron Eyoma. The 21 year old former Arsenal player who is the older brother of our defender TJ, really impressed me during our 4-2 win over Derby last season. And on numerous other occasions when I have seen him play, Eyoma is a pacy winger who possesses good skill and ball control. The winger has made 5 PL2 appearances for Derby so far this season and its entirely possible that TJ could be defending that right flank against his older brother for tomorrow’s game.

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/10/26/the-continued-improvement-of-young-spurs-goalkeeper-brandon-austin/

The continued improvement of young Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin: 

In my report of our under 23’s 1-0 win over Leicester City last week I promised that I would write an in-depth piece on a player who was instrumental in that win. 19 year old goalkeeper Brandon Austin of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, is a young man who has made huge strides within the Spurs academy set up over the last couple of seasons. Austin was a mainstay in the development side during the 2017/18 campaign after making the permanent step up to that level, after spending the majority of his two year scholarship in the under 18 side. Austin’s footballing journey so far has been an interesting one and the expert shot stopper is a goalkeeper who has performed consistently for the development side and the under 19’s over the past two seasons. Austin has represented both England and the United States at youth level and he also remains eligible to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands. With his strong wrists, excellent shot stopping ability and his impressive leadership skills, Austin has greatly impressed me ever since he joined the club full time in the summer of 2015. The former Chelsea schoolboy is a charismatic and exceptionally talented young goalkeeper. And whilst it is rare for me to write such pieces on goalkeepers, I feel that the form and consistency of the teenager over the past couple of seasons has been far too good to ignore. We are lucky to have some of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country on our books at the academy. With the likes of Alfie Whiteman, Jonathan De Bie and Charlie Freeman just some of the talented young goalkeepers that we have coming through at Hotspur Way. All of these players are at different stages of their development and I for one think it is wrong for fans to compare our goalkeepers with one another at this period in their footballing development. Hence why you’ll never see me come out and say that in my opinion so and so has the highest ceiling, or that goalkeeper A is a better prospect than goalkeeper B.

Hertfordshire born Brandon Austin has spent the majority of his life at Spurs following his release from London rivals Chelsea as a schoolboy. Although Austin struggled for consistent game time during his first year of scholarship, when the goalkeeper only made 5 appearances for our under 18 side during the 2015/16 season. It was during the teenagers second year of scholarship where he started to make huge strides within the academy set up. Despite having to compete with Alfie Whiteman, Jonathan De Bie and Charlie Freeman for a spot in the under 18 side during the 2016/17 season. The talented Austin managed to make more appearances for the under 18’s than any other goalkeeper that season (16). The second year scholar also put in some eye catching performances for McDermott’s under 18 side. Most notable of which came in the first leg of our FA youth cup semifinal against Chelsea in the April of that season. Austin’s heroics at the lane on that spring evening against the blues, drew praise from far and wide. Austin made many outstanding saves against Chelsea in that semifinal to keep the scores at a respectable 2-1 going into the second leg. In that same season Brandon went onto feature twice for the development side in the PL2, and once for the under 19 side in the UEFA youth league. However, it was during last season (2017/18) where Austin’s quality and consistency really stood out at development side level. Having long been a fan of the tall and commanding goalkeeper it was wonderful to watch Austin make the permanent step up to the development side for the 2017/18 season. Impressive in so many ways Austin’s maturity, leadership and ability to perform at a consistent level for both the under 23’s in the PL2 and the under 19’s in the UEFA youth league, was so impressive for that of a young developing goalkeeper.

After traveling with the first team to the United States for the 2017 pre-season tour of the country which he has represented at youth level, owing to his father Neville who was a talented basketball player. Brandon came back to England with a spring in his step and the teenager quickly converted the previous seasons form for the under 18 side into the development side for the 17/18 season. Competing with another talented young goalkeeper in Alfie Whiteman for a starting berth in Wayne Burnett’s development side. Austin went onto make 12 appearances for Burnett’s side that season, he also went onto play an important role in our under 19’s successful UEFA youth league campaign. Austin played seven of our under 19’s eight European games and he played a big part in us reaching the quarterfinals of that competition, following his penalty shootout heroics against Monaco in the round of 16. Further to that, Brandon also made two appearances for our under 18’s as an overage goalkeeper for Scott Parker’s side whilst also training regularly with the first team squad throughout the season. As well as representing the United States under 18 side that season, Austin was also called up to the England under 19’s squad as a standby goalkeeper for that summers European championships. What impressed me so much last season was not only Austin’s shot stopping ability and consistency to perform at under 21/23 level, but also his confidence in high pressure situations. He put in many excellent performances at that level. Of the many games that come to mind are his excellent performances against both AFC Wimbledon in the Checkatrade trophy and his match winning performance against Monaco in the last 16 of the UEFA youth league. In both of those particular games his quality really shone through, he read both games exceptionally well but he also showed a maturity to deal with difficult situations which was well beyond his years.

Carrying on from last seasons successes on a personal level Austin has begun the 2018/19 season in similarly impressive form. He has so far made four appearances for Burnett’s development side this season including a heroic performance against Manchester City in the PL2 where he made at least eight saves in a 2-0 win for Spurs. In addition to his regular involvement with the development side, Austin is also the first choice goalkeeper for the under 19’s in the UEFA youth league where he has already started all three of our games so far this campaign. Austin was included in the first team squad which travelled to the United States for the second successive season in the summer, and after signing a new contract last season Austin has also been given the squad number 49 for this seasons premier league campaign. Austin who turns 20 in January is one of my favourite young goalkeepers for a number of reason after having watched him for so long. However, I’d go one step further than that by saying that he is one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers. He is an excellent shot stopper who has strong wrists and razor sharp reflexes, he is also extremely quick on his feet. And this helps Austin to get into the necessary positions which are needed in order to make those all important saves. Yes, he may have the odd mistake in his game just like every other goalkeeper on the planet, but he is an extremely attentive young man. For example his performance against Arsenal in the PL2 earlier on in the season showcased many of his most impressive attributes. The 19 year old was my man of the match in our under 23’s poor 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates back in September. Despite it being his first appearance for the development side since the previous April, Austin looked as sharp as ever following his return from a recent injury. He pulled off a string of superb saves as well as an excellent diving one to deny Arsenal’s Charlie Gilmour from the penalty spot towards the end of the game, which one of his goalkeeping idols Petr Cech would have been proud of.

However, Austin also showed exemplary leadership skills and an alertness to deal with set pieces so effectively during that game. The teenager is as good as any English shot stopper his age but what has always amazed me about Austin is how athletic he is. He has that rare ability to collapse his body so quickly in order to make that all important save to deny almost certain goals for the opposition, perhaps his years of playing Basketball at secondary school have something to do with his outstanding reflexes. Furthermore, he is much, much more than an expert shot stopper. He is very quick on his feet and is always good at closing players down in one on one situations. His distribution is mostly impressive and most importantly of all he has an unflappable confidence about his game. Austin is strong, assertive and confident, and over the last couple of years he has really improved with how he deals with set pieces and crosses. Something which so many young English goalkeepers lack is that almost Grobbelaar-esque confidence and assertiveness to their game. However, Austin is one of the most confident young goalkeepers that I have ever come across during my time reporting on our youth team. He is always first to every corner kick and cross which comes his way, and he is never afraid to take risks in such high pressure situations. His confidence also links into his leadership which is so good for that of a goalkeeper his age. The way in which he lines up his defence for free kicks and set pieces, and the way in which he talks them through games with such authority is yet another of his most impressive attributes. A perfect example of this occurred right at the death of our under 23’s 1-0 win over Leicester City last Friday. Austin who was the skipper for that game made some excellent saves to keep out the foxes potent attack, whilst also managing to do a sterling job with the many set pieces that came his way. In the 96th minute of that game a late Leicester corner kick resulted in the foxes goalkeeper Viktor Johanson travelling all the way up the pitch to bolster his sides chances of netting a late equaliser.

After Austin had come out to claim the ball, Johanson prevented Austin from taking an early goal kick by taking hold of the Spurs mans leg. This was a mistake from the young Swede and Austin was furious with him, and he rightly gave him a good old lecture about sportsmanship. This is the passion and the confidence which I have been talking about and I find it so refreshing to see from young goalkeepers, many of whom don’t have that about their game. I am not overhyping Austin when I say that he will be a premier league goalkeeper at some point in the future. I say that because for me he has all the vital attributes that are needed in order to perform at the highest level in the game, on a regular basis. Austin is still only 19 years of age and in terms of his footballing career these are still very early days. However, Brandon has made enormous strides over the past couple of years to work his way up the various youth ranks at Spurs in order to catch the attention of both the English and American football associations, Austin was most recently called up to the England under 20 side over the recent international break. I think it’s important for the teenager from Hemel Hempstead to continue to perform consistently at development side level to get regular game time this season in order to aid his own development as a player. If ever there was a goalkeeping injury crisis at Spurs I personally would have absolutely no worries about putting the charismatic and talented goalkeeper right into the thick of first team action. Up next for Brandon is our under 23’s PL2 game against Derby County on Sunday, a game in which the inform youngster will be hoping to start in. Brandon should be immensely proud of how excellently he is doing and how much of a positive effect he is having on our under 23 side!

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

Tottenham Hotspur starlet Samuel Shashoua (19) put in another match winning performance for his loan club Atlético Baleares at the weekend. As the Spanish segunda division B side overcame Ontinyent 2-1 at the Son Malferit on Sunday afternoon, as Samuel completed the full 90 minutes of the game. The Mallorca based club stretched their unbeaten run to four games as the young Shashoua scored what turned out to be the winner in Sunday’s league game against Ontinyent. Once again, Atlético dominated the game and were the far better side however, Ontinyent were compact and defensive and this resulted in Samuel having less space through the channels. However, the teenager from West London provided the spark that the Balearic side needed to see off Ontinyent, and despite the fact that this was only Samuel’s sixth appearance for Atlético. He has not only become an integral part of their side during his short time on the island but he has also gone onto become a fan favourite amongst their supporters. Once again I was able to watch Atlético’s 2-1 win over Ontinyent on Sunday thanks to the excellent live stream provided by Balearic television channel ib3. In the following analytical piece I will be going through Shashoua’s match winning performance against the club from Valencia. Shashoua started Sunday’s game out on the right wing and after a quite opening five or so minutes to the game, Shashoua’s first involvement came from a corner kick which he whipped in towards Atlético defender Rovirola in the box, but the centre half ended up getting clattered by an Ontinyent player with the referee giving the foul the opposite way. Atlético were dominating possession and although Samuel wasn’t seeing much of the ball in the opening stages, the Balearicos were doing well and after just eight minutes of time played they took the lead.

Atlético’s opener came from the skipper Francesc Fullana’s free kick which he delivered into the danger zone. Fullana’s delivery was met by Valorri who powered a header past Craviotto to put the Balearicos ahead. Samuel was involved in a promising counter attack shortly afterwards as Atlético continued to dominate the game. Shashoua started the attack before working the ball out to Kike López on the right, who then found the darting Shashoua in the box. However, the youngster was unable to get the right backs pass under control. Shashoua was involved in another move a couple of minutes later which resulted in him beating Albiol down the left wing but only after the Ontinyent fullback had pulled him to the ground. However, the referee waived play on as the nimble footed winger got back on his feet before continuing into the penalty area and then forcing Craviotto into making a save to deny his powerful strike. The more involved Shashoua almost managed to pull off a clever one – two with Adri Hernández on the edge of the Ontinyent penalty a couple of moments later as Atlético continued to put pressure on the oppositions defence. After Ontinyent came close to netting an equaliser but for an excellent reflex save from Carl, Shashoua was switched onto the left flank so as to enhance his attacking influence on the game. Atlético should have been awarded a penalty a couple of minutes later after a foul on Nuha from behind by Enrique, after he had gone around the goalkeeper, as Atlético continued to push for a second. Samuel went on a good jinking run from deep as he brought the ball forward down the left flank, before cutting inside onto his right as he continued to sprint forwards. However, he was cynically fouled from behind by Carbonell who ended up getting a yellow card from the referee. 

Samuel managed to orchestrate another good attack after he picked out Hernández with a long and accurate pass shortly afterwards. Hernández then passed the ball to Fullana who threaded a nice pass into Shashoua down the left side of the box. Shashoua took an early shot as Craviotto came out to close him down. The ball managed to squeeze past the goalkeeper but Samuel couldn’t follow it up and his teammate Nuha could be seen asking him why he hadn’t squared the ball for the centre forward, who was in an excellent position in the centre of the box. Atlético could easily have been 3-0 up as the referee blew the whistle for a halftime a couple of minutes later. Shashoua remained on the left wing for the beginning of the second half and the teenager was involved in an early attacking move for Atlético after he received Canario’s pass inside the box. However, Shashoua couldn’t sort his feet out in time before he was intercepted by an Ontinyent defender. He was then found by Fullana down the left side of the penalty area a couple of moments later, Shashoua attempted to find the far corner of the goal from an acute angle, but an Ontinyent defender managed to block his effort with his back, as the away side survived once again. Then in the 64th minute of time came the decisive moment in the game for both Samuel and Atlético, after the Spurs loanee scored a wonderfully taken goal after he had linked up well with Nuha after the centre forward had picked the ball up near the edge of the penalty area. Nuha then poked the ball into the feet of Samuel on the edge of the six yard box. The nimble footed Shashoua took a good first touch before cleverly jinking away from Julen and clinically tucking the ball past Craviotto and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, to double Atlético’s advantage. All three of the goals in which Shashoua has been involved in for Atlético have been due to link up play with Nuha.

After celebrating wildly with the rest of his teammates the game was eventually restarted and after Nuha had conceded a penalty, Ontinyent’s David Torres pulled a goal back from the spot less than three minutes later. Shashoua managed to pick out López from a corner kick a couple of minutes later, but the fullback couldn’t get the ball under control. Samuel then whipped a cross into the danger zone which was cleared, as he continued to grow into the game. And moments later he whipped a teasing ball right across the face of the Ontinyent goal before being clattered by Ontinyent’s Albiol after attempting to win a header. Atlético continued to control the game and Shashoua’s last involvement came in stoppage time after had an effort on goal blocked by a defender on the edge of the penalty area. Although Shashoua didn’t have as much freedom down the channels as he had enjoyed in the last game against Olot due to the fact that Ontinyent were a better structured side. I thought that his positivity, graft and energy down both flanks provided the spark that the home side needed in order to overcome the opposition. Shashoua’s quick feet and willingness to take the Ontinyent fullbacks on, proved to be so crucial to the Balearicos picking up all three points as they continue their good run of form. The quick feet and balance in which he showed for his goal was excellent and the confidence he had to try that against big and experienced defenders was so refreshing to see. The teenager continues to reap the benefits of going out on loan, and with his name and picture plastered all across the local newspapers it’s safe to say that Samuel has already endeared himself to the Atlético faithful. Up next for Samuel and the Balearicos is an away game against Villarreal B, a side which Shashoua played against for Spurs’ development side last season. It is unlikely that I will be able to watch that game as I will be travelling to Derby that morning to report on our under 23’s game against the rams.

Samuel Shashoua for Atlético Baleares:

Appearances: 6

Goals: 2

Assists: 1

Spurs under 19’s versus PSV: (match preview)

Matt Wells under 19 side continue their own European odyssey on Wednesday afternoon, when they face PSV Eindhoven at De Herdgang stadium, in their third UEFA youth league game of the campaign. This is a crucial group game for Wells side who after having picked up draws against Inter Milan and Barcelona in their opening games, really ought to be aiming for a win against the Dutch club if they want to bolster their chances of progressing from group B. However, the Dutch side who are managed by a certain Ruud Van Nistelrooy are in my opinion the best team in the group after Spurs. Like many of the Netherlands top clubs, PSV have long been famed for their production of youth players over recent decades. And Van Nistelrooy has a talented pool of players at his disposal for this European campaign. PSV are a very technical side who play their own particular brand of attacking football, and they have are fortunate an array of talent in their side. Of which includes talented Belgian duo Sidibe and Vertessen as well as highly rated Czech defensive midfielder/defender Michal Sadilek. After putting in impressive performances against both Inter Milan and Barcelona, Wells youngsters will be feeling confident that they can overturn the Boeren tomorrow afternoon in Eindhoven. However, from what I’ve heard this is a very talented PSV side, so this could be an even greater test than the one in which we faced against Barcelona last month. I would expect a number of the players who played in our under 18’s 6-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend to start this game, such as Dilan Markanday and Luis Binks. Whilst 16 year old Troy Parrott is likely to lead the line following his return from suspension. I’m anticipating a really exciting game of football in which both sides will be so desperate to win and on our current form it would be silly to rule us out of causing an upset. Unfortunately I cannot make tomorrow’s game and I have since found out that it is not even being televised in England. so I shall be checking the score on Flashscores throughout the afternoon! I wish all of our lads the very best of luck and I hope that they enjoy their time in Eindhoven.

My predicted lineup: (4-3-3) Austin (c), Hinds, Eyoma, Binks, Brown, Bowden, Skipp, Maghoma, Roles, Parrott, Markanday.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Walcott, A.Shashoua, White, Oakley-Boothe, Bennett, Richards.

Doubtful: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster (ankle) and Jonathan Dinzeyi (leg).

Injured/unavailable: Enock Asante (leg).

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-1 (2011).

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: PSV’s Belgian centre forward Yorbe Vertessen has one goal from his opening two UEFA youth league games this campaign. The technically talented Belgian international impressed me during last summers under 17 European championships in England.