Does Josh Onomah have a future with Tottenham?
On loan this season with Aston Villa in the Championship, Josh Onomah has quickly become a fan favourite at Villa Park, but does he have a future with Spurs?
Josh Onomah made his league début for Spurs during the 2015-2016 season. Onomah eventually made eight appearances, totalling only 78 minutes. Since then, and away from Tottenham, the midfielder has played in 32 matches in all competitions.
Crowded out of a stacked Tottenham midfield, Onomah was sent down a level to gain valuable playing time and experience. He’s had a solid start to the season, appearing in 17 league games for Villa, poking home three goals.
Operating as an attacking midfielder in a 4-4-1-1 formation for most of the season, the young playmaker has the license to get forward and support the striker, as well as linking with midfielders holding a deeper role.
However, even while gaining the attention of the Villa faithful, Onomah still has his sights set on a return to Tottenham, and a spot in the first XI, according to an interview he did with the Birmingham Mail. And while Spurs’ attacking midfield is just too competitive at the moment, it is possible he could be pushed into a deeper role, a place where he excelled internationally during the summer.
Playing in a very similar role to how Spurs employ Moussa Dembele, the young England international enjoyed a fantastic U20 World Cup in Korea. Sitting deep as part of a midfield two, Onomah was a key engine in the epic England triumph.
On his day, Dembele is nearly unplayable, due to his size, strength and pure technical ability. Onomah, with the right development, could be the perfect replacement, and he is already waiting in the wings.
In the above video, the midfielder’s full range of ability is on display. He’s able to pick an incisive passing, while always looking to play his teammates in. Christian Eriksen is the only player on the current Spurs starting 11 looking to consistently find the final, penetrating ball.
Onomah also possesses above average dribbling ability. Always looking to take a player on, in a similar vein as the aforementioned Dembele, he uses his strength and size to beat a player.
And while not a clear goal scorer, he does have an eye for the net. On England duty, Onomah scored a long-range shot against Scotland that showed wonderful control and technique.
It’s clear that Josh Onomah is a talented young player and deserves a second shot at Tottenham. The road to a spot in the team will by no means be easy, with the likes of Dembele, Victor Wanyama, and recent academy graduate Harry Winks all ahead in the pecking order.
Next: Spurs wasteful in Leicester defeat
However, with Dembele’s fragility and the Tottenham’s gruelling schedule, there is no reason Onomah cannot eventually force his way into the team. Tottenham need to keep hold of their young starlet with that in mind.
A midfield pairing with Winks could be the future of Tottenham’s midfield, and as a team that takes pride in their academy, Spurs supporters should hope for Onomah to break into the team.
Now it’s up to him to make good on his boundless promise.