Looking to the future: How Tottenham could line up in 5 years time
Tottenham have the joint second youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 26.4 years. Without any comings or goings, let’s take a look at how the team could line up in five years time. And to make it interesting, let’s cap the age at 25.
Goalkeeper
Alfie Whiteman – 19
A couple of injuries meant Whiteman found himself on the bench against Crystal Palace earlier this season. The 19-year-old is a seasoned youth international and another local lad who has come up through the ranks.
Defence
Kyle Walker-Peters – 20
In limited opportunities, Walker-Peters has largely enthused in his breakthrough season. Right back remains a contentious issue for Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino will have to seriously consider the youngster’s starting credentials should he continue to impress.
Davinson Sanchez – 21
All in all, Sanchez has had a highly successful first season in Lilywhite. He may still be a rough diamond but has all the potential to become a shimmering jewel.
Juan Foyth – 20
The young Argentinean oozes any qualities that Sanchez may lack, and vice-versa. The pair lined up together in a comfortable 3-0 victory against Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League and could well prove a potent blend at the back for many years to come.
Ben Davies – 24
Davies has come on leaps and bounds this season. The Welshman has added some facets to his offensive game, as well as shoring up some defensive vulnerabilities. Still only 24 years of age, Ben should continue to prosper under the tutelage of Poch.
Midfield
Harry Winks – 22
Were it not for a persisting ankle injury; Winks could well be commanding the midfield for England this summer. He has proven his quality on the grandest of stages but now faces a battle off the field to overcome his injury woes.
Eric Dier – 24
Somewhat surprisingly, Eric is still only 24. It will be interesting to see if Eric continues as a pivot, or blossoms into one of England’s top centre-halves, such as Poch prophesized.
Dele Alli – 22
The two time young player of the year has been a revelation ever since his £5 million switch from Milton Keynes. There may not be another youngster alive who can score, create, and wind up a whole nation quite like Dele!
Heung-min Son – 25
With steady improvements every season the future looks bright for the inexhaustible winger. However, a medal in the Asian Games may be needed to keep Sonny from lining up for the Korean army instead.
Forwards
Kazaiah Sterling – 19
Some scintillating form has elevated Sterling through the youth ranks and left him knocking on the door of the first team. If Poch doesn’t have bonafide goal getter on his summer shopping list, then surely it is worth giving Sterling his chance.
Harry Kane – 24
Tottenham fans dream of Harry as the side’s vanguard for many years to come. A special bond exists between Kane and the fans, but it is only realistic to see him playing his latter years at Spurs if they start to win silverware.
Substitutes
Tom Glover – 20
Glover is another young keeper in the Spurs ranks who is currently on loan in his native Australia.
Serge Aurier – 25
Surely five years will be enough time for Poch to iron out some of the Ivoirian’s flaws.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 20
Carter-Vickers has received rave reviews since joining Ipswich on loan in January.
Josh Onomah – 20
The young lion hasn’t had the greatest of loan spells at Aston Villa; but, still only 20-years-old, Josh has every chance of making it in Lilywhite.
Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 18
The versatile midfielder featured in all of Tottenham’s pre-season fixtures and is one of their most highly touted prospects.
Marcus Edwards – 19
Edwards probably has the highest ceiling out of any of the Spurs youngsters, but an abortive sojourn at Norwich has shown he is not quite ready to make the step up yet.
Reo Griffiths – 17
The kid just scored four and assisted three as the Under 18s smashed Arsenal 9-0 – Quick Poch, call him up!
Next: Who’s to blame for Tottenham’s FA Cup semifinal defeat?
Manager
The Jenga piece in it all may be Pochettino. Poch has an unprecedented record of tutoring young talent wherever he goes. Some recent emotionally driven comments aside, Poch has never been coy about his desire to remain at the club long-term.