Tottenham Loans: Skipp, Parrott Look to Rebound from Losses

If teams like Tottenham and Liverpool think the fixture congestion is bad, they should be glad they are not in the Championship with regular midweek games.

Oliver Skipp and Troy Parrott both played Wednesday, just not for Tottenham Hotspur, as the two players continued their loans in the Championship. While both their teams lost, individually Skipp was okay and Parrot had his best game yet as a professional. Even better for both players and their clubs, they get to play again tomorrow and try to get back on track with wins.

Skipp and Norwich Go Down

Oliver Skipp continues to enjoy a wonderful loan experience having solidified his place at the base of the Norwich midfield. Skipp got another 90 minutes in a somewhat surprising 3-1 loss to Luton. The young English midfielder had another nice all-around game overall. While not as accurate overall in his passing as he has been in other games at under 85%, Skipp was 7 for 7 on long balls according to whoscored.com.

That ability to make accurate passes from deeper in the midfield is important for creating transition opportunities, like a nice outlet pass in basketball. With a clearance, three tackles, and two key passes Skipp did what he could as Norwich dominated possession, but not the score line. The loss snapped the Canaries six game unbeaten streak. Oliver Skipp, whose thoughts on the game we share below, will hopefully get another 90 minutes Saturday afternoon as Norwich host Sheffield Wednesday.

Parrott Playing Again

Having recovered from his early season ankle injury, Troy Parrott has now played in four straight matches for Millwall, with three straight starts. His first start was only 10 days ago on 10/25 and including that match Troy has played three times since then. On Wednesday evening Parrott had his longest outing of the season going for 73 minutes before being subbed off. The young Republic of Ireland international managed three shots in his second straight start from the left wing.

Millwall’s website said that “Troy Parrott looked lively” and saw one of his three efforts “from the edge of the penalty area drift wide”. Parrott had some good moments with four successful dribbles and three shots. However, he also lost the ball 8 times on the evening, according to whoscored.com, and none of his three efforts were on target. Unfortunately, for the Lions and Parrott Blackburn scored in injury time and Millwall lost 2-1. However, like Skipp and Norwich, Parrott and Millwall will be back in action on Saturday versus Derby.

Tottenham Takeaway

The consistency of minutes for Oliver Skipp and the growing playing time for Troy Parrott are both positive developments for Tottenham. Parrott is likely still another season away from the senior team at N17. However, we need to remember he is still just a teenager looking for his first senior goal, despite his national team appearances, Tottenham need and can have patience with Troy.

Skipp is a different story than Troy at this point. Hopefully, Oliver is developing into a possible contributor in the defensive midfield rotation for next season as we know the position needs more depth. Likewise, we hope the next time we are updating on the youngsters we are discussing a Parrott goal and a Skipp Man of the Match performance; they just will not yet be against Arsenal with Tottenham.