Tottenham Hotspur have several young talents out on loan this season, and here’s why they should bring one of them back for the 2024/25 campaign.
Ashley Phillips is making waves at Stoke City, and Tottenham should seriously consider bringing him back into the fold for next season. The 20-year-old defender, currently on loan at the Championship club, has shown real promise in recent weeks, and his performances are only getting better.
Phillips started the week on a high note, scoring his first professional goal in Stoke's 3-2 defeat to Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Although the Potters were denied a win by an injury-time strike from Southampton, Phillips’ clever goal stood out as one of the highlights of the match.
It was an impressive way to mark his first goal in senior football, and he’ll no doubt be hoping for more as the season progresses.
But it wasn’t just the goal that caught attention. In Stoke’s subsequent 2-1 win over Derby County, Phillips played a full 90 minutes once again, helping his side earn three crucial points.
Stoke’s victory put them level on points with Derby, and Phillips earned positive reviews from local media. Stoke-on-Trent Live praised his solid defensive performance, noting that he was “pretty untroubled at centre-half” and showed great character during key moments, like staying up for a corner and battling for the ball.
Tottenham should integrate this loanee into the first team next season
What’s most encouraging about Phillips’ recent performances is his resilience after a frustrating start to the season.
A concussion setback kept him sidelined for a few weeks, but he’s since bounced back, playing three consecutive 90-minute matches.
Now fully settled at Stoke City, Phillips is feeling more comfortable and confident, especially with the team’s positive atmosphere under the guidance of the gaffer and coaching staff.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Phillips expressed how happy he is at the club and how much he’s learned since joining.
He’s already set personal goals, including scoring and keeping clean sheets, with two shutouts to his name so far. His growing confidence, combined with his steady performances, make him an exciting prospect for next season.
If Phillips continues to develop at this rate, Tottenham should look to integrate him into the first team for the 2024-2025 campaign.
Under Ange Postecoglou, the young defender could become a key part of Spurs’ defensive setup.