Spurs Youth Thread 23/24

[coy-spurs1882]

In terms of Veliz and Donley, they're very different profiles. There's no reason that they should block each other's path. Veliz is a target man. Donley is developing more and more into a free-floating 10. Veliz is probably third in line for the centre forward spot behind Son and Richie. Donley doesn't fit the profile Ange is looking for in a 9. He is, however, a perfect fit for the left sided 8->10 currently occupied by Maddison. Who, interestingly, we have no real adequate cover for.

Going forward we're going to have Donley providing cover for Maddison in the left 8/10 slot and Sarr battling it out with Bentancur for the right sided 8/10. That's pretty exciting.

Donley -> first team
Moore -> U21

 

[GetSpurredOn]

even his movement and body shape the way he protects the ball. I think we need to give him some minutes asap while his confidence is through the roof what better time. He looks built for mens football in a way some of the other talented youngsters don't until they hit 22-23 and have been around the lower leagues getting introduced to the physicality.

I think that’s a key point. Some of these young players must currently be playing with such confidence the way the U21’s are going. Now should be the time to try and integrate a few minutes of the bench whilst the first team are also playing with confidence.

 

[Cochise]

That second Donley goal was incredibly good.

 

[Romulus]

 

[dovahkiin]

 

[Aay_Jay_Dee]

Goal diff of 18 after 6 games is pretty insane

 

[zicomerc]

 

[Hotspur88]

In terms of Veliz and Donley, they're very different profiles. There's no reason that they should block each other's path. Veliz is a target man. Donley is developing more and more into a free-floating 10. Veliz is probably third in line for the centre forward spot behind Son and Richie. Donley doesn't fit the profile Ange is looking for in a 9. He is, however, a perfect fit for the left sided 8->10 currently occupied by Maddison. Who, interestingly, we have no real adequate cover for.

Going forward we're going to have Donley providing cover for Maddison in the left 8/10 slot and Sarr battling it out with Bentancur for the right sided 8/10. That's pretty exciting.

Do you feel Donley can make the step up? Certainly seems an exciting talent but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Santiago again heavily involved. It really seems like he has kicked on and he arguably fits the profile of an Ange winger better than any of our first team wingers.

Really intrigued to see whether we give him a chance.

 

[Mediocrates]

That second Donley goal is Kane-esque. I’m on board.

 

[Trix]

Santiago again heavily involved. It really seems like he has kicked on and he arguably fits the profile of an Ange winger better than any of our first team wingers.

Really intrigued to see whether we give him a chance.

I know there is a lot of calls for these boys to be pulled up to the senior squad but there's a lot to be said for allowing them this season to win something together and then come up next Summer. As was said in that video I posted last week, it's about development but the emphasis now is about winning as that breeds the best mentality. That doesn't mean they can't do some sessions with the seniors or see some bench time when needed, and in lesser fixtures but I'd be cautious with promoting them and then them not seeing enough game time. It's the same for Mikey Moore replacing Donley if he steps up. There is a big difference between being 16 and playing against 17-18 year olds and playing against a team full of 20-21 year olds. I'm not saying he couldn't do it, he probably could but it's not as easy as he's good enough so old enough from a physical POV.

 

[spurmin]

Santiago again heavily involved. It really seems like he has kicked on and he arguably fits the profile of an Ange winger better than any of our first team wingers.

Really intrigued to see whether we give him a chance.

From what I’ve seen of him on Spursplay he looks a bit lightweight for want of a better word. Don’t think he’s better than Solomon at the moment. Time will tell. Probably best to stay at that level at the moment.

 

[Montalbano]

I know there is a lot of calls for these boys to be pulled up to the senior squad but there's a lot to be said for allowing them this season to win something together and then come up next Summer. As was said in that video I posted last week, it's about development but the emphasis now is about winning as that breeds the best mentality. That doesn't mean they can't do some sessions with the seniors or see some bench time when needed, and in lesser fixtures but I'd be cautious with promoting them and then them not seeing enough game time. It's the same for Mikey Moore replacing Donley if he steps up. There is a big difference between being 16 and playing against 17-18 year olds and playing against a team full of 20-21 year olds. I'm not saying he couldn't do it, he probably could but it's not as easy as he's good enough so old enough from a physical POV.

Love the idea of the U21 lads playing a season of Ange’s football at academy level; sweeping up the trophies and honors and competing for a first team spot on the Preseason tour next summer.

January loans have historically been fairly unsuccessful for our lads too.

 

[EQP]

From what I’ve seen of him on Spursplay he looks a bit lightweight for want of a better word. Don’t think he’s better than Solomon at the moment. Time will tell. Probably best to stay at that level at the moment.

Apparently, Manor injured his meniscus and is set to be out for 2-3 months,so strong chance we might see Santiago and Donley make the bench for Saturday.

 

[Joshua]

Looks like we might need to dip into this group with Solomon, Perisic and Johnson all injured and Sonny playing patched up. Santiago the most likely?

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Looks like we may well have to promote Santiago now with Solomon out for 2-3 months.

 

[spurmin]

How close is Gil to a return? Anyone know?

 

[EQP]

How close is Gil to a return? Anyone know?

He's been involved in 1st team training, so not too long.

 

[Saoirse]

He's magic, you knowwwwww, Yago Santiago!

 

[mark87]