Tottenham Hotspur have one of the most prestigious youth setups in England, and their academy currently boasts some exciting players in their ranks. Over the next few pages, there are five players to watch in the Spurs academy. Here I must point out that players such as Josh Onomah and Harry Winks (amongst others) are not included in this list due to the fact that they are closer to the first team than some of the other youngsters on this list, and are almost “names” within their own right.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers has recently been named on the Spurs bench ahead of Austrian international Kevin Wimmer, and the Essex-born USA youth international has been tipped for big things by Mauricio Pochettino. The strong 6 foot centre-half has been fast tracked through the USMNT system, and he could well become an integral part of the defence for Spurs and the USA. Son of a former NBA player (and 1st round pick in 1983) Carter-Vickers has athleticism in his genes, and is certainly one to watch for the future.
Anton Walkes
Anton Walkes is a 19-year-old 6ft 2 midfielder from Lewisham, and made his debut last month in the 5-0 EFL Cup success over Gillingham. Walkes’ versatility has drawn comparisons with Spurs team-mate and England international Eric Dier, as Walkes is equally adept as a central midfielder or dropping deeper as a CDM or central defender.
He has even played at left-back for Spurs in their FA Youth Cup run in 2014. This flexibility, and the fact he hasn’t so far looked out of place in any position he’s played, means Anton Walkes could well be one to remember.
Marcus Edwards
West Ham youngster Reece Oxford has described Marcus Edwards as “one of the best” players he’s played alongside. Considering the very talented teammates at the London Stadium and in England youth set up that Oxford has had the pleasure of playing with, that is no small feat for Edwards.
The 17-year-old Spurs midfielder has an array of England schoolboy caps to his name as well (including 23 at U17 level) and like Anton Walkes, made his Spurs debut in the EFL Cup versus Gillingham. Pochettino has even likened the midfielder to Lionel Messi but any further comparison there would be ridiculous. What we will say though is Marcus Edwards is clearly very talented, and is a player to keep an eye out for in the coming years.
Shayon Harrison
Shayon Harrison is a 19-year-old left footed striker, tipped for big things. In numerous press conferences Pochettino has brought up Harrison’s name with regards to young attacking players being brought through the system with one eye on the first team. With an eye for goal and trickery to boot, Harrison has big potential so watch this space.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Edmonton born full-back Kyle Walker-Peters is a local lad with prodigal talent. Like current Spurs first teamer, Kyle Walker-Peters is an exciting full-back and could well emulate his (near) namesake. He joined Dutch side Roda JC in January on trial with a view to a loan spell. This didn’t come to fruition, but nevertheless big things are expected from the winner of the Premier League player of the month for December 2015.
Walker-Peters was in the England U19 squad for this summer’s European Championships and will hope to continue to add to his England tally of caps as well as progressing through the ranks at White Hart Lane.
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