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There was an awful lot that has been very frustrating about Spurs’ performances over the last couple of games. In particular there has been a huge lack of pace and creativity, and consequently it’s taking far too long to get the ball from back to front.
One thing that gives some hope though is the emergence of young Spurs coming through the ranks.
Harry Kane has shown himself to have a presence up front for a little while now, but at the start of this season he is starting to add some pretty neat finishing to his armoury, as demonstrated perfectly last night. The first touch to take him towards goal, followed by a clinical finish in the side netting, were top quality.
Kane still has much to learn, but he could actually be the perfect foil to Roberto Soldado. The Spaniard is clearly a poacher, and happier playing with a partner. While Adebayor has linked well with Soldado in the past, Kane is far more selfless, successfully getting the grunt work done which is vital to bringing in a poaching partner. Now he’s adding goals to that, he’s a serious contender for a spot up front.
While Kane’s finishing was neat, Ryan Mason’s 25 yard drive was an absolute rocket. Hit hard, at pace, and swerving all over the place it was utterly unstoppable. We’ve had kids hit wonder strikes before, think Dean Marney, Jonny Jackson, et al. However, Mason has raw talent like them, but has also played a lot of football on loan, allowing him to gain a lot of experience. At 23 it’s make a break time for him, but Pochettino clearly sees something in him, and that’s not surprising given that finish.
It’s also easy to forget quite how young Eric Lamela is. Despite the number of games he’s played for Roma and Argentia, he is just 21 years old. He contributed more in his first two minutes on the pitch against Belgrade than Andros Townsend had in the previous 60, was pretty much the only Spurs played who looked like making anything happen against Albion. His disguised pass into Kane against Forest was as good as anything.
The goal against Albion was his fault , and Lamela is still an unlucky player - we would have given anything for his stoppage time shot against Forest to nestle in the corner, but he is starting to show his fantastic ability. Most importantly Lamela often moves the ball far quicker than many of his teammates, and it’s pace through midfield that has really been letting us down.
I’m frustrated with some other youngsters, such as the lack of creativity from Bentaleb, and the lack of intelligence from Andros Townsend, but it’s nice to see some top young talent beginning to emerge at the Lane, and make a real difference for Tottenham.
It’s been a trying week, and that’s only likely to continue at the Emirates, but there are some emerging stars starting to shine through. If only some of the more senior players could show the same attitude and ability.
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Young guns, old guard ...come on you Spurs!
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