e-Spurs Loan Watch - October and November

Article by Chris Duncan

During October and November, all of our loanees saw some degree of first team action. Both Federico Fazio and Nabil Bentaleb have been playing regularly, though the only likely benefit of this to us is their loan deals becoming permanent. Luke McGhee's loan at Peterborough United appears to be going very well and he is seeing plenty of playing time, though the same cannot be said for Nathan Oduwa and Will Miller.

Federico Fazio - AS Roma (Italy)

Having endured a slow start to life in the Italian capital, Federico Fazio has seen plenty of game time during the last two months, playing ninety minutes on ten occasions for I Giallorossi. Of his ten outings, seven ended in victory, including away at title rivals Napoli.

Having started so many games in the last two months, it is my belief that Fazio has become an important part of Luciano Spalletti's first team, making a permanent transfer an even bigger possibility.

Nabil Bentaleb - FC Schalke 04 (Germany)

Having failed to taste victory in the Bundesliga during August and September, Bentaleb recorded his first victory in the German top flight at the start of October, assisting one of the four goals scored in victory at home to Borussia Monchengladbach. Bentaleb scored his first goal for Schalke in his next match against FC Augsburg. Two more goals followed in a man-of-the-match performance against FC Mainz 05, and his month finished with a goalless draw away to Borussia Dortmund in the first Revierderby of the season. Both Bentaleb's and Schalke's impressive form continued in November, with the Algerian scoring in his first two matches of the month, and Schalke winning all five of the games he played in.

Given the amount of games Bentaleb has played over the last two months - nine in total, it is clear Schalke see him as an important part of their first team. Add to that the comments which have reportedly come from the Algeria international - that he's loving life in Germany and has no regrets about leaving Spurs - I can only see this loan deal becoming permanent, which I have no problem with as I have always thought Bentaleb was overrated.

Will Miller - Burton Albion

Our young attacker has endured a frustrating couple of months at the Pirelli Stadium, featuring in only four matches, three of which were played in October. His four matches consisted of one start and three appearances from the bench.

It is difficult to determine whether Miller's loan to Burton is benefitting his development. On the one hand, training with a first team plying their trade in England's second tier is better than training with the Tottenham youth team, though it could be argued that Miller would have been better off going out on loan to a League One club, where you would imagine he would receive more game time. Will's loan is due to expire in January and I would be very surprised if it was extended.

Clinton N'Jie - Marseille (France)

Clinton is another one of our loanee's who has endured a frustrating couple of months, playing ninety minutes only once, and only making five appearances in total. Clinton also failed to find the net during October and November.

I was very surprised when Pochettino allowed Clinton to leave the club on a season-long loan, especially when we were left with only Harry Kane and Vincent Janssen as recognised strikers. Many pointed to the emergence of Shayon Harrison as the reason for N'Jie's departure, but he is yet to be used by Pochettino. I know Clinton endured a difficult first season at White Hart Lane, but I believe he has something to offer the team, though we must learn to play to his strengths. I for one, hope he returns to the club at the end of his loan.

Luke McGhee - Peterborough United

Luke McGhee saw more game time during October and November than any other of our loanees, playing twelve games in total and keeping three clean sheets, two against Northampton Town and the other at home to Bolton Wanderers.

The experience Luke McGhee is gaining from being Peterborough's first choice keeper is fantastic, both for Luke and the club. The original loan agreement was only until January, though I will be amazed if the deal is not extended until the end of this season, especially given Peterborough's chances of making the playoffs.

Nathan Oduwa - Peterborough United

Nathan Oduwa only featured four times for Peterborough during October and November, with all of his appearances coming from the substitutes bench.

I had high hopes for Oduwa following his successful loan spell at Glasgow Rangers last season, but he has somewhat failed to live up to the hype since then. His lack of playing time - he experienced the least amount of game time of all our loanees - in only going to hinder his development. I personally do not see a future for Nathan Oduwa at Spurs, nor do I think his loan at Peterborough will be extended.

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