Victor Wanyama’s injury problems give Tashan Oakley-Boothe a chance at Tottenham.
All eyes are on Premier League clubs to see whether they will give chances to the stars of England’s under-17 World Cup winning squad.
The jump to first team football is a big ask, but history is littered with exceptional talents who have made the breakthrough as teenagers, from Wayne Rooney to James Milner to Marcus Rashford.
Tottenham midfield talent Tashan Oakley-Boothe is a player who is hoping for a big opportunity, and the door may just about be open.
Competition for places is intense at Spurs, with Mousa Dembele, Harry Winks, Dele Alli, Moussa Sissoko and Eric Dier all currently fit and competing for midfield spots.
Dembele has been in and out with injury all season, but Victor Wanyama’s continued absence removes one more obstacle – for now – in Oakley-Boothe’s path.
The Kenyan has not played since mid-August and his hopes or returning from his knee injury in mid-October were dashed.
Opportunities to play Oakley-Boothe will not be easy for Mauricio Pochettino as there are no pressure-free games in the Premier League, and they are out of the Carabao Cup.
His best option may be if Spurs can qualify from their Champions League group with a game to spare – which they could take a step towards doing by beating Real Madrid tonight.
While Wanyama is out, Oakley-Boothe has a shot. If he returns soon, it is hard to see the young talent getting a chance in the near future.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
