The Tottenham Hotspur youngster looks some way off his first start for the club despite his undeniable talent.
In a recent interview with the London Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was in no rush to give Marcus Edwards his second first-team appearance, despite a clamouring among some fans for another sight of the 18-year-old in action.
“I think we need to wait a little bit for him to build more his physical condition and his confidence,” the Spurs boss said.
But is he right?
Before Tottenham fans start shouting that Pochettino knows best, this is a game of opinions and not every supporter has to agree with every decision ever made.
In short, if the likes of Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Kyle Walker-Peters are ready for first-team action, does Edwards not deserve to at least show what he can do from the bench in the EFL Cup, building on his 15-minute cameo against Gillingham last season?
Edwards’ size may have something to do with it, with the 18-year-old a diminutive attacker in the mould of Lionel Messi. Yet barring a significant growth spurt he may always be a relatively small player, and it has not stopped him from excelling as a youth against players more physically imposing than him.
Pochettino has shown his faith in youth throughout his time at Tottenham, so there is no suggestion that he is sabotaging Edwards’ career before it has even begun. But if he really wants to build up the player’s confidence, a late run-out against lower league opposition in the cup could be the ideal solution.
Edwards is the real deal but he continues to be overlooked in favour of less able alternatives and, when you consider his area of expertise is one of the few Tottenham are struggling with this season – out wide – he surely cannot be left on the shelf for another 12 months.
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