The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder believes he would have been a first-team regular years ago had Mauricio Pochettino been appointed manager earlier.
Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason believes he would have played ’50 or 60 Premier League games’ already had Mauricio Pochettino taken over the north London side two or three years ago.
The 23-year-old has made his first-team breakthrough at White Hart Lane this season, impressing after being selected by Pochettino – even though some Spurs fans were disappointed with him at the weekend against Swansea City.
And Mason attributes his Tottenham chance firmly down to his current boss.
“It’s something I’ve been waiting for,” Mason told the Daily Mail.
“If this manager had been in charge two or three years ago, I would probably have 50 or 60 Premier League games under my belt by now.
“I’m in the team now and I can’t complain. It’s a great feeling. I’ve always believed I could play for this club.”
| Minutes Played | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|
| Hugo Lloris | 1,440 | 16 |
| Christian Eriksen | 1,279 | 16 |
| Erik Lamela | 1,149 | 16 |
| Jan Vertonghen | 1,010 | 12 |
| Younes Kaboul | 990 | 11 |
| Danny Rose | 965 | 11 |
| Nacer Chadli | 904 | 13 |
| Ryan Mason | 894 | 11 |
As Opta stats show, only six Tottenham outfield players have played more Premier League minutes than Mason this campaign, which is a far cry from when the midfielder plied his trade in the lower leagues on loan from the north London side.
Spurs host Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup at 7.45pm tonight.
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