The young defender spent time out on loan at Atlanta United.
Anton Walkes of Tottenham Hotspur
One year ago today Tottenham Hotspur agreed to let one of their young talents leave the club on loan. Whilst the most likely destination for a player in the spurs youth ranks might have been the lower leagues of English football, on this occasion they headed across the pond, to play in Major League Soccer.
Following in the footsteps of former Spurs youngsters John Bostock (Toronto FC), Simon Dawkins (San Jose Earthquakes) and Grant Ward (Chicago Fire) young utility man Anton Walkes headed to the USA.
John Bostock #7 of Toronto FC
He joined newly formed Atlanta United on a deal until the end of the MLS season and went on to feature 23 times for the club, scoring twice.
Now he is back at Spurs and recently played his first game for the club’s under-23s since his return, in a defeat v Everton, before scoring against Benfica in the Premier League International Cup as Spurs’ youngsters drew 3-3.
So what next for Walkes?
He turns 21 next month and will not want to be spending the majority of his time playing reserve football, not after playing regularly in front of big crowds out in Georgia.
Anton Walkes of Tottenham Hotspur
Walkes, who can play across the back four or in a holding midfield role, certainly has the potential to be a future star, but he will need to start making inroads to the Tottenham first-team now if he is to have a future at the club.
He is however contracted at Spurs until the summer of 2019, so does have time to find his way at the club. A loan spell in the Championship will undoubtedly be the best next move for the player in his career development. Given his versatility and experience in America there should surely be no shortage of potential suitors.
Walkes’ future seems to be approaching a crossroads, Tottenham fans will hope they can develop another star in the talented utility man.
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