‘Outstanding’: National boss lauds Tottenham talent who’s only going to get better

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Oliver Skipp is showing Nuno Espirito Santo what he offers Tottenham Hotspur, yet England U21s head coach Lee Carsley expects the midfielder to get even better, via football.london.

Nuno has started Skipp in five of Spurs’ seven Premier League fixtures so far this term, plus two substitute outings. The 21-year-old has also opened Spurs’ Europa Conference League group stage ties with Stade Rennes and Mura, plus their Carabao Cup win away to Wolves.

Skipp performing well does not surprise Carsley, having expected the Tottenham talent to thrive on loan at Norwich last season. The midfielder spent the campaign at Carrow Road and helped the Canaries lift the Championship title over 45 appearances.

Yet, despite standing out at Norwich and his role at Tottenham, Carsley still feels Skipp is an underrated talent. Noting he can fly under the radar on the field at times, but sides feel his absence when without him.

“I wasn’t surprised by how well he did at Norwich. I’ve known Oli for a while,” Carsley said. “He’s very underrated. He’s one of those players that when they are not in the team, you notice them. He goes about his business really well, works on his game.

“I think he’s still got a lot of development to do. He’s going to get better; he’s going to get stronger. Physically, he’ll improve the older he gets. He has outstanding ability and I’m sure Tottenham see that as we have, as well, over the years.”

Nuno noticing at Tottenham, Skipp impact Carsley praises

Nuno seems to have taken note of the impact Skipp can offer Tottenham, which England U21s boss Carsley praises. Arsenal dominated Spurs in the centre in the first-half of last month’s north London derby, but they improved once Nuno introduced Skipp at the break.

Skipp helped Tottenham find a footing at the Emirates Stadium and stopped Arsenal from stretching Nuno’s side as much. It was no surprise Nuno immediately recalled the 21-year-old to his league starting XI against Aston Villa last time out.

Skipp mops up possession, makes some vital tackles and clearances to make Tottenham a far tougher unit to crack. His disciplinary record will worry Nuno, being one more yellow card away from a ban. But the Portuguese will hope he fulfils Carsley’s expectations.