Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News (05/12/20 at 1:55 pm) that he is hearing that Tottenham have a ‘very good academy’ with ‘very good players coming through’.
Whilst the man in Tottenham’s dugout is not known for bringing through youngsters during his trophy-laden career, he did offer a number of them an opportunity and made them part of his Europa League squad last Thursday.
One of the Tottenham academy products that Mourinho is seemingly a big fan of is Japhet Tanganga, who started his side’s 3-3 draw against Lask last time out in Europe.
Merson shared that the ‘clever thing’ about bringing through the youngsters is allowing them to join an experienced environment that is winning games rather than one that’s struggling.
“The clever thing about it is when you want to bring kids from the academy. I hear that they have got a very good academy, with very good players coming through,” said Merson.
“You want to bring them into a good football team. You want to bring them in where they are playing with older players, who are playing well. Experienced and playing with a lot of confidence.
“You don’t want to be bringing kids in like Burnley when the players aren’t playing well and you are playing them at Man City away. There are times to bring them in. That was the time [in the Europa League].”
Those in Tottenham’s academy shouldn’t look any further than Harry Kane for inspiration because he is one of the best players in the world right now, but he has done it the hard way.
During his early 20’s, Kane still hadn’t made a breakthrough in North London and had spent various time out on loan in the Championship.
But when Tim Sherwood pushed him through that door, he ensured he stayed and took his chance later down the line under Mauricio Pochettino.
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