The talented winger could be the next big thing to break into Pochettino’s plans after shining during the academy’s victorious European adventure.
While Tottenham Hotspur’s senior team slumped to a disappointing 3-0 loss against Manchester City in Nashville, the club’s youngsters once again proved their quality as they defeated Standard Liege in France on Sunday to win a European Under-21 Tournament.
It took a penalty shootout to settle the contest following a 2-2 draw – a rare method of winning for long-suffering Spurs fans – and one player in particular stood out, with winger Keanen Bennetts receiving the prestigious award of tournament’s best player.
Bennetts displayed his versatility in the competition by operating from fullback at times in France – a common position adjustment in recent years in the Spurs academy, with both Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters dropping back from offensive positions to play fullback for the first team.
Bennetts may well hope to make his debut this season, perhaps if the League Cup or FA Cup draws are kind to the North Londoners, especially with a vacancy in that area of the pitch following Kyle Walker’s big money move to City.
Keanen Bennetts of Tottenham Hotspur
Coach Wayne Burnett discussed Bennett’s performances with the Spurs website, after leading the young group to the trophy.
“He’s playing in a position that’s not his normal one,” Wayne said of 18-year-old Bennett. “Jaden Brown is away with the first team which is brilliant, Nick Tsaroulla has been injured so Keanan was the natural choice to go back and play there and he fitted the task very, very well.
“His performances have warranted him becoming Player of the Tournament so congratulations to him – he’s smiling, he’s very happy about it and so are we all. Not only to win the tournament but to get one of our players in as Player of the Tournament is excellent.”
Could the teenager now push towards the first team squad following his latest achievement? With Pochettino a noted fan of versatile prospects, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to come out of Hotspur Way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
