Marcus Edwards could make his breakthrough into the Premier League next season. Spurs were resolute in handing him a new contract, confident in his potential.
Tottenham’s Marcus Edwards: Rising Star
This player is definitely a rising talent and could add even more English talent to the Premier League.
Undeniable talent
Many young players are compared to esteemed senior players. However, Mauricio Pochettino has been comparing Edwards to Lionel Messi. Pochettino hastily warned that such potential was yet to be realised. There are many more hours of training and development yet for this rising star.
Despite his diminutive stature, he is able to beat opponents with ease. It is his low centre of gravity that allows him to compete against the stronger, but more cumbersome players. However, there are fears that he is too small, or too weak. But, he is still young and has plenty of time to develop a bigger build.
There are many players that are small and less physical, yet they still outwit their bulkier opponents. Take Edwards’ tipped future form, Messi, for example. He is even smaller than Edwards, yet is still one of the world’s greatest. This proves that physicality isn’t everything. Conversely, it is technical ability that makes a player, but physicality that helps them compete better against other players.
His ability has already been merited with call-ups for England. This includes 34 appearances, scoring 12 goals from Under-16 to Under-19 level. At just 18 years of age, this is an impressive record. It is also clear that he is favoured by the England set up and could be a future England star. Thus, Pochettino must carefully nurture this talent, to add to the plethora of English talent in the first team.
Contract problems
Spurs fans were deeply concerned whilst their young star was prevaricating over a new contract. It seemed as though he would be leaving Spurs in the summer. However, his new contract last year has kept him at the club for now.
This questions his happiness at the club. Edwards would be a very attractive player for many clubs. Spurs must be careful to keep this talent guarded, but happy. First-team football is a must for keeping this young star at the club. A loan deal is a temporary solution, but ultimately, a player will want to leave if they cannot make a breakthrough.
Chances of breakthrough
Edward’s took his first step in breaking through earlier this season. He came on against Gillingham, and almost scored on his debut.
He commented after the match: “A lot of things were going through my mind, perhaps I should have placed it but some you score and some you don’t. I just want to keep my head down and play football.” Already, it is clear the young man grounds himself in humility and constructive criticism even in making his debut. Whilst interviews are often scripted with many cliches, Edwards is at least talking the talk of a professional football player.
He faces great competition if he wishes to fully break through, though. Spurs will be hungry to achieve even more next season. This means only the best, in-form players can get game time. Although, Spurs’ bench has never been too strong.
Here lies the opportunity for Marcus Edwards to make his mark. It is unlikely that he will make a start next season, but off the bench, he could prove himself.
Main Photo:
