Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly offer Oliver Skipp a new contract (Football Insider). The 19-year-old emerged from the academy, first introduced by Mauricio Pochettino. He has featured in substitute performances under Mourinho and made his first start for his new manager against Norwich City.
REPORT: Tottenham Hotspur to Offer Oliver Skipp New Contract
Skipp fought well alongside Harry Winks in the dismal FA Cup defeat. He showed plenty of energy and desire to tackle and intercept. Some of his challenges were more robust, unafraid to take a man down for a foul. He was partly at fault for the goal conceded, giving the ball away in midfield which eventually led to Michel Vorm‘s blunder.
With the injuries to Moussa Sissoko, the departure of Victor Wanyama, as well as the reorganising of the defence and attack, Skipp now has a lot more opportunity to feature. Eric Dier has returned to form but at centre-back, freeing-up another slot in the midfield.
He is still a player that goes under the radar. This isn’t surprising since he isn’t a goalscoring midfielder with all the flicks and tricks. But, in his recent performance against Norwich, he showed his ability to drive forward and make forward passes. There is perhaps a similarity between Harry Winks and Skipp. However, it seemed that in the FA Cup match it was Skipp that was better or at least was instructed to get the ball moving to the attack.
Mourinho Enjoys Skipp’s Performance
Mourinho was quick to laud his performance; “Phenomenal. Very, very good. Very, very good, solid performance.
“Even with the yellow card I kept him for two hours, first of all because Winks was in trouble, secondly because he was so solid, so mature, so confident that I was never afraid of a second yellow card coming.
“He was always in control of the game. We could see the difference also on the physical condition of him and the people who was playing all the time.”
Future Thinking
With his contract expiring in the summer of 2021, the club are making a good move by renewing his contract. He is a useful squad player with the potential of developing his game further. It is refreshing to see another academy graduate have a place in the future of the club.
If the club are not to have an overhaul, then they will need to squeeze the most out of their resources. And so, this involves tying down the younger players to longer-term contracts. It may take a slower rate of overall progress, but building from the academy up with the addition of a few signings could still prove to be the way forward for Spurs with their financial strictures.
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