Postecoglou’s starting eleven has been unchanged for the most part so far this season, barring one or two positions, and that looks set to continue unless there is a dip in the team’s form.

That means a whole host of first-team stars at Tottenham are yet to start a single Premier League match so far this season.

However, the Tottenham head coach has now insisted that his job is not to keep those who are out of the team happy, and praised the professionalism that some have shown.

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Postecoglou told Football.London: “I’ve never seen my role as keeping players happy. My role is to try to create an environment where they feel like they’re valued, they contribute.

“The reality is 11 players will play and some players have had more game time than others. I mentioned it to the lads this week, if you see our training our best trainers are guys like Ben Davies, Skippy, Emerson Royal – unbelievable training, and these guys aren’t playing.

“So that sets the standard for the whole group. If you’re not training well, these guys are ready to step in. They’re disappointed they’re not playing, 100 per cent, as they should be.

“The way they train, I think I mentioned Fraser Forster a couple of weeks ago, the reason we’ve had a strong level of performance so far is because our training has been at such a high standard.

“They’re the guys who can potentially affect your training. If they’re not at it or if they’re feeling sorry for themselves it affects the whole training group but that they’ve been the best players means the guys who are playing know they had better train well or ‘these guys are ready to take my spot’.

“That doesn’t mean they’re happy. I wouldn’t expect them to be happy but that’s not my role. I don’t go round taking surveys on how people feel every day.

“It’s about setting the right environment where they feel valued, we work with them, we treat them all the same and when the opportunity arises they get the opportunity to contribute.”

Eric Dier is remaining professional at Tottenham

One senior player whom Postecoglou does not appear to fancy is Eric Dier, with the 18-year-old Ashley Phillips even making the bench on a couple of occasions ahead of the England international.

Some reports over recent weeks have indicated that Spurs have already decided to cash in on the 29-year-old in January (Football Insider) but Postecoglou insisted that the centre-back is in the same boat as everyone else.

The Australian said: “I haven’t had any chats with Eric. He’s had a couple of disruptions, and a couple of injuries and last week he wasn’t well. He was in the squad but he wasn’t well so we left him out. He’s training and he’s making himself available.

“With all these guys, if they feel the need to discuss their future I’m more than happy to do that but I’m not going to go out and seek it unless I see there’s an issue. For me, the issue is: are they training well? Are they contributing to what we’re doing? If they’re doing that I see no reason to have extra discussions with them.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact that we do not have European football this season has robbed the likes of Davies, Skipp and Emerson of the chance to get some game time under their belt. It is difficult to see any of them starting games unless there are more injuries.

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So far this season, there can be very few criticisms of Ange Postecoglou and the way he has got his Tottenham side playing.

In such a short space of time, the new manager has implemented an attacking and very exciting approach to playing football with his team. And, results are matching the performances, with Spurs unbeaten in the first seven games of the Premier League season.

At the weekend, the Lilywhites slogged their way to a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool. But, the result could and should have been secured long before the injury-time winner, with the Reds down to ten men by the 26th minute, and losing another player by the 69th.

In the end, a goal from Heung-min Son in the first half, and a late own goal from Joel Matip after a cross by Pedro Porro sealed the win for Spurs.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Hoddle thinks Postecoglou got it wrong

Despite taking all three points, Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle isn’t happy with decisions made by Postecoglou on Saturday evening. 

On the approach to breaking Liverpool down, Hoddle told The Final Word: “I think there’s players on the pitch, if there’s real leadership in there, they can spot it. At the end of the day, they came in at half-time Tottenham, they had a chance against ten men, I didn’t see it once.”

And, Hoddle was baffled by Postecoglou’s instructions to Oliver Skipp: “Skipp comes on, he’s told to make the runs inside, like we’ve just seen [Destiny] Udogie do. They’re not the runs! I’m sorry, but they’re not the runs.

“And in pre-season, you set your team up, you’re down to ten men, OK what are we going to do? This is our principle, we either go two banks of four and one upfront or whatever. But, on the other side of the fence, if we go against a team and they go down to ten men, this is what we do to open them up.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’m not going to sit here and grumble too much about what happened on Saturday, because we got the win in the end. But, against the nine men of Liverpool, we should have been able to exploit the space far better and get that game wrapped up a lot more efficiently. 

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Among some of Tottenham’s big-money acquisitions this summer such as James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson, Solomon’s arrival has gone a bit under the radar.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Israeli striker #27 Manor Solomon controls the ball next to Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder #18 Casemiro during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on August 19, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

However, there is plenty for Spurs fans to get excited by about with the 22-year-old, who was outstanding at times for Fulham in his debut Premier League season after recovering from his injury.

The Israeli international has already shown glimpses of his ability to carry the ball and to go past players, registering two assists in his first Premier League start for Spurs against Burnley.

However, it will not be easy for Solomon to get consistent starts under his belt, with the likes of Son, Kulusevski, Richarlison, Perisic, Johnson and Gil capable of playing on the flank.

Oliver Skipp has been impressed by Manor Solomon

It turns out that the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has already made a very good impression on his teammates, with Skipp and Emerson Royal both praising him in a video about the FIFA 24 ratings of various Spurs stars.

Skipp told Tottenham’s YouTube channel about Solomon: “He’s really good for small-sided games, yeah”, before the host revealed: “He’s rated 77”, to which Emerson responded: “I think after the last game, he should be 79?”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the number of options that Postecoglou has upfront, I would be surprised if Solomon makes more than 10-15 starts this season. I suspect the Australian will use the winger primarily as an impact substitute from the bench.

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Skipp was given the nod ahead of the Senegalese to partner Yves Bissouma in the Premier League opener at Brentford a fortnight ago and featured for 75 minutes before being replaced by Sarr (transfermarkt).

Sarr was called into the starting line-up for the visit of Erik ten Hag’s United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend and repaid the faith shown in him by his manager with an impressive display which also saw him score his first-ever goal for the club.

The 20-year-old put Spurs ahead four minutes into the second half after United failed to pick up his 40-yard run into the penalty area to get himself on the end of Dejan Kulusevki’s cross with the home side going on to win 2-0.

(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Glenn Hoddle rates Sarr ahead of Skipp

Sarr was brought off to a standing ovation from the North London faithful in the 76th minute with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg taking his place, while Skipp remained as an unused substitute (transfermarkt).

Hoddle told: Premier League Productions (19/08/23 at 7:45 pm).“He (Sarr) showed a little bit of everything.  Astuteness is his defending. His covering the ground with and without the ball. He can pass as well. He gets his head up, at the right moments. 

“I think young Skipp has done nothing wrong, but for me, that’s an improvement in the team. Him and Bissouma look really good together. I think he has put himself right in there. I think he will play in the next game, not just because he scored. You have an all-round player there.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Sarr certainly has more to his game than Skipp, who is more of a steady player compared to his team-mate who looks comfortable both with and without the ball.  His energy levels and desire to track back and defend, while also making long sprints to join in with the attack were equally impressive.

With Rodrigo Bentancur also set to come back into the side by late November when he recovers from his knee injury and Yves Bissouma looking like a new man, it could prove that Skipp will struggle for regular first-team football this season.

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From that performance, it was very clear how Ange Posteoglou wants to play this year and also that it will take a while for the new ideas to bed in with the squad.

Another thing of note was how vociferous the away support was throughout the match and after the final whistle – if that energy could be transferred to The Lane then we will in for a positive and electric atmosphere.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate James Maddison after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Predicted Line-up

I am pretty sure that Ange will not make any changes to last week’s starting XI. The only possible change would be if Romero is not fully recovered and, in that case, Davinson Sanchez, who performed well last week, will be asked to deputise.

Vicario will start in goal, and continue his integration into the new team and the new style of play. Across the backline, it should read: Udogie, Van de Ven, Romero/ Sanchez, Royal.

In midfield last week, Bissouma was imperious in the lynchpin 6 role and all play went through him. I find it bizarre that some people are calling for him to play as an eight, when the six position is so crucial to the way the team plays and he is almost Dembele-esque in his skillset. In the two ‘8’ positions Maddison and Skipp will continue.

Key Player (home) Oliver Skipp

The ‘eye test’ probably had Oliver Skipp down as one of those whose performance was not quite at his best against Brentford. He scored 6.5/10 on Sofascore (Sofascore) and seemed like he was finding his feet in the new number eight position.

Arguably, the Wissa goal and the big Mbeumo chance originated from Skipp’s area of the pitch – with the through ball being allowed to be played and exposing Emerson Royal.

No one is expecting Skipp to play the 8 role like Maddison, but he will need to press more intelligently and not allow that direct ball from midfield – you don’t want to be giving the likes of Fernandes and Eriksen multiple opportunities to make direct passes like that.

Similarly, no one expects Skipp to produce the same attacking output as our new number 10, but he does need to offer more in terms of getting onto the ball and getting closer to the box when the team is in position.

When Pape Mate Sarr entered the game, he immediately looked more threatening in an attacking sense and I wonder how close Ange is to starting the Senegalese man.

Opposition Form

Anyone who watched United burgle a victory against Wolves in their previous game would not have been impressed – with the BBC labelling it, quite generously ‘a fortunate win’ (BBC Sport).

On another day (and with a clinical striker) Wolves could have won 4-1 and it would not have flattered them. United looked sluggish and out of sorts – a bit odd for a squad that had such a thorough preseason.

Yet I would not read too much into this result. United have sometimes struggled against Wolves because they are both counter-attacking teams and thus cancel each other out.

With Spurs’ high line and domination of possession, they will find it easier to sit in, before waiting for the opportunity to break forward at speed – utilising the pace of players such as Rashford and Sancho. It is definitely going to be a culture clash between the two teams.

Key Player (away) Marcus Rashford

All Spurs fans will be hoping that Erik Ten Hag will play Rashford through the middle, as he did at Wolves (Sofascore).

This tactical decision was much to the chagrin of United supporters, who much prefer to see him operate from the left-hand side. Only when he started looking for the channels, did he begin to look like a danger to the Wolves defence.

If he plays through the middle, the combination Van de Ven’s recovery pace and the attacking nature of Romero (if fit) – should serve to keep him under wraps.

However, if he plays from the left, he will be looking to exploit those spaces in which Rico Henry and Yo Wissa were so profitable last week, bursting through the lines before cutting onto his right foot.

As mentioned earlier it will be imperative that the press does not allow the likes of Fernandes time on the ball to play those raking deliveries.

Prediction  

I expect the supporters to park their dissatisfaction with the board and fully get behind the team and the manager.

Like last week, I definitely see goals in this fixture. Although Tottenham will attack for long periods of the game, United will be dangerous on the counterattack.

Once more I expect Bissouma to boss the midfield and if Kulu and Son are able to hold their width a bit more they will look more threatening in an attacking sense.

Final Score: Tottenham 3 – 2 Manchester United

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As expected, Postecoglou changed all ten outfield players for the Joan Gamper Trophy clash compared to the side that took to the field against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

A midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Oliver Skipp and Giovani Lo Celso started at the Lluos Companys Olympic Stadium, with the 22-year-old once again operating as one of the two number-eights with the Mali international playing as a six.

As we have come to witness throughout pre-season, the midfielders regularly broke into the box when the ball went out wide, with Skipp netting a first-half brace.

(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Postecoglou full of praise for Skipp and Richarlison

When asked about the Tottenham academy graduate’s performance, Postecoglou told Football.London: “He has been outstanding. Obviously, he didn’t have much of a break but since he’s been in he’s got bags of energy and he uses that really well.

“He maintains an intensity with and without the ball that makes him hard to contend with. He was outstanding tonight. He got a significant knock early but battled through it and that shows the character of him.”

Postecoglou also praised Richarlison for the tireless work he put in on and off the ball, admitting that the Brazilian needed the runout and insisting that he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

When asked about feeling a second choice elven and Richarlison missing some chances, the Spurs head coach said: “There is no first choice, second choice. We needed to get minutes into everyone. Richy has had a bit of a knock and has missed a few days’ training.

“You could see he needed the run. He worked so hard for the team, he was unlucky with his chances but it is really important for us to get 70-75 minutes out of him today and he works so hard.”

The 57-year-old was then asked how Ricahrlison playing changes the team’s dynamic, to which he responded: “It doesn’t really, not in terms of the way we set up. Every player brings their own characteristics to it and that is what we want in the squad. It is not about having like for like, I’ve never believed that is the way to set up a squad.

“You want players to provide something different. The basic framework of our game doesn’t change and the central striker is still the focal point.

“He got into good areas and we got the ball into him. Every game we’ve played the striker has had a decent amount of chances and that is what we need to continue to do.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Richarlison’s hold-up play and his tireless pressing often go unnoticed. There is no doubt that he brings much more off the ball than Kane does (although he obviously is not on the same level in possession).

The Brazilian’s ability to run in behind also pushes the opposition backline further back, allowing our midfielders a little more time and space on the ball.

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Tottenham secured the services of all three players early in the transfer window, which meant that Maddison, Vicario and Solomon had an opportunity to be part of the club’s full Asia Pacific tour, which spanned three countries – Australia, Thailand and Singapore.

(Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Another player who got to meet his teammates for the first time this summer is Destiny Udogie, with the left-back being loaned back to Udinese after signing for Spurs last summer.

Skipp says new Spurs players have settled in well

All four players have impressed in the friendlies this summer, and Skipp revealed that although they have quite different personalities, they have all settled well into the group well off the pitch.

The 22-year-old admitted that he is looking forward to getting to know them better over the coming weeks and months.

When asked about the new faces, Skipp told Tottenham’s official website: “They’ve all settled in really well, all brought their different personalities to the table and really integrated into the group.

“I think this is an easy group to settle into, hopefully, we’ve made them all feel welcome, and that’s something I think this group is really good at.

“You’ve already seen Madders’ personality, Destiny, Manor, Vic as well, it will be interesting to see what they all bring to the group. It’s always exciting when you meet your new teammates.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The pre-season tour would have been extremely useful for the new players to get to know their teammates better and find a voice in the dressing room.

It certainly appears as if they have had no issues settling in, with Maddison already emerging as one of the leaders of the changing room.

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The young midfielder is one of the most promising players to emerge from the Tottenham academy in recent years and appears to have now firmly established himself as a first-team regular in North London.

(Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Skipp‘s real breakthrough season did not come at Tottenham, however, but as a result of a loan spell with Championship side Norwich City back in the 2020/21 campaign. 

Playing a starring role in helping the Canaries gain promotion back to the Premier League, Skipp earned himself a place in the plans of the Spurs first team and has remained there despite multiple managerial changes since.

Sadly, injuries have hampered Skipp’s progress at Spurs over the last couple of years but he seems to be back to his best now and raring to go under Ange Postecoglou.

Skipp believes previous injuries are a thing of the past

The 22-year-old was speaking to Tottenham Hotspur’s official Twitter account ahead of the pre-season friendly against Lion City Sailors and touched on his fitness and conditioning going into the new campaign.

He said: “Physically I feel like I’m in a really good place, no issues. The aim is to keep it that way, to prevent any issues. I feel like I’m past of all of those and ready to really push on.”

Spurs Web Opinion

A fully-fit Oliver Skipp could be a real asset for us this season. He is a top quality player who has all the attributes and the right attitude to succeed at this level and could well go on to be a key player for Tottenham for many years to come.

It has been such a shame to see injuries holding Skipp back these last couple of seasons, but hopefully all that is behind him and we can see him gain some consistency and momentum this year.

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Sarr was signed in the summer of 2021 but remained with French side Metz for the subsequent season to continue to play first-team football with the Ligue 1 outfit.

He returned to London last year and stayed with Spurs for the 2022/23 campaign, but found opportunities hard to come by under Antonio Conte but did get a rare run out alongside Skipp when the pair lined up in the Spurs midfield for the Champions League tie against AC Milan at the San Siro.

(Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

The 20-year-old managed only 14 first-team appearances for Tottenham last term across all competitions, totalling just 466 minutes on the field (Transfermarkt). Despite a lack of game time, Sarr impressed every time he played and did his reputation no harm.

With Conte now gone and Ange Postecoglou keen to run the rule over every player in the squad he has inherited at Tottenham, there is a chance for players like Sarr to establish themselves as key figures for the upcoming campaign, especially after a promising start to pre-season.

Postecoglounhas already confirmed the youngster is part of his plans for the season ahead, when he told Football.London: “Absolutely. What a player.

“He never stops smiling, what else do you want from a footballer? He’s outstanding and he’s always happy. I’ve seen plenty of outstanding players who are fairly miserable.

“He’s a great talent. That part really excited me at the moment that we have a clutch with Destiny, Pappy, Skippy.

“We’ve got a talented and very exciting group there. There’s some real growth there for us apart from establishing a team that can make an impact straight away.”

Skipp is impressed by Pape Matar Sarr at Spurs

Sarr has put in two strong performances already in pre-season, and teammate Oliver Skipp has been very impressed by his midfield partner.

Skipp told the press (via Football.London): “I really enjoyed that game with Pape, because we played a lot in training together, perhaps we weren’t in the team a lot in the first part of the season so we developed a real understanding of how we played together.

“Perhaps he’d go forward and I’d cover, things like that. He’s so talented, sometimes you forget he’s only 20. He has loads of attributes that stand him in good stead and it is always a pleasure to play with people like that.”

Spurs Web Opinion

To have two young midfielders with the kind of talent Skipp and Sarr possess is a real blessing for Spurs. We know we can rely on them in big games and the pair should only continue to get better and better the more they play together.

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Skipp shortened his break after being involved in the European Under-21 Championship, reporting to Hotspur Way just days after lifting the trophy with his teammates in Georgia.

(Photo by Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou revealed in his most recent press conference that he allowed the 22-year-old to decide whether he wanted to join up with the squad on the pre-season tour to Asia and Australia, and was impressed that Skipp chose to be part of the Spurs tour (Football.London).

Skipp is ready to put last season behind him

Skipp has now stated that he was keen to be part of the trip so that he could get accustomed to the style of play that the new coaching staff are trying to implement.

When asked about forgoing a lengthier holiday to travel on a pre-season tour, the midfielder told Football.London: “It was a short break but I had time off before and managed to get away, but after the tournament, I spoke to the coaching staff and I felt it was really important to be with the group in Australia, a new coach and new style of play.

“Ideally, I would have wanted longer but, in this situation, it was important to be with the team and integrate into this new way of playing.”

When asked if there is a worry about being overworked, given the injuries he has suffered over the last couple of years, Skipp responded: “I don’t think so… also in the tournament I didn’t physically play every game, so I had that little break, not on the pitch.

“Also, I think there will be opportunities in the season, I’ve finished with the Under-21s, and was able to have that break but I was excited to get back in and ready for the season.”

Skipp insisted that he learned a lot from last season despite the fact the campaign did not go according to plan, and remarked that he and the rest of the squad are keen to put things right under the new regime.

When asked about the team’s struggles last season, the Tottenham academy graduate said: “It was a tough season, everyone perhaps agreed it didn’t go the way we wanted.

“But definitely lots of learning curves. It was probably my second season playing full-time regularly, so lot to take from a personal point of view. But also we’re looking forward to the season and definitely trying to improve and play our football the way the manager wants.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I felt Skipp came under a lot of undue criticism last season for his performances. Not only was he returning from an injury lay-off but he was also playing in a dysfunctional unit, which also seemed to lack motivation.

This is the big season for the 22-year-old, who would want to prove that he belongs in a team with Champions League aspirations.

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Tottenham fans had to put up with some defensive and negative football over the best part of the last three years, which is why there is some renewed excitement among the fan base over the style of football that Postecoglou is expected to deliver in N17.

(Photo by Amphol Thongmueangluang/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Although Spurs ended up losing the first pre-season friendly of the summer against West Ham last week, there were more than enough evidence from the performance to suggest that the Lilywhites are indeed going to be a completely different outfit during the upcoming season.

Skipp admitted that the players are really enjoying the process of learning how their new head coach wants them to play.

When asked about how he has found working with Postecoglou, the midfielder told Football.London: “Really exciting, the style of play, being proactive in all we do. I think players have enjoyed preseason.

“We’ve been working hard but as a player, when you see the balls come out all the time it’s really exciting. We’ve enjoyed working hard but also we’ve tried to implement what the manager wants.”

Skipp is enjoying Postecoglou’s style of play

The 22-year-old admitted that while the players are enjoying playing on the front foot, they still have a long way to go to fully implement Postecoglou’s principles of play.

When asked if he feels he can thrive in the new system, the Tottenham academy graduate responded: “It’s exciting, being front foot is something a lot of players want so the whole team has bought into it. We need to keep working to improve.

“There are going to be times when it doesn’t really go right at the start but for sure pressing and playing forward and being proactive fits my game well. There will be opportunities to show this through the season and we’ve got to try and implement these features into our game.

“Growing up in academies, lots of academies try to play front foot, pressing, whatever you want to call it, football.

“But there are definitely elements the manager is trying to implement that will take time and the preseason is really important, hence why I was so desperate to come to really understand what he wants from us.

“We know it won’t be perfect at the time but it’s important to lay the foundations for what we want to be this season.

“Every style has its pros and weaknesses. This style is proactive, trying to implement our style. Only one game so far but hopefully you’ll see it through the season. As a player, this style is what we grew up watching. To play this way is really exciting.”

Spurs Web Opinion

After years of doing the same reparative drills under the likes of Mourinho and Conte, and playing with a handbrake on, it is not surprising to hear that the Tottenham squad are now enjoying the fact that they are being given an opportunity to express themselves.

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Spurs had two players involved in the tournament in Destiny Udogie and Skipp, but while the left-back got a fairly long break owing to Italy’s elimination in the group stage of the competition, the Young Lions went all the way in the tournament, being crowned champions.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Instead of taking a break, Skipp decided to report from pre-season training along with the rest of the internationals and the 22-year-old was handed a start against West Ham United last week in the club’s first pre-season friendly.

Curiously, the Tottenham academy graduate played as one of the two number-eights, with Yves Bissouma operating as the number six in front of the back four. The same happened again when Skipp came off the bench against Lion City Sailors today.

Skipp is in Postecoglou’s good books at Tottenham

It remains to be seen what role Skipp will play during the upcoming season but Postecoglou confirmed that the midfielder is certainly part of his plans.

When asked about the youngster, the Australian told Football.London: “He’s part of my plans absolutely.

“We gave him the option (of taking a longer break after the European Under-21 Championship) and it’s fair to say with a tournament and him being successful, you want him to enjoy that.

“We did leave it in his corner. I was more than prepared for him to miss this part of the trip but in the back of my mind, I did like his decision.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham will likely sign another midfielder if Hojbjerg leaves. So when Bentancur is fit, Skipp might struggle to force himself into the side. So, the 22-year-old has to grab his opportunities at the start of the season and prove his worth to Postecoglou.

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Skipp ended up playing regularly during the second half of last season for Tottenham, owing to the injuries to Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma.

The Tottenham academy graduate did not set the world alight, but in fairness to the youngster, he was playing in quite a dysfunctional unit, which had successive managerial changes and ended up limping to an eighth-place finish.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old will hope to give a better account of himself under Ange Postecoglou, and interestingly, the Australian started the England Under-21 international in a number eight role rather than as the number six in the pre-season friendly against West Ham United last week.

Leeds United are fans of Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp

Hay has now suggested that Farke is keen to take Skipp to Elland Road, having worked with the midfielder when he was on loan at Norwich City in 2020-21. 

However, the journalist acknowledged that it would be quite difficult to get the midfielder out of the North London club this summer.

Hay said on The Square Ball Podcast: “There is the basis of a strong team there (at Leeds), but what I would question is if there’s enough of a squad. 

“If you look back at Farke’s teams at Norwich, the players he leaned on were so good, Pukki, Buendia and Oliver Skipp who is back at Spurs – he’s someone who Farke would love if he could get him, but he seems to be heavily involved and he would cost a lot of money as well.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not see Tottenham listening to offers for Skipp this summer.

Even if Postecoglou feels that the 22-year-old is not quite at the required level to be a regular starter yet, the youngster is likely to stick around as a squad player, particularly with Hojbjerg looking set to leave.

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A product of the Tottenham academy, Oliver Skipp has now gone on to become a first-team regular for his boyhood club.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The young midfielder now has 82 appearances for the Lilywhites, and one, very special, goal to his name – a screamer against Chelsea last season (Transfermarkt).

Injury issues have prevented Skipp from featuring as much as he would have liked over the last two years, but the 22-year-old is certainly established in the Spurs set-up now and has always been a popular player with the various managers he has crossed paths with in North London.

Skipp once defied Jose Mourinho at Tottenham

Skipp is a fine example of a young footballer who works hard for his team and does what is expected of him.

However, in an interview with SPURSPLAY as part of the Off the Shelf podcast, Skipp explained how he once disagreed with Jose Mourinho about his decision to go on loan to Norwich City.

Skipp said: “I think it was crucial because I’d had two years in and around the first team getting odd starts here and there.

“But [the loan] was something that I felt I needed to do. It’s nice training with the first team but to get that pressure, the environment of trying to win games and play in the first team regularly.

“It’s interesting because before I went, Mourinho rang me just before and said ‘I don’t want you to go’. But I was like ‘Ah, I’d really like to go’ and we had a discussion about it.

“Thankfully, I was grateful he let me go. I felt like I needed to go and play regular games and I perhaps wouldn’t have got the opportunity at Spurs.

“It was amazing [at Norwich] and the fit was just perfect. They were a team that were bossing the Championship that year and the manager was really good.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Skipp made the right call in taking that loan move, as he performed brilliantly for Norwich, helping them win promotion and finding his way into the Championship team of the season too.

It’s a shame injuries have hampered his progress since returning to Spurs, but there’s no doubt Skipp has a big future ahead of him.

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It is explained that the first-team players who were involved in international duty last month are expected to report for pre-season training on July 12 following a three-week holiday.

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

The squad is expected to fly to Australia on July 14 ahead of their first pre-season friendly against West Ham United in Perth on Julu 18.

Skipp and Udogie look to impress Postecoglou

Gold reveals that Udogie, who was part of Italy’s European Under-21 Championship campaign, is expected to cut short his holiday to get a chance to work with Ange Postecoglou before the tour party departs.

The journalist adds that Skipp might also do the same despite the England Under-21s making the final of the tournament.

Gold also states that Son Heung-min could fly directly to Australia from South Korea rather than facing the prospect of two long-haul flights around the world in the space of a couple of days.

Spurs Web Opinion

With Italy having been eliminated in the group stages for the European Under-21 championship, one would expect Udogie to report early for pre-season.

Skipp would be forgiven for taking a little longer off, given how far England have gone in the tournament.

However, the 22-year-old is a model professional and he will be keen to cut short his holiday and make an impression on the new coaching staff.

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Skipp is a product of the Tottenham academy and has developed into one of the most accomplished young players to emerge from the youth set-up in quite some time.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

He has amassed 82 appearances for Spurs so far (Transfermarkt) and could have had plenty more were it not for injury issues hampering his progress.

The 22-year-old turned out 23 times for the Lilywhites last season, and scored one goal (Transfermarkt), albeit a very special long-range effort against Chelsea.

It was reported by the Daily Mail towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign that Skipp was in line to be promoted to the leadership group among the players at the club.

Many believe Skipp to have a bright future at the North London club he has supported since he was a boy, but there are some who have doubts, it seems.

Spurs could sell Oliver Skipp

According to Alex Crook in a recent appearance on talkSPORT, Skipp could be one of the players heading for the exit door at Spurs this summer if a good offer comes in for him.

Discussing the players who are at risk, Crook said: “Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, maybe even Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield, who didn’t have the greatest season last time around.

“Then you look at the likes of Harry Winks and Ollie Skipp – they will be allowed to leave as well if Tottenham can get decent offers.”

It’s worth noting this was said before Harry Winks was sold to Leicester City.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is almost no chance of Oliver Skipp being sold this summer.

He’s a talented young player who has shown promising signs that he can be a key figure for us in years to come. 

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Tottenham agreed on a deal worth £40m with Leicester City for James Maddison and it was confirmed by the club earlier today that Winks has moved the other way in a separate deal.

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano also took to social media on Thursday morning to confirm that the England international was set to have a medical at the King Power Stadium before signing for the Foxes, adding that the deal is expected to be worth £10m.

Winks will be hoping that the switch to the East Midlands club helps get his career back on track after a couple of difficult seasons.

Hardly anyone would have expected three or four years ago that the midfielder would be moving to the Championship side at this stage of his career as he appeared to have the world at his feet during the Pochettino years.

Murphy argues that Harry Winks is better than Skipp

When asked about Winks’ switch to Leicester, Murphy told talkSPORT (28/06/23 at 12 pm): “I actually thought, talent-wise, he is better than Skipp.

“He has got more about him. He’s obviously lost his way a bit. It’s a fall from grace.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Winks is technically better than Skipp and one can argue that the former had a higher ceiling as a player when he first broke through into the Tottenham starting eleven.

However, the fact that Spurs appointed defensive-minded coaches following Pochettino’s departure did not help the 27-year-old while his injury troubles also contributed to his fall from grace.

We wish him all the best for the future.

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(Photo by Mike Hewitt – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The domestic season may be at an end now, but the hard work doesn’t stop for the Tottenham players. A crucial pre-season lies ahead, in which the squad will get acquainted with new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Plenty of change and hard work will be required in order to make amends for a poor showing in the previous campaign and re-establish Spurs as a top side in the Premier League.

However, before the long summer of preparation begins, a whole host of Tottenham Hotspur players have international duty to take care of.

All the upcoming fixtures involving Spurs players:

Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero – Argentina vs Australia June 15th, Indonesia vs Argentina June 19th

Will Andiyapan – Wales U19s vs Sweden U19s June 15th, Wales U19s vs Sweden U19s June 18th

Heung-Min Son – South Korea vs Peru June 16th, South Korea vs El Salvador June 20th

Dejan Kulusevski – Sweden vs New Zealand June 16th, Austria vs Sweden June 20th

Ben Davies and Joe Rodon – Wales vs Armenia June 16th, Turkey vs Wales June 19th

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Denmark vs Northern Ireland June 16th, Slovenia vs Denmark June 19th

Harry Kane – Malta vs England June 16th, England vs North Macedonia June 19th

Troy Parrott – Greece vs Republic of Ireland June 16th, Republic of Ireland vs Gibraltar June 19th

Davinson Sanchez – Colombia vs Iraq June 16th, Germany vs Colombia June 20th

Josh Keeley – Republic of Ireland U21s vs Ukraine U21s June 16th, Republic of Ireland U21s vs Kuwait U21s June 19th

Pape Matar Sarr – Benin vs Senegal June 17th, Brazil vs Senegal June 20th

Richarlison – Brazil vs Guinea June 17th, Brazil vs Senegal June 20th

Ivan Perisic – Croatia’s UEFA Nations League final June 18th

Oliver Skipp – England U21s vs Czech Republic Under 21s June 22nd, England U21s vs Israel U21s June 25th, England U21s vs Germany U21s June 28th

Destiny Udogie – Italy U21s vs France U21s June 22nd, Italy U21s vs Switzerland U21s June 25th, Italy U21s vs Norway U21s June 28th

Shop the new Spurs 2023/24 Home Kit

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The injuries to Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur meant that Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had to start every game in the final few months of the campaign until the Mali international returned to fitness for the last two matches against Brentford and Leeds United.

Spurs struggled to pick up results during that run, eventually finishing in eighth place, with Skipp and Hojbjerg both coming in for plenty of criticism.

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Reports over recent days indicate that the Lilywhites are expected to enter the market for another central midfielder this summer (Evening Standard), which some would argue is a priority, given that doubts have been raised over Bentancur’s availability at the start of the season.

Agbonlahor singled out Skipp as the issue for Tottenham in the middle of the park, stating that the Spurs academy graduate is not good enough to start every game.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT – 1/6 8:52 am (as relayed by TBR Football): “Spurs are crying out for midfielders, when they’ve had injuries, they’ve got Oliver Skipp playing who I do like him but I don’t think is at the level that Spurs should be having in their side.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think it would be fair to judge players too harshly on their performances over the last few months of the campaign as the squad was clearly short of confidence and the morale seemed quite low.

Barring Kane, almost every single Spurs player performed well below the level they are capable of.

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Alasdair Gold revealed on his YouTube Channel (starting at 5.25) last month that Skipp was one of the players Daniel Levy spoke to ahead of his decision to part ways with Cristian Stellini and the rest of the coaching staff and put Ryan Mason in charge.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The journalist stated that Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were the other four players who met with the Spurs chairman but expressed his surprise that Skipp was also consulted, given his relative lack of experience.

The Mail has now explained that Tottenham representatives have held several meetings with senior players over recent weeks in what has been a turbulent period for the club.

It is revealed that Skipp is one of those who was consulted despite not being part of the leadership committee.

The publication asserts that with Hugo Lloris now set to leave the club this summer, the 22-year-old, who signed a five-year contract last year, is in line to be promoted to the committee.

Spurs Web Opinion

Skipp certainly knows the club well, having a Spurs Development Centre at the age of five.

This move by the club is a testament to the 22-year-old’s maturity and professionalism, and suggests that those high up at Tottenham see the midfielder as a future captain.

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