Why Spurs signing “world-class” teen could be bad news for Williams-Barnett

There are genuine concerns creeping in at Tottenham Hotspur regarding the long-term vision at the club, with the academy ranks having been overlooked for far too long now in north London.

Not since Harry Kane has a stellar product from the youth ranks really made a sustained, telling impact at first-team level, with the lack of a clear pathway seeing the likes of Tynan Thompson jump ship this summer, the 18-year-old joining Manchester United.

Youngsters in general appear to be under threat under this new Roberto De Zerbi regime too, with 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic sold off to Brighton and Hove Albion, while 20-year-old Lucas Bergvall is pushing for an exit in search of increased game time elsewhere.

There is a danger that Spurs are selling tomorrow in order to fund today, going all in on the short-term. And yet, could Luca Williams-Barnett be the next great hope?

Why Williams-Barnett is a Spurs superstar in the making

All eyes were on a first outing for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in a Tottenham shirt against MK Dons, yet the £185m pair were undoubtedly outshone by Spurs’ teen sensation in the second half.

Lining up alongside Jamie Donley as something of a makeshift midfield pairing after the break, Williams-Barnett was masterful in the pre-season curtain-raiser, running the show at the age of just 17.

The England youth star simply glided away from opponents at will, attempting six dribbles in total, while also supplying a stream of openings for those ahead of him, with three key passes supplied.

The teenager’s most telling moment came following a delightful turn and lofted pass over the Dons defence to pick out Yang Min-hyeok, the Korean subsequently failing to fire into an empty net as the game finished at 1-0.

He’s only made one senior appearance to date, but plenty more should follow on this evidence, with Williams-Barnett showcasing why he is “one of England’s biggest talents at youth level“, in the view of analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Mattinson even believes that there could be something of a north London battle in the near future between the midfielder and Arsenal’s own precocious teen, Max Dowman, a further sign of just how highly-regarded the Spurs man is.

With that in mind, ENIC would be wise not to make any moves that might further block Williams-Barnett’s route to first-team action.

Why Spurs signing could spell bad news for Williams-Barnett

Fernandes aside, every signing made at Spurs this summer has been aged 26 or above, with De Zerbi chasing proven Premier League experience as he seeks to lead the club back into less choppy waters.

That’s not to say they aren’t also looking for the next big thing too, with Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi still believed to be a leading target, fresh from the 20-year-old’s record-breaking debut campaign in England.

The Lilywhites could also look further afield for new arrivals too, with Argentine newspaper Crónica reporting that the club have opened talks with Real Madrid regarding a potential deal for Franco Mastantuono.

The suggestion is that Spurs are keen to learn the potential conditions of taking the 18-year-old on loan, with a queue of rival clubs also lining up as the South American seeks to further his development elsewhere.

The former River Plate wonderkid endured a muted first season in Madrid following his arrival from Argentina last year, scoring just once in 23 LaLiga games as he failed to nail down a regular role.

That’s not to say he isn’t a supreme prospect, however, already hailed as an “absolutely world-class talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, following his fine work previously in his homeland.

Indeed, the Spanish giants fended off intense rival interest from Europe’s elite in order to sign Mastantuono, the youngster having been such a breakout star for River, scoring and assisting 17 goals in 64 senior games for the club.

Like Williams-Barnett, he’s another truly exciting teen, someone who can win a game on his own with a piece of individual genius, hence why both Spurs and Premier League rivals Fulham are in the mix for his signature.

If a deal were to be struck, it may well hamper Williams-Barnett’s hopes of securing a regular squad role next term, with Mastantuono, like the Englishman, another young playmaker who has done his best work either on the flanks or in a number ten role.

While his minutes were limited last term, the Madrid man did still impress in flashes, notably ranking in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for through ball passes per 90, as well as in the top 1% for defensive ground duels won.

There is a completeness to his game that Williams-Barnett also certainly showcased against MK Dons, but whether bringing the Argentine into the fold is the right move is another matter.

Do Spurs really need him, particularly at a time when Williams-Barnett looks ready to break through? There might well only be room for one.