Tottenham should keep 18 G/A youngster in first-team after superb loan season - Opinion

Jamie Donley had an excellent season at Leyton Orient, but is he ready to be part of the Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad?

Going on to be successful after graduating from the Tottenham academy setup is no easy achievement. Harry Kane learned to thrive in the senior game, but many Spurs youngsters have to make permanent moves away from the club in order to play first-team football.

Last season was a clear example that showing potential does not guarantee chances. Take the Europa League game against Elfsborg as an example. Neither Heung-min Son nor Richarlison was able to make an impact, but Dane Scarlett got a goal and an assist, while Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi joined him on the scoresheet.

Since then, Ajayi has not made a single appearance for Tottenham, while Scarlett has only been brought off the bench three times. Even Moore often found himself on the bench for the full duration of matches, despite his obvious talent and promise.

Instead of trusting their own young players, Spurs have opted to bring in new ones from elsewhere. The likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray have made plenty of starts, allowing them the opportunity to show how capable they are in the Premier League.

Tottenham should keep Jamie Donley next season

This issue of Tottenham failing to give their academy players a proper number of chances in the Tottenham first-team squad is frustrating and ought not to be the case with one of their most promising prospects – Jamie Donley.

The 20-year-old had a great season at Leyton Orient. From winning the man of the match award in the FA Cup against Manchester City, to being named as the Leyton Orient player of the year, it was a campaign to remember. Donley’s performances also earned him an international call-up and he has since made three appearances for Northern Ireland.

Donley registered an impressive eight goals and 10 assists for Leyton Orient in League One, and loaning him to a Championship club next season would have some benefits. However, what could be even better is if he is given the chance to play at the very highest level.

One club players like the great Ledley King will cease to exist at Tottenham because the locally trained youngsters are shipped off on loan and eventually sold. This must change under Thomas Frank, and who better to give an opportunity than Donley?

Spurs will need every squad player to contribute

Tottenham once again face a busy season ahead, as they prepare to compete in four competitions, as well as the UEFA Super Cup. In order to give their best in each tournament, utilising their whole squad will be essential.

Even if Donley does not make regular appearances in the Premier League, he should at least be allowed some minutes, particularly against the division’s weaker teams. As well as this, there are two domestic cup competitions where he could be given an opportunity.

The Champions League could also be useful in helping Donley develop. He may not play if Spurs come up against the likes of PSG and Real Madrid, but there will likely be one or two fixtures in the league phase that Tottenham should be winning comfortably. Now is the time to integrate Donley into the first-team squad and let him show what he can offer.

READ MORE – Shock Tottenham player came first in pre-season 1,000 metre sprint race

The post Tottenham should keep 18 G/A youngster in first-team after superb loan season - Opinion appeared first on Spurs Web.