@Gokul G Nair

As we prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League season, our club’s rich history of nurturing young talent continues to be a focal point. With the departure of some seasoned players and the introduction of fresh faces, Spurs fans are eagerly anticipating the emergence of the next generation of stars. This article takes a closer look at some of the most promising young players at Tottenham, who could make a significant impact in the upcoming season and in the years to come.

1. Mikey Moore (2007)

One of the brightest prospects in Tottenham’s academy, Mikey Moore, is a name that has been on the lips of Spurs fans and coaches alike. The 17-year-old winger is known for his blistering pace, quick feet, and the ability to take on defenders with ease. Moore has been a standout performer at the youth level, consistently delivering goals and assists. His ability to play on either flank, coupled with his work rate, makes him a versatile option for the first team. The pre-season games have given Spurs fans a promising insight at what the teenager could potentially offer with Ange giving him a good number of minutes through the right wing. As we look to rejuvenate our attacking options, Moore could be given opportunities to prove himself on the big stage, especially in cup competitions and possibly in the Premier League as a substitute.

2. Archie Gray (2006)

Although Archie Gray has spent his youth career at Leeds United, his move to Tottenham this summer has generated a lot of excitement. At just 18 years old, Gray is a highly-rated midfielder who combines technical ability with a strong tactical understanding of the game. His vision, passing range, and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the Championship. Gray’s adaptability allows him to play in multiple roles, from a Centre back where he was played a couple of times in the pre-season to a more advanced position in midfield. He was named as the best young player in the Championship for the 23/24 season playing mostly as a right back for Leeds United. With Tottenham’s midfield undergoing changes, Gray could find himself breaking into the first team sooner rather than later in a midfield role or even as a back-up to Pedro Porro at right back, especially with the club’s participation in multiple competitions.

3. Jamie Donley (2005)

Jamie Donley is another academy graduate who is on the verge of making a breakthrough into the Tottenham first team. The 19-year-old forward has been a prolific goal-scorer at the youth level, showcasing his natural finishing ability and intelligent movement in the box. Donley is not just a poacher; his link-up play and ability to bring others into the game have also been noted by the coaching staff. He is what some might call a complete forward with his playstyle drawing comparisons to club legend Harry Kane as Donley can operate both as a number 10 and 9 very efficiently. As Tottenham continues to search for the right balance in their attack, Donley’s goal-scoring prowess, playmaking and versatility could see him earn valuable minutes in the Premier League, especially in games where Spurs need a different dimension in the final third. With his recent loan move to League One club Leyton Orient, we might have to wait a bit longer to see him in action at Spurs but all the signs suggest that it may well be worth the wait!

4. Yang Min Hyuk (2006)

The constant question among every Spurs fan in recent years has been on who is going to lead our frontline once club captain Heung Min Son completes his time at the club, which may well have been answered with the new summer signing of South Korean wonderkid Yang Min Hyuk. Tottenham’s recent acquisition of South Korean talent Yang Min Hyuk has added an exciting dimension to the club’s prospects. The 18-year-old winger, who has been signed from the K-League 1 side Gangwon FC, is known for his quick feet, blistering pace, dynamism, work ethic, and technical ability. Yang’s playing style has drawn a lot of comparisons to our club and South Korean national team captain Heung Min Son. His versatility allows him to be deployed in various forward roles, making him a valuable asset for the squad. While Yang may initially take time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, his potential to develop into a key player for Spurs is undeniable. With him being loaned back to his parent club, we can expect to see him this January.

5. Lucas Bergvall (2006)

Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall is one of Tottenham’s most intriguing young prospects. Having joined Spurs from Djurgårdens IF, the 18-year-old has already displayed a level of maturity and footballing intelligence that belies his age. Bergvall’s strengths lie in his ball control, vision, and la pausa (La Pausa is a skill whereby players in possession of the ball pause momentarily, drawing in defenders and enticing them to make a movement toward the ball, in other words the ability to dictate the tempo of the game). He has been hailed by many as a regen of the Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, which I believe is going to be much more than that. He has the ability to transcend to a much higher level if everything goes right with his development. Often deployed as a central midfielder, he has the versatility to operate in more advanced roles as well like how we saw him play in James Maddison’s position multiple times in the pre-season. Bergvall’s composure under pressure and his knack for breaking lines with incisive passes make him a potential future linchpin in Tottenham’s midfield. As he continues to adapt to English football, Bergvall could start to see more first-team opportunities, especially in domestic cup competitions and the UEL.

6. Will Lankshear (2005)

The concurring question among every Spurs fan has been on who the next Harry Kane is going to be and Will Lankshear, a promising forward, has quickly risen through the ranks since joining Tottenham from Sheffield United. The 19-year-old striker is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and sharp finishing. Lankshear’s strength and work rate make him a handful for defenders, and his eye for goal has seen him become a key player for the youth teams. With Harry Kane’s departure, Spurs have been on the lookout for the next big striker, and while Lankshear still has some development ahead of him, he has the potential to fill that void in the coming years. His goal-scoring instinct and ability to hold up play could see him integrated into the first team, particularly as a substitute in Premier League matches or as a starter in cup games and the UEL.

7. Luka Vuskovic (2007)

Luka Vuskovic is another name that Spurs fans should keep an eye on. The Croatian center-back, who joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split, is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents. At just 17 years old, Vuskovic is already showing signs of becoming a top-class defender. Standing at 6’4”, he combines physical prowess with impressive ball-playing abilities, making him a modern center-back suited to Tottenham’s style of play. His reading of the game, composure in possession, and ability to win aerial duels make him a natural fit for the Premier League. While Vuskovic may need time to adjust to the demands of English football, his potential to develop into a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defense in the coming future is evident.

8. Ashley Phillips (2005)

Ashley Phillips, another young defensive prospect, has been making waves since his move from Blackburn Rovers. The 19-year-old center-back is known for his athleticism, strong tackling, and leadership qualities on the pitch. Despite his age, Phillips has already gained valuable experience in senior football, having made several appearances for Blackburn in the Championship and a successful loan to loan to Plymouth Argyle in the latter half of the 23/24 season. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions, along with his calmness under pressure, has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best young defenders. With Tottenham’s defense in transition, Phillips could find himself earning first-team opportunities, especially in cup competitions or as a rotational option in the Premier League and the UEL.

Tottenham Hotspur’s youth setup continues to be a breeding ground for future stars, and the emergence of players like Mikey Moore, Lucas Bergvall, Will Lankshear, Luka Vuskovic, Jamie Donley, Archie Gray, Yang Min Hyuk and Ashley Phillips is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent. Each of these players brings unique qualities that could see them become key figures for Spurs in the near future. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, we Spurs fans have every reason to be excited about the next generation of stars ready to shine at the highest level.