Future talent in its raw form is always exciting to evaluate. With every 1v1 move that dazzles, there is usually some other noticeable trait that needs serious improvement. The underlying belief that a U21 or U18 player will be able to assist the senior squad, whether on the pitch or through transfer funds in the future, can sometimes help fans forget the holes currently staring deep into their squad’s soul, forcing fans to lean on an “at least the future looks bright” mentality.
As a Spurs fan, pessimism often reigns strong. However, it’s always good to keep in mind that the future brings the unknown. In life, optimism is essential, and in sports, it stems from the prospects waiting in the stables.
As I mentioned in my previous post, keeping track of the Spurs’ potential stars not currently on the senior roster brings nuggets of optimism into my life. And to be honest, watching these highlights from these academy products on repeat will make any Spurs fan’s day that much better.
Let’s jump in and check out the top 5 FotMob-rated U21 Spurs and two U18 players leading their squad in goals.
Under 21s
Lucá Williams-Barnett – Attacking Midfielder (FotMob Rating: 8.21)
Any Spurs fan casually following the farm system will, at the very least, recognize the name Lucá Williams-Barnett. The attacking midfielder’s potential is through the roof and the world is starting to notice. Before the International Break, LWB’s Premier League 2 stats were eye-popping, with only one game below a 7.2 FotMob rating and two games in the upper 9s! He currently leads the U21s with six Premier League 2 goals and four assists.
Two of Luca’s goals were featured as Spurs Goals of the Month in August and September. Both goals display LWB’s ability to manipulate the ball around an over-aggressive defender. Both are excellent goals and should be witnessed several times just to bring some happiness to your week.
LWB also impressed during his October 5th game against Newcastle U21, smashing home two left-footed goals after showcasing impressive ball handling and body movement skills to set himself up for the perfect shot. He also contributed an assist in this match, using excellent field vision to analyze the defense and find an open Tynan Thompson for the goal. These highlights are worth watching a couple of cycles on repeat.
The International Break couldn’t stop LWB’s unbelievable momentum in recent form. These two highlights alone against Haiti will make you want to pull up as many highlights of LWB as you can find just to ensure that these skills are not just a flash in the pan. The goal, while completely astounding, is secondary to this first clip. How he dribbles around three defenders and completely breaks one’s ankles with an effortless spin-move gave me the most chills.
But the goal…simply amazing as well.
Yusuf Akhamrich – Right Winger (FotMob Rating: 7.56)
The 20-year-old Moroccan is making a splash to kick off his 25/26 Premier League 2 campaign, tallying two goals and two assists in eight starts for the U21s. He also added another goal and an assist in the EFL Trophy Cup, making it hard to deny his ability to create and score from the right side. Yusuf closed out August by scoring in three consecutive matches. His ability to cut back into the box from the channel and create a shot out of seemingly nothing was on full display in his goal against Palace.
In each of his goals against Bristol Rovers U21 and Nottingham Forest U21, the winger’s finishing abilities were undeniable. Set up each time beautifully by a lead pass, Yusuf’s composure and touch with the ball seem to lull the defense to sleep before the explosive shot from his right foot finds the back of the net.
Yusuf has been called up to the senior squad twice this season, but has yet to see any playing time. With injuries and a busy schedule constantly clouding the Spurs’ future, it’s a matter of when, not if, we’ll see him again. Watching how his moves translate to the big stage will be very exciting.
Tynan Thompson – Left Winger (FotMob Rating: 7.46)
Although Tynan has only netted one goal in Premier League 2 play, the young Englishman has five goals across all competitions to start the season. From late October to early November, Thompson recorded a goal contribution in five consecutive games, scoring in four straight matches!
Against Bristol Rovers U21 in a cup game, Tynan utilizes his top-level 1v1 dribbling skills down the left channel, completely dusting his defender, and scoring from a low xG angle.
Tynan’s goal against Newcastle U21, assisted by LWB, required a subtle first touch back toward the center of the box, which led to a smaller touch, followed by a wicked shot. His technique in getting around the defender was excellent, and the shot couldn’t have been placed better. See for yourself:
Scoring goals isn’t the only plus attribute that this 17-year old possesses. Tynan’s above-average pace can propel him from box-to-box if necessary, as he showed against Sunderland U21 below. His speed is just a part of his package, a trait that I don’t think he has yet fully unleashed. Just watch this youngster weave his way down field with a purpose!
There is a lot of potential packed into Thompson’s game that is hard to deny the more you watch. If you haven’t seen much from him, check out this YouTube highlight reel. You will become a fan, I promise.
Rio Kyerematen – Defensive Midfielder (FotMob Rating: 7.43)
When checking out Rio’s match stats on FotMob, it’s hard not to immediately lock on to the brace he put up against Leicester City U21. So why should we ignore it? In the Spurs Academy Instagram clip below, both goals come while Rio is lurking around the top of the box. The first goal comes off a corner that seems to find the net despite lacking any real umpf. The second was a howitzer that nearly missed the goal from close distance.
Rio’s equalizer goal in a cup game against Cheltenham Town did sail too high. However, a lucky bounce off the crossbar found its way back to him. His second bite at the apple was much more fruitful.
More often that not, Rio’s FotMob rating drives into and above a 7.0. In his 8.3 rated game against Newcastle U21, Rio got on the board with an assist, but also took two shots, created two chances, and tacked on four defensive contribution. While he will need more games like this to prove his two-way nature was not just an anomaly, his ability to control the tempo and progress the passes to the U21’s potent forwards should take center spotlight moving foward.
Jun’ai Byfield – Center Back (FotMob Rating: 7.21)
Byfield’s five minute clip below may have been the best five minutes I spent drafting this article. One of the first traits that was immediatly apparenty when watch this highlight reel was Byfield’s ability to send accurate long passes deep into the attacking third. But then, you notice his ball handling and passing skills. Here is just a small taste of some of the things he has shown off so far this seaason.
The 6’2” center back isn’t afraid of aggressively attacking incoming fowards to make a tackle, has the vision to start a break out either with a pass or by dribbling into open space, and is a handful in the box when battling for corners. I highly recommend watching the entire reel. It will make things THAT much better.
Under 18
Armend Muslika - Midfielder
The 16-year-old player from Albania seems to be settling in well in London, scoring nine goals in the U18 Premier League, ranking first on his team and second overall in the league. In his goal against Reading U18 below, Armend demonstrates his composure by settling the ball with a soft first touch through a couple of defenders, uses his maneuverability to get around them, and then places a shot where no one can reach it. Not breathtaking, but still impressive.
Muslika continued his outstanding form during the international break, playing over 70 minutes for Albania in the U17 European Championship Qualifications and scoring a goal in a loss to Kazakhstan. His consistent scoring ability definitely increases interest in Armend, even if his natural position still remains uncertain. But for now, all eyes will be on whether or not his goal production is sustainable. And if it’s not, what is the second ability he will lean on?
Oliver Boast - Forward
Twice so far this year, Oliver Boast has been honored with a Goal of the Month by Spurs Play. Despite his affection for the knee-slide celebration into the cameraman, both goals also showcased the motor this kid has. In the first goal, his burst up the left wing and then down the back line shows he’s used to outrunning opponents. His second header for a goal shows that he is willing to throw his body into a play to get one past the goalie. The kid is definitely showing grit to kick off this year. Keep an eye on him to do more during the second half of the season.
That’s all for now. Thanks to anyone that made it this far down the article! Here’s to our future Spurs!
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