Tottenham Hotspur’s Season: Challenges, Hope, and Emerging Talent
Tottenham Hotspur have faced their fair share of struggles this season, but under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, there remains optimism that something special could still materialize. Despite a recent setback against Manchester City, which halted a three-game Premier League winning streak, Spurs are fighting to close the gap on Aston Villa, who sit nine points ahead in 10th place.
While Postecoglou may acknowledge that the chances of Premier League success are slim, the upcoming Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar offers a glimmer of hope. Fans are still holding out for the manager’s ambitious trophy-winning aspirations to come to fruition. Even if those dreams fall short, the season has seen several bright sparks emerge who could play pivotal roles in the club’s future.
Spurs’ Bright Sparks in 2024/25
This week, 18-year-old Archie Gray was named the Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards. Gray has been a revelation, stepping up during an injury crisis and excelling in unfamiliar defensive roles despite being touted as a future midfield star. Signed from Leeds United last summer for a fee between £30m and £40m, Gray is proving to be a potential superstar in the making.
Last summer’s transfer activity has also brought promise. Dominic Solanke has added physicality and a focal point to the attack, while Lucas Bergvall, despite his young age, is staking his claim as one of Europe’s top teenage talents.
Another standout is 17-year-old Mikey Moore, who has already made his mark in the senior setup. Moore scored against Elfsborg in the Europa League and has featured in seven Premier League games, including an assist against Everton.
However, the biggest surprise might be Djed Spence. Once written off as a flop after loan spells at Leeds United and Genoa, Spence has forced his way into Postecoglou’s plans this season, with reporter Rob Guest praising his impressive performances.
Regret Over Selling the ‘Original’ Spence
With Pedro Porro struggling and Destiny Udogie battling fitness issues, Spence’s resurgence has been a silver lining. His rise has also sparked reflections on Spurs’ decision to sell Kyle Walker-Peters, who could have provided valuable depth over the years.
Walker-Peters, a Tottenham academy graduate, made 24 appearances for the first team before being sold to Southampton for just £12m in 2020. Since then, he has played 141 Premier League games, scoring twice and providing 11 assists. Despite Southampton’s struggles this season, Walker-Peters has demonstrated his quality, ranking among the top 10% of Premier League full-backs for pass completion, the top 1% for progressive carries, and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.
His versatility—having played as a left wing-back, right wing-back, right-back, centre-back, and left-back—makes him a tactical fit for Postecoglou’s system. With Porro’s form under scrutiny, Spurs may soon need to address their right-back situation, and Walker-Peters could be a cost-effective solution.
Looking Ahead
As Southampton brace for potential bids for Walker-Peters, Tottenham could consider bringing him back to N17. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he represents a low-risk, high-reward option.
While Postecoglou’s squad faces challenges, the emergence of young talents like Gray, Bergvall, and Moore offers hope for the future. If Spurs can address key areas and learn from past transfer mistakes, they could be well-positioned to compete in the seasons to come.
Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy may yet reflect on the decision to let Walker-Peters go, especially as they seek to build a squad capable of challenging for silverware.
