Tottenham take on Gillingham on Wednesday night in the EFL Cup and Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham coach, has named Marcus Edwards in his squad. Speaking to the media on the eve of the game, the manager was in an affable mood as he praised the qualities of the 17-year-old.
The Argentine said that some of the qualities that the teenager has shown remind him of Lionel Messi and was considering handing the teenager a debut. Edwards, a left-footer, has caused considerable excitement at the London club with his ability.
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Pochettino’s decision to mention Edwards in the same breath as Messi reflects how highly the coach thinks of the teenager. He went on to compliment the player and how he regarded the teenager a “very good prospect” with the potential to be a top player.
Edwards has been at the centre of attention regarding his contract talks. The teenager is a product of the youth academy, having joined the club when he was an 8-year-old. He was earlier on a scholarship deal before being offered a professional contract. Talks seemed to have stalled in December, before the teenager finally signed a two-year professional contract with the club this summer.
Edwards, who featured in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2015: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs, has been described as a “prodigiously talented No. 10” and has reportedly been on the radar of top European clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The match against Gillingham will see a changed side with a possible start for 18-year-old centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers as well. Pochettino will hope his side can maintain their form and make it the next round. He will be without striker Harry Kane who sustained damaged ligaments on Sunday against Sunderland.
Vincent Janssen, who joined in the summer, will be a like-for-like replacement for the English forward. Pochettino has also hinted at handing academy-developed midfielders Tom Carroll, Josh Onomah and Harry Winks an opportunity to make an impression.
Tottenham currently lie third in the Premier League with eleven points after a strong start to the season. With games coming thick and fast for the London club, the Argentine will have to rotate his squad to ensure that his players stay fresh.
Spurs take on Middlesbrough at the weekend with a mid-week tie away tie against CSKA in the UEFA Champions League scheduled next Tuesday.
