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Tottenham projected XI v Barnsley: Which starlets will get their chance?

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou of Tottenham Hotspur in action during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou of Tottenham Hotspur in action during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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ENFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Kyle Walker-Peters of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during a Tottenham Hotspur training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group H match against Borussia Dortmund at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on September 12, 2017 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Kyle Walker-Peters of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during a Tottenham Hotspur training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group H match against Borussia Dortmund at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on September 12, 2017 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Left Back-Kyle Walker-Peters

There’s no Tottenham youngster with a stronger case for more playing time than Kyle Walker-Peters. His excellent debut in the Premier League opener against Newcastle seemed to prime him for a significant role this season. Unfortunately for the English starlet, the acquisition of Serge Aurier has him third in Pochettino’s right back pecking order.

Fortunately, he’s also played quite a bit of left back at the Academy level. That positional flexibility is going to give him an opportunity to play more as the season progresses. While I’m sure he’d like to start this match at right back, he should be excited at the prospect of 90 minutes at any position.

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Left Centre Back-Jan Vertonghen

You’re going to see a lot of youth in this match, but we are talking about a Championship opponent. Having a starter or two on the pitch will put the fringe players in position to succeed.

Vertonghen’s questionable red card at the end of the Dortmund game likely pushes him into the starting XI v Barnsley. With a required rest coming up, there’s little reason not to play him in this match. He’ll be expected to serve as the cool head in the back line to help his squad keep a clean sheet.

Right Centre Back-Juan Foyth

The young Argentine defender is in line for his Tottenham debut. Pochettino has been very complimentary of his talent, but this will be the first time many Spurs fan see him play.

Expect to see a precocious youngster who isn’t at all afraid to carry the ball out of the back. A confident performance against the Tykes could solidify his position as the club’s top reserve centre back for the remainder of the season.

Right Back-Kieran Trippier

I could easily make a sly remark about how Trippier should be a Championship fullback, but I’ll pass. Instead, I’ll point out that Aurier needs to be rested to play against West Ham in the club’s next Premier League clash. That means the former Burnley man will get the start against Barnsley. He should have plenty of opportunity to get forward with the ball without fear of being beaten on the counter.

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