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Tottenham must leave pair of starlets alone

By Rucker Haringey

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Joshua Onomah of England (R) celebrates as he scores their first goal with team mates during the UEFA European Under 21 Championship Group 4 Qualifier between England and Scotland at Riverside Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Joshua Onomah of England (R) celebrates as he scores their first goal with team mates during the UEFA European Under 21 Championship Group 4 Qualifier between England and Scotland at Riverside Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham don’t need to recall their loanees

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Tottenham have the ability to bring Josh Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers back to London in January. It might be tempting for Spurs to recall one of their talented starlets, but the smart move would be to let them continue to develop away from the senior squad.

In all likelihood, Tottenham will try to strengthen their squad in January via the transfer market. Some media members believe Spurs will be tempted to recall Onomah and Carter-Vickers if they strike out on their top targets. Cutting either player’s loan short would be hazardous to their long-term development.

Onomah has already made 19 appearances in the Championship for Aston Villa this season. The 20-year-old midfielder has started 13 league matches for the Villains and has been a solid contributor. He’s scored three goals and added one assist on the campaign.

It’s possible that Onomah could make a contribution off the bench for the senior squad, but it would likely require a rash of injuries. He lacks the dynamic offensive ability to play as an attacking midfielder under Pochettino. Conversely, he also lacks the physical size or quick passing ability necessary to be deployed as a defensive midfielder. In a sense, Onomah is a man without a position at Tottenham.

That’s precisely why he needs to remain at Villa. There, he continues to get valuable playing time which allows him to work on his game. If he were to return to Spurs, he’d be lucky to get an occasional appearance off the substitute’s bench.

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Carter-Vickers isn’t nearly as talented as Onomah, but his position might give him a clearer potential path towards regular playing time. Pochettino isn’t blessed with a tremendous amount of depth at the centre back position. Currently, Tottenham only have Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth playing full-time as central defenders. Eric Dier does move to the back line in a pinch as well.

It would only take two injuries to move Carter-Vickers into the matchday squad. That still doesn’t mean he should be ticketed for a January return though. Pochettino is happy to play his starting centre backs every match. He only carries a defender on the bench in case of emergency. It requires either an injury or sending off to get a reserve center back onto the pitch.

The bottom line with Carter-Vickers is that he simply isn’t ready for meaningful first team football at Tottenham. That’s why Pochettino brought Foyth in to take his place this summer. A few months away on loan at Sheffield United haven’t given Carter-Vickers enough time to develop enough to return to Spurs.

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Tottenham need to make sure they do enough January transfer business to leave Onomah and Carter-Vickers right where they are. Recalling either of them back to the Premier League this season would seriously stunt their development.

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