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Tottenham news: Pochettino names player he believes will surprise the Premier League

By Rucker Haringey

ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Juan Foyth of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Ian Henderson of Rochdale AFC during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Rochdale and Tottenham Hotspur on February 18, 2018 in Rochdale, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Juan Foyth of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Ian Henderson of Rochdale AFC during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Rochdale and Tottenham Hotspur on February 18, 2018 in Rochdale, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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Juan Foyth is coming on for Tottenham

Breaking into Tottenham’s starting XI isn’t an easy task these days. It’s particularly difficult when you’re a centre back. However, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Juan Foyth may be ready to do the impossible.

Reports from England claim Pochettino is spending a lot of time with the Argentine defender over the current International Break. Foyth arrived in North London for a modest transfer fee of £12 million this summer. Not surprisingly, Foyth’s only contributions for the club to date have come outside of Premier League action.

The Spurs gaffer even went so far as to say that Foyth may “surprise” many people in the near future. Pochettino also believes Foyth has the quality to become one of the best centre backs in Europe. He may need to reach that level if he’s going to crack into Pochettino’s centre back rotation for Spurs.

After all, Tottenham are currently blessed with a very talented trio of starting central defenders. Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld are all among the best centre backs in England when they’re fit and firing. Their talent was significant enough to cause Pochettino to play three at the back on multiple occasions earlier this season. When Alderweireld resumes full fitness it’s going to cause Pochettino to either revert to that formation or sit a very talented defender on the bench.

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That’s precisely why Foyth is going to find Premier League playing time almost impossible to earn at Tottenham in the near future. Pochettino can wax and wane about the starlet’s talent all he likes, but he’s not going to throw him into a Premier League match anytime soon unless a serious injury crisis arises.

Why then is Pochettino going public with his praise of Foyth? It’s simple really. He understands that his young countryman is likely frustrated at his lack of opportunities to compete at the Premier League level to date. Talking positively about him in the press is a great way to make him feel better about his place at Spurs without risking him in Premier League play this year.

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Juan Foyth has the talent to be an important part of Pochettino’s Tottenham project in the future, but his role for the remainder of this season will continue to be limited. In fact, it’s very possible that he won’t make another appearance for the senior squad this year. Foyth needs to work hard and bide his time before he’s ready for prime time at Tottenham.

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