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What should Tottenham do with Oliver Skipp?

By Rucker Haringey

PASADENA, CA - JULY 28: Ricard Puig #8 of Barcelona plays the ball from Oliver Skipp #52 of Tottenham Hotspur during the second half of the International Champions Cup 2018 match at Rose Bowl on July 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Barcelona defeated Tottenham 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JULY 28: Ricard Puig #8 of Barcelona plays the ball from Oliver Skipp #52 of Tottenham Hotspur during the second half of the International Champions Cup 2018 match at Rose Bowl on July 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Barcelona defeated Tottenham 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham’s current injury crisis in the midfield makes it tempting to put Oliver Skipp into the first team. Mauricio Pochettino must avoid that temptation.

It’s easy to understand why Tottenham fans are so excited about the way Oliver Skipp has played in the club’s two preseason matches of the season. The 17-year-old midfielder hasn’t looked at all out of his depth in either of his two substitute appearances. That does not mean, however, that Skipp should be contending for a spot in the first team this season.

Spurs are currently dealing with several injuries in the midfield. Harry Winks is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Victor Wanyama has suffered a recurrence of the knee injury that plagued him all of last season. Moussa Sissoko went out against Barcelona with a minor knock. Even Tashan Oakley-Boothe is missing the USA tour due to injury.

The lack of numbers in the midfield has understandably, raised the question of whether or not Academy prospects should be promoted to fill the gap. That’s a terrific idea in theory, but asking Skipp to play a meaningful role in the Premier League this season is simply too big of an ask.

Promoting Skipp too far, too fast, is the worst thing the club can do for his long-term development. He’s got excellent potential, but his game needs to be nurtured and cultivated. It’s important to hand him more responsibility this season, but he should not be overwhelmed.

Pochettino and company have two realistic options for Skipp next season. They could certainly keep him in North London to be a regular player for the U23 squad. That would give him a chance to remain under the Argentine manager’s watchful eye all season long. Skipp could get regular opportunities to train with the first team as well. In many ways, this is the most likely scenario.

The other option would be to provide Skipp a loan that can help him sharpen his skills. He certainly isn’t ready for life in the Premier League, but he could potentially thrive with the right League One or Championship club. The physicality of either league would be a serious challenge for the slight midfielder, but toughening him up by playing him against bigger players could pay real dividends next season for Spurs.

Next. Tottenham may not need to buy another midfielder. dark

Skipp is a player who has every chance to succeed at Tottenham in the future, but next year is too early for Pochettino to count on him to help the first team. He’s enjoying a nice preseason, but Spurs can’t get too carried away with his progress.

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