What role can Ryan Sessegnon play for Tottenham next season?

Tottenham seem to finally be poised to complete the signing of Ryan Sessegnon. Can the Fulham starlet really help Spurs next season?

It’s been quite a while since Mauricio Pochettino has received any new players to work with at Hotspur Way. According to a variety of sources, Tottenham are actually closing in on a deal for Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon. The question to ask now is whether or not the 18-year-old can really boost Spurs next season.

London-based reporter, and self-professed Fulham supporter Richard Cawley reports that a deal between the Whites and Tottenham is “pretty close to done.” No particular transfer fee is mentioned in Cawley’s report, but it’s safe to assume a fee of somewhere between £25 and £35 million should be enough to get a deal done. Sessegnon has no interest in playing another season in the Championship.

It’s safe to say that the young Englishman’s star has dimmed a bit over the last 12 months. His play for Fulham last year was inconsistent at best. Sessegnon wasn’t surrounded by a great deal of talent, but he only was able to muster two goals and six assists in 35 Premier League appearances. That’s not quite the impact most pundits thought he’d have after his brilliant Championship campaign of 2017/18.

It’s important to remember that Sessegnon is still extremely young for a player in England’s top flight. There aren’t many 18-year-olds who are able to hold their own against Premier League opposition. Sessegnon wasn’t a star last season by any means, but the fact that he could avoid appearing out-of-place against most opponents proves he’s a lad with significant talent.

It’ll be up to Pochettino and his coaching staff to start transitioning Sessegnon’s vast amount of potential to more production. Fortunately, Spurs won’t rely on the young starlet to carry a very heavy load next season. They’ll expect Sessegnon to be a regular member of the squad, but it would be a major surprise if he’s able to break into Tottenham’s starting XI barring a rash of injuries.

Even when he does make it onto the pitch, he should enjoy a lot more space to work with at Tottenham. Attacking luminaries like Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli will continue to draw most of the attention from opposing defenders. Sessegnon was a massive focus for Fulham’s opponents, he’ll be much closer to an afterthought for Spurs’ foes.

The most likely role Sessegnon can achieve at Tottenham next season is to be a super substitute for Pochettino. His ability to play anywhere from fullback to forward should make him an attractive option during a lot of matches. That role should allow Sessegnon to enjoy some success running at tired opponents. He’s not the strongest player, but his pace is still excellent.

All in all, Sessegnon should prove to be a modest improvement over Pochettino’s current bench options. That’s enough to make him a success at Tottenham next season. Anything else he provides Spurs in 2019/20 will be a bonus.