It was an interesting game last night. I thought Spurs were the better team but looked a bit like how we did on Unsworths first season- namely playing some good stuff but not quite capitalising as we ought. As the Spurs fan said, they were a bit young (average age about half a year younger) but had half a dozen under 18's involved who all acquitted themselves very well. Edwards looked the standout lad on the pitch to me, but as I've said since I've seen him he does need to learn when to release the ball and help maximise the natural talent he has (which is substantial). I liked the number 5 (centre half) for them as well. But yes they are a proper club and remind me of our youth set up really, playing the right way.
As for our performance we it was a bit reminiscent of the 87 league success really. We seem to be able to win games quite ugly. We hit channels a lot, which is something Unsworth feels comfortable with and more in line with what the first team coach wants (and a break with the previous manager). DCL had a decent game and you can see why they like him, he works hard, has a good touch, quite quick, good in the air and presses well.
Fennel looked solid at the back and once he continues to grow could do well. It was great to see Galloway back and thought he did well, he looks at lot bigger now and natural at centre half, which kind of illustrates the point the physical development between 19-21 is very important for young players.
In midfield we were a bit lost first half. I thought Besic played nicely. Whats interesting is just how much more physical he looked than Walsh and Williams. When we need to get our foot in he was well ahead of those lads. It kind of illustrates while these lads are good players, physically they are still a bit behind senior pro's in terms of strength. It's the only area he looked superior to Williams and Walsh but a very important one.
Walsh was very good in the second half and continues to look a very natural deep lying playmaker. He's also aggressive and nips into tackles well. I hope he gets a chance with us. Williams was a bit lost in the 10 but better when playing deeper.
Dowell I've spoken about above. Cookman couldn't get into the game much. He could probably do with the seasons end and the break, to take in everything that has happened to him and start afresh.
The team more generally looks devoid of any standout players. Watching it, as you do over the years there was no player that stood out as "this lad will make it". No Rooney or Barkley. Yet Davies was a bit like that when he played in the team last season and he's thrived, so it's an inexact science. What does come across though is (as Unsworth said 2-3 years ago) none of them will let us down. Part of that is the good conditioning they've had within the academy and specifically what Unsworth has given them. Part of it is for the most part this is a very talented group of players. Charsley, Walsh, Williams, Dowell etc are all signifiantly ahead of any lads at under 17 and most of our under 18's.
It's hard to pick any out who are nailing down a starting place. It's tradition in pre-season for younger players to get opportunities while the internationals have a break. I can see a group of 7 or 8 who played yesterday being involved and have learnt that opportunity. Ultimately they will need to make their case in the summer which won't be easy and for some could almost be last chance. I'd like to see Galloway, Kenny, Dowell, Walsh, Williams, Lookman and DCL all given a chance with the first team squad. I feel each has learnt that chance.
I was impressed with Unsworth again. We were poor first half but he made some subtle changes. I couldn't make out what formation we played second half. Dowell seemed to be in a false 9. Yet whatever he did it worked and it stifled Spurs and turned the game in our favour.
