Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has extended his gratitude towards the coaching staff at the academy for the work they have done with Spurs talent Oliver Skipp.
Skipp, who took part in Tottenham’s pre-season tour in the summer, made his full Premier League debut for Spurs during the hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley at Wembley on Saturday.
The 18-year-old was deployed in a deep-lying central midfield role just ahead of the Tottenham backline and managed to clock 75 minutes before being replaced by Heung-Min Son as the hosts secured maximum points through Christian Eriksen’s stoppage time winner.
Despite only making his second appearance in the league, Skipp gave a good account of himself and showcased his wide range of skills, that include spraying passes out wide and recycling possession.
The young midfielder was not shy of being robust whenever required and completed 46 of his 54 passes throughout his involvement in the game.
Pochettino, who decided to provide an opportunity to the youngster, tipped his hat to the coaching staff at the academy for the work they have done with Skipp over the course of his development.
“I want to congratulate the people in the academy, John [McDermott, academy head], Dean [Rastrick, academy manager] and the coaches and staff who work in education”, Pochettino said in a press conference after the win over Burnley.
“I think to build his career with him and to help him to build his career is fantastic.
“The work they are doing is amazing and we need to profit from this work to provide the team that energy and quality player because he is a very good kid, a very good person and it is a fantastic thing for Tottenham.”
Skipp has represented England at Under-16 and Under-18 levels and will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduate Harry Winks.
