Football FanCast
·24 February 2022
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·24 February 2022
Tottenham Hotspur’s academy is arguably one of the best in the Premier League.
The likes of Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp have all broken through from the academy system to establish themselves as a first-team regular at some point over the last few years.
But who could be the next in line?
Japhet Tanganga has flirted with the prospect of being that man but far too often, he’s failed to deliver and prove his worth at this level. After all, he’s never been out on loan, whereas two of the aforementioned three made their name in temporary stints elsewhere.
Instead, Malachi Fagan-Walcott could be the one to save Spurs millions of pounds as just like his fellow U23 gem, he’s a versatile defender capable of playing anywhere along the backline.
Given Antonio Conte’s desire to play three-at-the-back in north London, there are more places up for grabs because of that extra central defender, so it seems plausible that someone like Fagan-Walcott will be in line for an opportunity sooner or later.
The 19-year-old has already caught the eye of the Italian head coach, having been called up to first-team training in recent months.
Fagan-Walcott has had experience away from Hotspur Way, featuring for SPFL outfit Dundee FC last season, though it was short-lived due to injury.
The Athletic once described him as an imposing centre-back at 6 foot 2 inches, a threat from set-pieces and popular with ex-manager Jose Mourinho, whilst Scottish publication the Daily Record dubbed him a “rising star” on social media.
Under the Portuguese, the academy prospect earned his professional debut, coming on in the final few minutes of Spurs’ last appearance in the Champions League – a heavy 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig back in March 2020.
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“It was a night of mixed emotions, extremely disappointed to be knocked out of the Champions League with such a great team, but on a positive note happy to have made my professional debut in the Champions League,” he tweeted (as relayed by football.london).
Not only is he blessed with those ‘imposing’ attributes but he also has rapid pace and acceleration, being a 200m district sprint champion and that only bolsters his credentials and might point to why Conte has already taken a look at him.
Whilst it’s unlikely we see him this campaign, Fagan-Walcott is certainly one to watch for the future and he will help save chairman Daniel Levy millions in future transfer windows.