Tottenham Hotspur appear to have developed something of a knack for producing impressive midfield talent from the academy ranks, with both Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp having emerged from the youth setup into the first-team in recent times.
That notable duo could well be joined by another exciting prospect in the coming years in the form of 17-year-old playmaker Han Willhoft-King, with the highly-rated teenager having been included in the Guardian’s Next Generation list for 2022.
That recognition has sparked hope that the elegant midfielder will go on to force his way into Antonio Conte’s plans sooner rather than later, having clearly been catching the eye with his displays at youth level in recent times.
How is Willhoft-King performing in Spurs’ academy?
The former England U16 international has been restricted to just six appearances in all competitions so far in what has been an injury-hit campaign, although the emerging superstar notably shone as part of the club’s FA Youth Cup run last term, starting all three games in the tournament.
Those outings showcased the youngster’s flexibility to feature in both a central midfield role and a more defensive-minded berth in front of the back four, with Spurs insider John Wenham lauding him as “one to watch” in the years to come.
While Willhoft-King has encouragingly earned comparisons to the aforementioned Skipp as a marker of his undoubted quality, the more creative starlet may be hoping to emulate another figure of Tottenham’s recent past, with the void left behind by Belgian powerhouse Mousa Dembele in 2019 yet to be filled.
Who can replace Dembele at Spurs?
The now-retired maestro was a leading figure during Mauricio Pochettino’s time at the helm, having been described as a “genius” by the Argentine coach for his commanding, unique style in the middle of the park.
The fluid and silky gem – who racked up 249 appearances for the club across all fronts – was a true master at driving the north London outfit forward from his deep-lying role as a result of his dribbling prowess, having only recently earned notable praise from former team-mate Kieran Trippier.
The England right-back said of the Belgian: “He’s an absolute magician. Just absolute frightening, with the ball, without the ball. He had everything. He had absolutely everything.”
The current Newcastle United defender even went as far as to suggest that Tottenham may have had a better chance of winning the Champions League final had Dembele not been sold the previous January, with the England international stating in 2020 that you simply “just can’t replace” him.
Trying to find a successor for the one-time Fulham titan has, in truth, proven rather impossible for Spurs in recent years – with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Gedson Fernandes just two of those who have been unable to impress in the centre of the park – although the hope will be that young Willhoft-King could prove to be the man for the job in the future.
The highly-rated sensation appears to possess that Dembele-esque composure, having been described as ‘smooth’ on the ball by journalist David Hytner, along with boasting an ‘impressive’ passing range.
The academy star has also been described as a ‘very creative player’ who has the ‘ability to skilfully get past players’, according to Superhotspur, with such glowing praise no doubt showcasing a likeness to that man Dembele, who averaged 2.4 successful dribbles per game during his playing career.
Although it may prove unfair to put such pressure on Willhoft-King’s young shoulders, Conte could well have a real diamond on his hands at Tottenham who is just waiting to be unleashed.