Tottenham Hotspur appears to have developed a knack for producing impressive midfield talent from the academy ranks, with both Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp rising through the ranks in recent years.
That notable duo could be joined in the coming years by another exciting prospect in the form of 17-year-old playmaker Han Willhoft-King, who has been named to the Guardian’s Next Generation list for 2022.
That acknowledgment has fueled speculation that the elegant midfielder will force his way into Antonio Conte’s plans sooner rather than later, having clearly caught the eye with his performances at the youth level in recent times.
How is Willhoft-King doing in the Spurs academy?
The former England U16 international has only made six appearances in all competitions this season due to injury, but the rising star shone during the club’s FA Youth Cup run last season, starting all three games.
Those appearances demonstrated the youngster’s versatility in playing in both central midfield and a more defensive-minded role in front of the back four, with Spurs insider John Wenham hailing him as “one to watch” in the coming years.
While Willhoft-King has earned comparisons to the aforementioned Skipp as evidence of his undeniable talent, the more creative starlet may be hoping to emulate another figure from Tottenham’s recent past, with the void left by Belgian powerhouse Mousa Dembele in 2019 still to be filled.
Who can step in for Dembele at Spurs?
The now-retired maestro was a key figure during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as manager, with the Argentine coach describing him as a “genius” for his commanding, one-of-a-kind style in the middle of the park.
The fluid and silky gem, who made 249 appearances for the club on all fronts, was a true master at driving the north London outfit forward from his deep-lying role thanks to his dribbling prowess, having only recently earned notable praise from former teammate Kieran Trippier.
“He’s an absolute magician,” England’s right-back said of the Belgian. With or without the ball, it’s absolutely terrifying. He possessed everything. He possessed everything.”
The current Newcastle United defender even suggested that had Dembele not been sold the previous January, Tottenham would have had a better chance of winning the Champions League final, with the England international stating in 2020 that you “just can’t replace” him.
Trying to find a successor for the one-time Fulham titan has, in fact, proven rather difficult for Spurs in recent years, with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Gedson Fernandes just two of those who have failed to impress in the center of the park, although the hope is that young Willhoft-King will prove to be the man for the job in the future.
The highly-rated sensation appears to have Dembele-like composure, with journalist David Hytner describing him as smooth on the ball and boasting an ‘impressive’ passing range.
According to Superhotspur, the academy star has also been described as a very creative player with the ‘ability to skilfully get past players,’ with such glowing praise no doubt demonstrating a resemblance to that man Dembele, who averaged 2.4 successful dribbles per game during his playing career.
Although putting such pressure on Willhoft-young King’s shoulders may prove unfair, Conte may have a real diamond on his hands at Tottenham who is just waiting to be unleashed.
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