'Sky's the limit': Jermain Defoe says teenager Tottenham let go in 2024 actually had 'huge potential'
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One of the biggest positives surrounding Tottenham Hotspur is the plethora of talented young players at their disposal.
Names like Mikey Moore, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall instantly spring to mind at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Archie Gray has been lauded by Ange Postecoglou for proving his mettle as a makeshift centre-back.
Gray as well as Lucas Bergvall has been praised by Declan Rice while Glenn Hoddle is a huge admirer of Mikey Moore.
While Spurs are undergoing a nightmarish season as they sit in 15th place in the Premier League table, the number of talented young players at their disposal give them a reason to look forward to the future.
Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
15 | TottenhamTottenham | 22 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 24 |
As a former youth coach in Tottenham’s Under-18s, Jermain Defoe was reflecting on some of the youngsters he coached.
Jermain Defoe says former Tottenham youngster Kieran Morgan was so talented
Defoe compared Tyrece Hall to Luka Modric and Joe Cole due to his “silky” technique.
Another player who the former Lilywhites striker rated very highly was Kieran Morgan, who left Tottenham to join Queens Park Rangers last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jermain Defoe revealed just how talented the 18-year-old was.
“Kieran [Morgan], again another one, Kieran was at Tottenham. Again, I coached Kieran and then he had a decision to make, whether to stay at Tottenham, he had a few offers and he’s actually at QPR now doing well, playing football which is always important for young players.”
“Someone who always trained well, huge potential, technically gifted and again, these players are young but he was someone I believed and sky’s the limit, I believed could go and play at some level and he’s doing that now.”
Morgan is a defensive midfielder by trade.
Joining Spurs’ academy at U8s level, the Englishman was released by his boyhood club last year as he signed for QPR’s Development Squad.
Morgan went on to become a regular for the Championship side and was handed a long-term contract this January.
Jermain Defoe says Tottenham midfielder Callum Olusesi has “great potential”
Another player who Jermain Defoe raved about who is still at Tottenham is Callum Olusesi.
Olusesi has been a part of 17 of Ange Postecoglou’s matchday squads.
CALLUM OLUSESI ON THE BENCH THIS SEASON | |
COMPETITION | |
PREMIER LEAGUE | 10 |
EUROPA LEAGUE | 3 |
FA CUP | 1 |
CARABAO CUP | 3 |
The talented midfielder has featured on the bench for games such as against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League.
In the Europa League as well, Olusesi was watching on from the sidelines during games such as against Galatasaray, AS Roma and Rangers.
Jermain Defoe sang his praises, saying: “There’s another one, Callum Olusesi. He’s been on the bench a few times this season for Tottenham.”
“Another young player, can play as a holding midfielder, as a [number] six, can play as an eight, can play as a 10.”
“He’s still developing but great potential.”
Jermain Defoe’s endorsement about Olusesi and Hall should certainly excite Tottenham fans.