Mauricio Pochettino has been lauded for his fantastic work at Tottenham for transforming the club from serial underachievers to Champions League regulars whilst sourcing and developing young talent. But… is the Argentine set to put youth commitments on hold for short term success?

There is no denying that Pochettino is almost the perfect fit for Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur at the minute, with Spurs’ multi-million pound development training centre and emphasis on youth development coinciding smoothly with the Argentine’s philosophy of developing young talent. Spurs’ new £1bn stadium (currently in the works) emphasizes the club’s long term ambitions.

However, as Tottenham enter their fourth season under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino the North London outfit have no silverware to show for the fantastic progression in the last few years. After being dumped out of the League Cup and trailing league leaders Manchester City by 22 points, Spurs’ only hopes of silverware this season is the FA Cup or Champions League.

Has anything changed?

Pochettino has earned an impressive reputation for sourcing and developing youth at Spurs, with Anthony Georgiou, Kaziah Sterling, Kyle Walker-Peters and Tashan Oakley-Boothe all making first team debuts this season.

However, some may argue that as of late Pochettino has put youth development on hold as he tries to improve Spurs’ patchy league form.

Marcus Edwards is considered the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Spurs academy and was likened to Lionel Messi by Pochettino after his 15 minute cameo against Gillingham in the League Cup over 16 months ago. Yet for one reason or another Edwards’ progression (in the first team) has hit somewhat of a brick wall ever since.

As Edwards turns 19, it maybe time for Pochettino to stick or twist on the England under 20 winger. With just 15 minutes of senior football under his belt in his professional career thus far, maybe a loan for Edwards would be the best move for both parties at the moment, as he does not seem to be in Pochettino’s plans just yet.

Change of approach?

Mauricio Pochettino has had a notable influence on the careers of many youth prospects at Spurs thus far, with the likes of Harry Kane and Harry Winks being the main beneficiaries of the Argentine’s methods.

Harry Winks appears to be the breakthrough player for Spurs this season, the reluctance to loan out the Hemel-Hempstead born midfielder has proved to be a very wise move for all parties. However, in the summer Pochettino seemed willing to tweak his methods of youth development as he allowed Josh Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers to move to Championship outlets Aston Villa and Sheffield United on season long-loans.

A lack of first team action for academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters has caused speculation within the media, suggesting that 20 year old could be set for a loan move.

End Trophy Drought?

As Spurs head into the new year, it will mark a decade since they last won a trophy. Pochettino will be keen to head into Tottenham’s new stadium without that burden laying over him and his side.

Tottenham reached the FA Cup semi-finals last year playing a fairly strong team against lower opposition before being knocked out by Chelsea. Spurs will be keen to go two steps further this time around and lift the cup for the first time since 1991. The FA Cup remains the best opportunity for silverware this season in my opinion, and I think that Pochettino will name a strong side for the majority of this competition with the occasional opportunity for youth players on the fringes of the squad (e.g Kyle Walker-Peters).

The one notable improvement on last season for Spurs has been their European form, taking down double European Champions Real Madrid as well as defeating Borrusia Dortmund home and away, to finish top of ”the group of death”.

Whilst Spurs are far from favourites for the crown of Europe’s elite, the 1984 UEFA Cup winners will be keen for a run in the competition.

Lifting the Champions League remains a fantasy at this point in time, but if Spurs were to get past Italian giants Juventus then some may dare to dream.

Ultimately, a trophy does not need to justify the brilliant job that Mauricio Pochettino has done at this great club over the last four years. But…after seeing Kyle Walker move to Manchester City where he looks set to win a Premier League title, a trophy could be key in the long term future of this current squad and could be enough to convince them that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Here is to a happy and hopefully successful 2018,

Come on you Spurs!