Why Spurs are signing “world class” youngsters would be bad news for Williams-Barnett

There are genuine concerns from Tottenham Hotspur about the long-term outlook for the club, as schools have been neglected for a long time now in north London.

Not as Harry Kane has had an impressive product from youth has made a lasting, tangible impact at first-team level, with the lack of a clear way to see the likes of Tynan Thompson jumping ship this summer, the 18-year-old joining Manchester United.

Youth often seem vulnerable under Roberto De Zerbi's new regime, with 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic sold to Brighton and Hove Albion, while 20-year-old Lucas Bergvall is looking to leave in search of more game time elsewhere.

There is a risk that the Spurs sell tomorrow to finance today, and get everything in a short time. However, could Luca Williams-Barnett be the next big hope?

Why Williams-Barnett is a Spurs star in the making

All eyes were on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes' first outings in a Tottenham shirt against MK Dons, however the £185m pair arguably stood out for Spurs' young players in the second half.

Paired with Jamie Donley as something of a midfield pairing after the break, Williams-Barnett was adept at raising the curtain in the pre-season, running the show at just 17 years of age.

This young player from England just ran away from opponents at will, tried six dribbles in total, while giving many holes to those in front of him, and three important passes.

The teenager's most important moment came following a delightful turn and pass over the top of the Dons defense to pick out Yang Min-hyeok, the Korean who eventually failed to fire into an empty net as the game ended 1-0.

He has been at his best so far, but there is more to come from this testimonial, with Williams-Barnett showing why he is “one of England's biggest talents at youth level”, according to Como analyst and scout Ben Mattinson.

Mattinson also believes there could be a battle in north London in the near future between the midfielder and Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, which is a sign of how highly regarded the Spurs man is.

With that in mind, ENIC would be wise not to make a move that could further block Williams-Barnett's path to first-team action.

Why Spurs' signing could spell bad news for Williams-Barnett

Apart from Fernandes, all of Spurs' signings this summer are aged 26 or over, with De Zerbi chasing proven Premier League experience as he looks to lead the club back into the shallow waters.

That doesn't mean they aren't looking for the next big thing, with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi believed to be the front-runner, fresh off the 20-year-old's record-breaking campaign in England.

The Lilywhites could also look away from new arrivals, with Argentinian newspaper Crónica reporting that the club have opened talks with Real Madrid over a potential deal for Franco Mastantuono.

It is suggested that Spurs are keen to explore possible loan options for the 18-year-old, with a number of rival clubs lined up as the South American looks to further his development elsewhere.

The former River Plate wonderkid endured a quiet first season in Madrid following his arrival from Argentina last year, scoring just once in 23 LaLiga appearances as he failed to play a regular role.

That doesn't mean he isn't the best, however, having been hailed as an “absolutely world-class talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, following his impressive previous career in his homeland.

Indeed, the Spanish giants fended off intense interest from rivals from Europe's top flight to sign Mastantuono, a youngster who was a rising star at the River, scoring and assisting 17 goals in 64 appearances for the club.

Like Williams-Barnett, he is another really exciting youngster, a game-winner with individual flair, which is why Spurs and Premier League rivals Fulham are in trouble for his signature.

If a deal is done, it could hamper Williams-Barnett's hopes of getting a regular team role next term, Mastantuono, like the Englishman, is another young player who has done his best work on the flanks or in the tenth role.

Although his minutes were limited last season, the Madrid man is still impressive, notably ranking in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and young players in Europe's five major leagues for passing 90 balls, as well as in the top 1% for defensive dulls won.

There is the perfection of his game that Williams-Barnett also showed against MK Dons, but bringing the Argentine into the fold is another matter.

Do Spurs really need him, especially when Williams-Barnett looks ready to break through? There may be only one location.