Tom Carroll: Midfield maestro in the making

There is always a silver lining to every cloud, even Tottenham qualifying for the Europa League. The competition, as Harry Redknapp rightfully pointed out, is a 'killer' and it is no surprise the Spurs boss has been predominantly picking fringe players and youth as the games have dragged on, with, of course, the odd first-teamer there or thereabouts.

And while the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko, Giovani Dos Santos and Sebastien Bassong have flattered to deceive even the most die-hard of fans, it is the academy products that have really stuck out like a saw thumb. Those too old for the NextGen competition, which Spurs are currently excelling in, while in turn aren't ready for the rigours of the Premier League have been performing admirably in the competition when they have been given a chance.

Andros Townsend, Harry Kane, Danny Rose, of which he made he first start of the season last night, and Jake Livermore have all out in superb displays when called up but one has made an ever lasting impression on Spurs fans, and one that has left them crying out for more. Young Tom Carroll, who looks like he should be readying to study his GCSE's, has been controlling the tempo and dictating the play in the middle whenever he has started in the Europa League this season.

Some have been quick to point out his lightweight physique in the aftermath of results but then again, Luka Modric isn't exactly ripped like an old pair of jeans now is he? He hasn't looked at all fazed in a number of white hot atmospheres this season when, even for a hardened pro, the same grounds would prove daunting. I am, of course, referring to the PAOK game and despite the ground similar to that of a boiling hot cauldron of noise, the young midfielder put in an assured performance that would put players ten-years his senior to shame.

Some are already tipping the 19-year-old for big things in the game and while it may be easy to get carried away by the hype, you can see why fans are already jumping on the 'Tom Carroll Bandwagon'. Appearing much more mature for his ages than his peers have helped his growing reputation, with many believing he can be the natural heir to Luka Modric, should he leave. With that in mind though, he still has a long way to go before he reaches the pinnacle of his career but if he continues at the level of development he is continuing now, it may not be long before Carroll find himself a regular in the Spurs starting XI.

Comments

[Stoney]

It's nice to see a few promising youngsters coming through. It's been a very long time at spurs since we could say "he's one of ours" and not had to buy someone in. I always think that if a player comes through the system they develop a love for the name on the front of the shirt rather than the name on the back. It's still early days for Carroll and also the likes of Kane and Livermore, even Danny rose (yes we bought him, but you know what I mean) but I'm optimistic.

[grieving4greaves]

Tom Carroll, The kid has it all; a great maturity beyond his years for one so young. His first touch is sublime, coupled with a great awareness, and as he progresses, this will enrich his abiltity to read the game and elevate him to ever greater heights.
Harry obviously recognises the need for a cautious nurturing of such a talent and the Europa league as opposed to the frenetic prem, appears to be the perfect foil for him to display his wares. Am well chuffed for the lad and the club.

[Nicky Read]

I must of been watching a different Tom Carroll because while its true against more experienced opposition he has done well I certainly have not seen anything outstanding & as for livermore my aunt Nelly can play better

[sam]

Carroll is clearl;y quality. Livermore, not so much...

[Jimbob]

I've only seen one game of Carroll, against Shamrock Rovers and I thought both himself and Livermore were very unconvincing. But I'd like to see more because people seem to think he has potential.

Livermore is getting game time in the premier league, which is surprising to me, since he doesn't look anything more than a strong lad. He was so average at Newcastle, didn't make any impression on the game.

[Dave L]

I just hope LIvermore wont be given a start against Blackburn - ahead of Kranky / Sandro ???? God HR must see something that I surely dont - average at best.

[Paul T]

I think Carroll does look like he has lots of potential. Some might say he looks lightweight, but let's not forget Modric took at least a year to look like a premier league player.

As for Livermore, I have friends who hold Ipswich season tickets and they say he was terrible. But they also say Giovani was superb? Maybe Livermore is the new Jenas.

Does anyone else think Harry is wrong playing Giovani as a winger? His best position is as a support striker, where he has been superb for Mexico.

[AntiOnan]

Carrol & Sandro did ok until Rubin packed central midfield & overwhelmed them. He had looked ok until then but looked quite lost once overrrun. He tried linking up with Sandro to get the baqll but then was so isolated from the rest that he usuually lost the ball. It was a good lesson for him & for Sandro as neither have been in an overwhelmed CMF before. Was it Carrol's fault? To a degree but as sandro was pulled back to help out the defence it was natural for him to try to stay within passing range but here the forwards(and I mean ALL of them) failed to drop back to link up and left poor Carrol like the proverbial "shag on a rock"(The bird you lot). I saw this happen to Ardiles when he first came to WHL (?at Anfield during that disaster) so it may be a lesson well learnt. We shall see. I rate him but he is no White, Hoddle or Ardiles yet.