Pochettino's FA Cup Selection Leaves Doubt over Adebayor, Lennon's Spurs Futures
The apparent logic behind the names listed on the Tottenham Hotspur bench for their 1-1 FA Cup third-round draw with Burnley was not too surprising. The effective culmination of the Christmas and New Year's period, cup aspirations understandably had to be balanced with managing a squad worked very hard in recent weeks.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
So there was Harry Kane, rested but in reach in case Tottenham needed their in-form striker (indeed, his half-time introduction helped them finally muster a shot at the Clarets goal). With Michel Vorm starting in goal, 43-year-old Brad Friedel was drafted in so first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could have the night off.
Conspicuous by their absence among the rest who sat in the Turf Moor dugout were Emmanuel Adebayor, Younes Kaboul and Aaron Lennon. The latest omissions of the trio cast further doubts over their Spurs futures.
It seemed unlikely any of them would start, given none had been selected in the matchday squad for Spurs' previous four matches. Kaboul was the last to be involved in any capacity when he was selected as a substitute for the Capital One Cup quarter-final win over Newcastle United.
With Erik Lamela and Ryan Mason injured, plus Nabil Bentaleb off to the Africa Cup of Nations, there was certainly room for at least one of them to be involved, though. Instead, head coach Mauricio Pochettino named 17-year-old Joshua Onomah.
The teenage attacking midfielder is one to keep an eye on for sure. More active than the languid fashion in which he carries himself might immediately suggest, Onomah has a decent eye for a pass and a direct, penetrative running style.
Part of the England under-17 squad that won last May's European Championships, he has been a fixture of Spurs' U21 team this season. Last month saw the youngster make the bench for the Europa League visit on Besiktas.
Onomah was listed on Tottenham's official website as part of the academy squad competing in the Frenz Under-18 International Cup in Malaysia. Evidently, he did not make Sunday's tournament opener.
Though he did not get on, that Onomah was purposely held back with Burnley in mind is wonderful for him. For Adebayor, Kaboul and Lennon, it does not bode well.
Asked about club captain Kaboul's recent lack of involvement in his December 23 press conference, Pochettino was not keen to go into detail.
"Because it's a football decision, no other explanation," the Argentinian said. "When you decide to pick the starting XI, it's not because it's a captain or his name is different to another. You pick the player because it's your job, and it's my decision."
He said similar in response to a question about Adebayor. "I think it's an easy answer for me. Because it's my decision. When I decide to pick him, if you are ready, you see."
Both Adebayor and Kaboul's inconsistent work in the first team up until November obviously did not escape Pochettino's notice. Even accounting for the former's brief spell of personal leave last month, the better form of others in their respective positions has warranted less game time for those two regardless.
In the case of Lennon, the reasoning is a little perplexing even if the conclusion is not.
The winger enjoyed a good spell in late autumn, playing his best football for months as he helped Spurs to wins over Hull City and Everton. Though less effective in the subsequent loss to Chelsea, Lennon's pace and nous on the flank were missed when he was dropped for the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace later that week.
Pochettino clearly believed others were better suited for his team moving forwards, and he has not been proved wrong. Lennon's position rivals—Nacer Chadli (Monday's goalscorer for Spurs), Lamela and Andros Townsend—have all subsequently played well.
The Spurs boss stated logic does allow him to change his tune if he sees fit. A good five months of football awaits, and he may decide to call on one or more of this out-of-favour trio.
The January transfer window is now open, though. Pochettino's decision not to call on Adebayor, Kaboul or Lennon suggests—should the right offer come in—their services could be surplus to requirements.
Press conference quotes obtained firsthand.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
