Tottenham Hotspur’s recent exit from the League Cup was a disappointing night for the club and its supporters. Losing 2-0 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park ended their run in the competition and left fans wondering about the direction of the team under Thomas Frank.
Despite the loss, the game presented an opportunity for the manager to showcase the next generation of Spurs talent. However, while Arsenal fielded four academy players in their 2-0 win over Brighton including 15-year-old Max Dowman, who started on the wing Tottenham failed to hand a single minute to any of their young stars, leaving fans questioning whether the club is doing enough to promote from within.
Frank had several young options available on the bench, including James Roswell, Luca Gunter, and Dane Scarlett, yet none were given the chance to prove themselves on the pitch.
In contrast, Arsenal’s bold approach with Dowman demonstrated faith in youth and served as a reminder that nurturing homegrown talent can be both financially and competitively rewarding.
Tottenham have historically benefited from investing in their academy, producing stars like Harry Kane, who went on to become one of the most prolific forwards in Premier League history.
The success of players like Kane highlights just how valuable homegrown players can be. Developing talent internally saves clubs millions in transfer fees, while also building a deeper connection between players and supporters.
Kane, for example, scored an astonishing 280 goals for Spurs, and at his peak, his market value reached £132 million according to Transfermarkt. This shows the kind of financial and sporting advantage that can come from trusting academy graduates.
Here’s a look at some of Tottenham’s most valuable former academy players and their estimated market values today:
| Player | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Harry Kane | £66 million |
| Noni Madueke | £44 million |
| Troy Parrott | £14 million |
| Mikey Moore | £14 million |
| Kyle Walker-Peters | £13 million |
As this table shows, Tottenham’s academy has produced some noteworthy names, but few have gone on to truly establish themselves at the elite level while staying at the club.
Madueke, for instance, left Spurs before ever making a first-team appearance, later rising to prominence through his moves to Chelsea and Arsenal. Kane remains the standout success story but the next breakthrough talent might already be within Tottenham’s ranks.
That player could be 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett, a promising young attacker who has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Max Dowman. Although slightly older, Williams-Barnett is considered one of the brightest prospects in Spurs’ youth setup.
Described as “special” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the teenager has been making waves with his performances for Tottenham’s U21 side. So far this season, he has recorded eight goals and seven assists in just 11 matches across all competitions, an impressive return for a player his age.
Last season, Williams-Barnett delivered even more extraordinary numbers scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists in 23 matches across all youth competitions, according to Sofascore.
Analyst Ben Mattinson praised him for his flair and finishing ability, calling him a player who “scores bangers.” His versatility allows him to play both centrally and on the wing, making him a valuable attacking option for Frank to consider.
At the senior level, Tottenham’s top scorers so far are Micky van de Ven and Richarlison, each with three goals in the Premier League. This limited output from the forward line suggests there is room for someone new to make an impact and Williams-Barnett could be that spark if given the chance.
Young players often thrive when thrown into competitive environments, and the 17-year-old’s confidence and goal-scoring instincts suggest he is ready for that challenge.
Thomas Frank now faces a key decision. He can either continue playing it safe by relying on established names or take a bold step and give Williams-Barnett a real opportunity to shine in the first team.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta showed courage in trusting Dowman at just 15 years old, and it paid off. If Frank wants to replicate that success and truly build for the future, he must be willing to place similar faith in his own young talent.
Tottenham’s history shows what can happen when they believe in their academy. Players like Kane changed the club’s trajectory, and Williams-Barnett might just be the next name to follow in those footsteps.
With the right guidance and opportunity, he could be the one to deliver goals, creativity, and excitement the kind of spark Spurs have been missing in recent matches.
