Getting to know... Oliver Skipp

Who...

...was your football idol growing up?

I was a Spurs fan growing up so I really enjoyed watching Luka Modric. I was about eight or nine when he first joined and he was such a good player, someone who I learnt a lot from and he’s continued to perform at the highest level throughout his career.

...is your favourite actor?

I’d probably say Cillian Murphy. I haven’t got around to watching him in Oppenheimer yet, that’s a film I do want to see, but he was excellent in Peaky Blinders.

...inspires you every day?

I wouldn’t say anyone in particular inspires me but certainly my family are always behind me, helping and supporting me every day.

...gave you your professional debut?

That would be Mauricio Pochettino, against West Ham away in the Carabao Cup. I came on in the game and was obviously nervous but excited as well because making my debut for Spurs was something I always wanted to do. Once you get that first touch under your belt, you can relax a bit more and try to enjoy it.

Where...

...in the world would you most like to visit?

There are a few places on my bucket list to be fair. I’d love to go to Cape Town in South Africa. I’ve done a safari holiday over there but I want to visit Cape Town too. I always like trying to visit different countries and Japan would also be high up on my list, it’s just finding the time to be able to spend a decent amount of time there to really explore the country.

...is your favourite restaurant?

I wouldn’t say I really have one particular restaurant that’s a favourite, I like to try lots of different ones. I do enjoy eating out when we get days off though.

...do you go shopping?

Nowhere too exciting, most of it is done online these days! I don’t go shopping too often really, most of the time it’s just for food!

...do you keep your medals, shirts, memorabilia etc?

They are just at home to be fair. I’m not one of those who displays all their memorabilia around the house, I’m not too sentimental about that sort of stuff really and I couldn’t tell you the last time I really looked back at a medal or anything that I have like that. I think that’s something I’ll do when I stop playing but when you are young and still playing I don’t think you really stop to reminisce. Maybe I should do that more perhaps, to take a step back and realise that I am actually doing ok!

How...

...do you like your eggs in the morning?

I do enjoy an omelette, that would be my usual choice in the morning.

...do you spend any free time you get?

Just spending time with family and friends and trying to relax away from the game.

...do you overcome personal setbacks in your career?

By talking to people. It’s important to try not to bottle things up, as tough as that can be sometimes. Trying to get your feelings out is so important, especially when things aren’t going well. It isn’t easy but once you do it, it helps everyone – helps you, helps your family and friends as well. I have to admit that sometimes I’m not great at doing it and I know I need to do that more, but I do feel like I’m getting better.

...do you switch off after a match?

After a match, it’s very hard to switch off. Especially after an evening game, I find it very difficult to switch off and get to sleep and for me, it’s probably not until the next day that I feel like I can move on. Most of the time it’s just the adrenaline that stops you from unwinding but also you tend to replay the game over in your mind, analysing your own performance.

What...

 ...is something you’ve always wanted to learn?

I’ve said it for a few years now but I’d like to learn another language. It can obviously be very useful and it would keep my mind occupied as well. I tried during lockdown for about a month but I need to really commit to it, it would be helpful especially in the changing room where we have lots of different languages spoken.

...is your favourite TV show of all-time?

There isn’t anything much better than season one of Prison Break - starring Wentworth Miller (left) - it’s unreal, incredible.

...frustrates you the most?

I’d say the one thing that frustrates me the most is a lack of manners from people.

...was your first position in football?

I used to play a lot at centre back during my time in the Academy but then I stopped growing! Even for the Under-18s, I played there a fair bit. Usually you move backwards as you get older but it was the opposite for me.

When...

...did you last cook and what was it?

It was just a couple of days ago - fish, potatoes and salad. Nothing too exciting!

...did you last visit your home town?

I go back a lot to be fair because my family are in Hertford so it’s literally just down the road for me and it’s great that I can go back and see them frequently.

...do you wake up on your days off?

I wake up quite early to be honest. I’ve just got into the habit of waking up early and it’s never really later than 9.30am.

...are you at your happiest?

Again, I’d say when spending time with friends and family, those are always good times.