Mauricio's praise for 'top player' Skipp

What a few weeks it has been for Oliver Skipp!

After making his competitive debut off the bench in our Carabao Cup win at West Ham at the end of October, 'Skippy' made his Premier League debut earlier this month against Southampton - once again being introduced in the closing stages of a 3-1 triumph.

Saturday was another landmark moment for the Academy graduate as he was handed his full league debut in our Premier League encounter with Burnley.

Playing 75 minutes of the gritty clash before being withdrawn for Heung-Min Son, the holding midfielder appeared unfazed by his big moment, producing a tidy and assured performance in the 1-0 win at Wembley.

It was an encouraging display by the 18-year-old and one that certainly pleased his manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

“We are so happy,” Mauricio smiled. “He was so relaxed before the game and his performance was brilliant.

“I congratulate him, his family and of course all the people in the Academy, coaching staff, John (McDermott, Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development), Dean (Rastrick, Academy Manager) and all the people in education, everyone, they all helped him to build his career and we are the last step.

“We are so pleased because it’s another player through the Academy, he feels Tottenham and now he needs to build his career in the first team.”

Oliver was given an initial taste of first team action when he was involved in our pre-season trip to the United States. Then aged 17, the midfielder took his opportunity to impress against Roma, Barcelona and AC Milan.

Since making that early impression in the first team, the England youth international has continued to blossom at the Club and for Mauricio, that can only mean good things for the youngster’s future.

“He’s a proper midfielder, a very talented midfielder,” he added.

“He links the game well, always looking forward, very aggressive, his energy is amazing and he’s such a clever guy off the pitch as well as on it, that’s so important for the team.

“He’s a top player and a top kid and I’m sure he will have a very successful career.”