It might have been a weekend to forget for Spurs, but Thomas Frank will be very pleased with a young player’s insane display out on loan.
Spurs have quality all over the pitch, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t constantly trying to better the squad and develop young talent.
Last season showed the importance of depth when competing on multiple fronts, as injuries derailed the season.
Nowhere more so than at the back, where injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven made Spurs an attractive proposition for opposing attackers. The quality of backup just wasn’t sufficient.
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It will be music to Thomas Frank’s ears then to hear of a young defender, not just succeeding on loan, but setting records.
Luka Vuskovic’s 18 aerial duels won unmatched in the last five seasons
18-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic has enjoyed a successful loan spell to this point. He has made three league appearances for Hamburg, already scoring a goal last week and putting on a dominant display on Sunday evening.
His 18 aerial duels won against Union Berlin is the most by any player in Europe’s top five leagues in the past five seasons.
An insane achievement for any player, but for an 18-year-old, it’s jaw-dropping. 13 of those came in the first half.
It would end 0-0 after 90 minutes, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Croatian.
As well as dominating in the air, Vuskovic showed off his in-possession ability, having the most touches of any Hamburg player. He also completed the most passes, including four into the final third and one chance created.
A star in the making.
This should be Vuskovic’s only loan away from Spurs
Last season, players like Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso had the chance to carve out a space in the side, covering for the injured starters.
They did not cover themselves in glory. Danso, who was signed in January, can be given some leeway, with injuries preventing him from having a consistent run of games, but Dragusin certainly didn’t take his opportunity.
Archie Gray deputised at centre-back, though it’s not where he is best utilised.
Vuskovic may be just 18, but he doesn’t play like it. He’s composed, aggressive and mature on the pitch, and if his early-season form is anything to go by, he would easily be third-choice next season.
Spurs need to start future-proofing the side, and bringing in and developing this wonderkid is one way to do so.
Fans will be closely monitoring how Vuskovic’s season goes from here, as will Frank.
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