Despite paying £8m for Juan Foyth last summer, it was a surprise that Mauricio Pochettino used him so sparingly, even though the 20-year-old did need time to adapt to a new country and a new league.
He did manage eight appearances in all competitions last campaign, but he didn’t make his Premier League debut. I thought the last game of the season against Leicester City would have been the perfect opportunity for him to show the progress he has made, but Poch opted to keep him on the bench.
During the rare moments we have seen him on the field, he does look confident on the ball, but it’s clear his lack of physical presence has meant he has been held back from playing a greater part in first-team games. In a recent interview back in his native Argentina, Foyth told El Dia (translated by HITC) that he has been mostly focused on improving his physicality:
“In general, it’s good despite not having played so much. I improved in a lot of things football-wise, I feel that I’m already adapted and that this year I will have more possibilities of being able to fight for a place in all the competitions that we have ahead of us, and to show all that I can contribute to the team on the pitch.”
“The Premier League is very physical but, at the same time, very technical. The truth is that I’m very happy and comfortable to be playing in England and, particularly, with Tottenham. I am going more often to the gym and with more demand. For my position, in addition, it’s important that I can have a good physique to not lose against the rival strikers in that aspect.”
Considering his slight frame, that is no surprise, but the question becomes, do we now ramp up his first-team opportunities to afford him the experience he needs to learn how to deal with the physicality of the Premier League? Personally, I don’t know if the manager will give him that chance.
As I have said, I was surprised by his absence against the Foxes. If he isn’t ready for his league debut after nine months working on his physical condition then perhaps a loan move may be in order?
There has been talk that Ajax would be interested in taking the Argentine this summer. Perhaps that is something we could discuss if we are looking at Matthijs De Ligt as reported. In any case, it will be interesting to see where Foyth is in the pecking order during pre-season.
If Alderweireld does leave, and his replacement does come in to be ahead of our no.21 then the defender may want to look elsewhere to get greater first-team opportunities. After nearly a year working on his game with us, both technically and physically, perhaps he will impress Pochettino enough in training to make the step up. The player seems to expect more action next season so we will see if he gets it.