Although fans have welcomed the introduction of talented academy star, Jamie Donley, to the first team this pre-season, it has been a shock to see the 19-year-old deployed at left-back instead of his usual attacking midfield role.
Jamie Donley starred for Tottenham’s U21 side last season as they lifted both the PL2 league and play-off title.
The Antrim-born attacking midfielder netted six times and set up fourteen goals in his twenty PL2 outings last season, with his impressive performances drawing comparisons to club legend Harry Kane. (TransferMarkt)
It was a shock, therefore, when Ange Postecoglou named Donley at left-back in Spurs’ opening pre-season fixture against Hearts – a position he has continued to feature in exclusively throughout pre-season.
Football.London’s, Alasdair Gold, has been speaking to the 19-year-old attacker-turned-defender in Korea. Donley has explained how he has adapted to the role stating: “I’m used to it now. I’ll play wherever the manager wants me to. I’m still young, so I’m learning different positions. So, yeah, I’m enjoying it and if he wants me to play there, I’ll play.
“It’s maybe not as challenging in possession, because the way he plays with the full-backs inverted I’m quite comfortable in that position, but obviously defensively it’s something that I’ve got to learn and I might need to play there in my career sometimes, and yeah I’m learning.”
Donley then credited recently appointed senior assistant coach, Matt Wells, for helping his adaptation to his new role, stating: “Matt Wells, who has been coaching the defence, has helped me a lot, and they work a lot on defensive drills. He’s helped me a lot and I’ve just got to keep learning. It’s about keeping a strong line.
“Obviously, we look to play a strong line, ready to turn and run back to our own goal, being aggressive, showing outside, making sure the winger can’t get any crosses in. Being aggressive is the main thing. It’s about being brave as well.”
Postecoglou has said less to the young star, but Donley still feels his trust, explaining: “He hasn’t said much to me, but you’d think he obviously trusts me, that I can play that position, and if he trusts me then the players trust me and then I’m more than confident to take that role and do the best I can.”
Spurs Web opinion
The quotes from Donley continue to prove that the U21 star from last season has exactly the right attitude to progress as a young player under Ange Postecoglou, with his willingness to learn an attractive aspect of any youth player.
Donley’s minutes may likely dwindle towards the end of pre-season as Destiny Udogie returns from injury, however, there may be a decision for Postecoglou as to whether he wants to include Donley in his squad next season or loan him out.
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