Tottenham’s first team may be struggling for results, but their academy continues to give supporters reasons for optimism.
Mikey Moore has already moved from youth football into the senior picture, enjoying an impressive loan spell at Rangers last term before joining FC Koln temporarily in the summer, while Jamie Donley has also gained valuable experience through loan spells and even international football.
Luca Williams-Barnett may now be the most exciting member of the group.
The attacking midfielder joined Tottenham at Under 10 level and became the club’s youngest ever League Cup player when he made his debut against Doncaster Rovers last year.
Williams-Barnett then impressed Roberto De Zerbi during pre-season, earning praise from the head coach after playing with real confidence against senior opponents.
He has since received limited but further first team minutes while continuing his development with the academy and England’s youth sides.
Luca Williams-Barnett’s Tottenham pre-season 2026 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Opponent | Result | Involvement | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Key moment |
22 July | MK Dons | Won 1-0 | On at half-time | 45 | 0 | 0 | Created a clear chance for Yang Min-hyeok |
26 July | Auckland FC | Won 2-0 | Started, off 62’ | 62 | 0 | 0 | Featured in a youthful starting XI |
29 July | Sydney FC | Drew 1-1, won 4-2 on penalties | On at half-time | 45 | 0 | 0 | Hit the crossbar and scored a Panenka in the shootout |
1 August | Chelsea | Won 2-1 | On at 76’ | 14 | 0 | 0 | Helped ten-man Spurs see out the victory |
8 August | Getafe | Drew 1-1 | Not in squad | 0 | 0 | 0 | Did not feature |
15 August | Hoffenheim | Won 3-0 | Not in squad | 0 | 0 | 0 | Did not feature |
16 August | Hoffenheim | Drew 2-2 | Started, off 87’ | 87 | 1 | 0 | Scored with a low curling finish |
Total | Seven friendlies | Four wins, three draws | Five appearances, two starts | 253 | 1 | 0 | Also converted one shootout penalty |
Jun’ai Byfield and Callum Olusesi have also moved closer to the senior squad, underlining the amount of talent coming through Hotspur Way.
Now, Armend Muslika could be the next name to follow that path.
The Albania youth international produced an eye-catching performance as Tottenham’s Under 18s defeated Fulham 4-2 in the Premier League Cup.
Muslika finished an early team move to open the scoring, won the penalty converted by Oliver Boast and then struck an excellent free kick before halftime.
His ability to influence the match in several ways strengthened the feeling that his level may no longer provide enough of a challenge.
Tottenham pundit and academy insider John Wenham believes he needs to be fast tracked up the academy ranks as a result.
“Another big, big win for the U18s, against the big Fulham this time,” Wenham told Tottenham News.
“Armend Muslika, who we’ve talked a lot about in recent weeks, scored another ridiculous free kick.”
“He’s looking really, really good. He needs to be up to the U21s as soon as possible, from January onwards, and you’ll see Oliver Boast, Muslika, Tyler Tingey, maybe Toju Wellspring all move up already because they look too good for the U18s.”
“Someone’s going to have to move up to the U21 and that can be accommodated by more U21 being loaned out.”
Tottenham must ensure their prospects are constantly being tested, and while keeping a player in an age group he has outgrown may result in impressive performances, it won’t prepare him for the demands of senior football.
January could therefore create movement throughout the academy.
Some Under 21 players may be sent into the EFL to gain experience, leaving space for Muslika, Boast, Tingey and Wellspring to take the next step.
Muslika still has plenty to learn and Tottenham should not rush him towards De Zerbi’s squad purely because of excitement around a few goals.
However, the signs are increasingly difficult to ignore.
He has shown quality, confidence from set pieces and the ability to contribute in open play, but more importantly, he appears ready to be challenged at a higher speed and intensity.
Williams-Barnett has demonstrated how quickly a talented academy player can move through the system when performances demand attention, and Muslika could be another one to watch.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
