Tottenham Academy stars could be important as the club goes through a tough time, with their league form worrying fans. Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood says this is a good chance for the club to trust its young players while also thinking about the Champions League.
With Spurs currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table, just five points above West Ham United in 18th place. With only 12 games remaining, their poor run of form has left them in a precarious position. Out of the last 17 league matches, Tottenham have only managed two wins, highlighting the severity of their struggles and the risk of slipping further toward the relegation zone.
Champions League Progress Doesn’t Reduce Pressure
Even with domestic troubles, Tottenham still have life in Europe. Their top-four finish earlier in the season secured Champions League qualification, and they are now in the round of 16. However, this success in Europe has not been enough to protect the club from criticism or instability.
Danish coach Thomas Frank was eventually sacked after failing to turn around Spurs’ poor Premier League form, highlighting the challenges the club faces both in the league and in giving opportunities to Tottenham Academy stars.
Looking at recent matches, the team has struggled to find consistency. Spurs were defeated 2-1 by Newcastle at home and lost 2-0 against Manchester United away. A 2-2 draw with Manchester City gave a brief lift, but more points were lost against Burnley, West Ham, Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Brentford.
These results have added pressure on the squad and highlighted the importance of integrating Tottenham Academy stars to strengthen the team for the long term.
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Trusting the Tottenham Academy Stars
Tim Sherwood thinks now is the right time to give young players a chance. He asked if Spurs are doing enough for their Tottenham Academy stars and warned the club could miss out on finding the next Harry Kane. He said the path for these young players is often blocked by signings that don’t really help the team, slowing their progress.
He suggested letting Tottenham Academy stars play more in Premier League games while saving senior players for Champions League matches. This could help the club in the long run. Sherwood also said that even if fans don’t like seeing losses, they would enjoy watching the young players get experience and help build the team’s future.
Sherwood stressed that academies should serve as a real pathway to first-team football, not just a place to train without meaningful opportunities. Managers need to trust young players and give them moments that can define their careers.
He pointed to Arsenal as an example, highlighting how giving academy players a chance has produced top-level success. Bukayo Saka was specifically mentioned as a player who benefited from early opportunities, showing that investing in youth can pay off.
Premier League Safety Must Remain the Priority
Despite the benefits of using youth, Spurs’ current league situation limits options. The team is fighting to avoid relegation, and every remaining point is crucial, especially with West Ham showing improvement. Questions remain about whether the current squad has enough quality to climb out of danger.
For now, staying in the Premier League is the main focus. Once that is secured, Tottenham can fully evaluate their chances in the Champions League and begin planning for next season.
The challenge is finding a balance between protecting league survival and giving young players meaningful opportunities. If managed well, this could not only help Spurs survive the season but also create a stronger team for the future.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 20.01.2026
