‘A Star in the Making’ – Spurs’ Ryan Mason
Spurs are one of those sides where it is not easy for youth to break into the first team. Unlike other clubs, a youngster will only break into the Tottenham first team if they have exceptional ability. It is a feat that has been achieved by Jamie O’Hara and Ledley King in the past and there are several youth players aspiring to break Harry Redknapp’s side at White Hart Lane. Ryan Mason is one of these players.
Mason joined Spurs academy in June 2007 at the age of 16, signing his first professional contract a year later. Now an England Youth international, Mason broke into the Spurs Under 18’s at the age of 16. He can play in either an attacking midfield or forward role and has a prolific goal scoring record with the academy side, scoring 29 goals in 31 games in the 2008-09 season helping Spurs to a 2nd place finish in the Premier Academy League.
In the same season Mason stepped up to the reserves and hit 3 goals in 5 games continuing his impressive scoring record. He made his debut for the first team in the UEFA Cup tie with NEC Nigmegan and earned himself a place in the squad for both legs of the last 32 tie with eventual winners Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mason has this season been sent out on loan to gain experience, something that will be key if he is to ever break into Redknapp’s first team. He has joined fellow team mate Steven Caulker on loan at League One club Yeovil Town and after an impressive start his loan has been extended until the end of the current season. Mason has already scored 4 goals in 18 appearances for the side, including a free kick and a stunning long-range strike. He is impressing down at Huish Park and is no doubt gaining valuable experience that will benefit his future career.
It’s no easy feat for a youngster to break into the first team at White Hart Lane but you have believe with the promise Mason has that he will have a chance in the future. An eye for goal is a natural ability that he undoubtedly possesses and if he uses all the experience he will gain in League One then he will definitely be one to watch.
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Having spoken to some Spurs fans they say he is a Wilshere type of player with a good footballing brain and brilliant on ball ability.
He has already played for the first team and is doing well at Yeovil so he could def be one for the future
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Likened to Wilshere? I’m sorry but Wilshere played for Arsenal’s first team – aged 16. There is talk of him being loaned out to Burnley – another Premiership club. To me – there is no comparison here. If Mason had Wilshere’s ability – he would be sniffing around the first team by now – not plying his trade at a League One team. I mean fair play to him – but Spurs first team? Nah.
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Oh… and Chudi, Mason hasn’t played for the Spurs first team yet – nor actually the reserves…
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He has been named in some Spurs’ first team squads before but never made an appearance I believe. It is becoming increasingly hard for youngsters to break into the Spurs first team, Arsenal are more receptive to giving youngsters a chance and maybe this is why we haven’t seen much of Mason yet. I fear he may not get a chance either, we will see though.
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So I wonder who that Ryam Mason I saw at Nijmegen last season was? The same bloke who played against Shaktar Donesk? Have we 2 Ryan Mason’s?
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