Tottenham’s Giovani Dos Santos arrived at White Hart Lane in 2008 having been one of Barcelona’s hottest prospects and the then 19 year old was tipped to make a big impact at Spurs. 18 months later the 20 year old Mexican can’t get a look in at Spurs and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp may even be willing to offload the youngster with Turkish giants Galatasaray an interested party. The former Barca starlet certainly hasn’t found his form in the Premier League where opportunities have been at a premium for Gio and his career has stalled. With so much promise remaining unfulfilled, where did it all go wrong for Giovani Dos Santos?

Dos Santos experienced a rapid rise in football in his youth. After signing for local side Monterrey in Mexico, Gio quickly impressed scouts from Spanish giants Barcelona and youngster was on his way to the Nou Camp at the age of 13. Identified as one of the most talented players to come through the youth ranks at Barca, Gio made 28 appearances in La Liga, scored a hat-trick and comparisons were already being drawn with Lio Messi. Gio also impressed in Mexican youth teams, but the Mexican’s early success seemed to go to his head and he demanded a regular first team spot, which was never going to happen given Gio’s inexperience and the talent on Barca’s books. Thus Dos Santos became available for transfer and Spurs boss Juande Ramos picked him up for less than £5 million, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan at White Hart Lane.

A lack of first-team matches under Harry Redknapp that have been caused by his ankle injury and not being selected have meant that Gio’s career is yet to take off at Tottenham. Spurs fans haven’t been able to see much of the quick attacking midfielder who is very gifted technically, comfortable with both feet and has good vision. Harry is thought to rate Gio and many questions regarding the Mexican’s attitude have been answered in the right way as hasn’t made a fuss about having to sit on the bench. Gio also had a successful loan spell in the Championship with Ipswich last season and became something of a fans’ favourite at Portman Road where he showed glimpses of his talent. So does Dos Santos still have a chance of making it at Tottenham and should Harry give him more opportunities, or does his future lie elsewhere?

Still only 20, Giovani Dos Santos’ career is hardly over and the feisty Mexican still has plenty of time to make it on the big stage. Even though his spell in the Premier League to date hasn’t gone as he would have planned, Gio is still a regular starter for Mexico and should get a further chance to showcase his talents at the 2010 World Cup. Nevertheless Gio will be slightly concerned that he hasn’t markedly progressed in recent years and has even seen his younger brother Jonathan steal some of the limelight at Barca. With a move to Galatasaray on the cards it seems as though Gio’s Tottenham career is fizzling out and the hype surrounding him won’t been fulfilled in the Premier League. However, talent doesn’t disappear overnight and if Dos Santos can get a run of first-team games under his belt and add some application to his ability, then it might only be a matter of time before Gio comes good.

A reminder of why Dos Santos was touted as a future star at Barca:

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