Pochettino reveals why DeAndre Yedlin not in Spurs squad

Much is expected of DeAndre Yedlin after the American right-back signed for Tottenham last year.

Despite the versatile wideman moving to White Hart Lane to continue his development, the USA international is yet to feature in the first-team for Spurs.

Mauricio Pochettino has stated that the former Seattle Sounders man was still acclimatising to life in North London and as such wouldn’t be thrown into the deep end any time soon.

"DeAndre only recently arrived in London, and like all young players needs to go through an adaptation period, where he gets to know a new way and new culture," the Argentine told FutbolMLS.com.

"We have to work this transition carefully and slowly, giving him the necessary time to be able to acclimate on and off the field. Then, he will be able to show off his qualities.

"But it's obvious that if he's here, it's because we expect much from him."

With Yedlin not featuring in the first team there is an argument to state that he could have been better served playing regularly in the MLS.

However, Pochettino has stated that the 21-year-old will develop quicker under the tutelage of the Spurs staff.

"We knew he was a player with lots of potential, who's already done some interesting things in MLS and has additionally played in the last World Cup," the ex-Southampton boss continued.

"That's why we decided to bring him over sooner, and to begin working with him little by little."

Yedlin’s performances at the World Cup were enough to instil excitement in Spurs fans once he joined the club, with there no doubt that the American’s athleticism and work rate could be influential in the Premier League.

Coming from MLS football to play in the English top flight is a considerable step up though and as such the White Hart Lane faithful must be patient and not expect too much from the new man.

However, if Pochettino can work his magic and get the best out of the defender, like he has done with other youngsters in the Spurs squad this season, the club will have a real talent on their hands.

With Kyle Walker an automatic choice at right-back when fit and available, having Yedlin to provide competition to the England international can only be a positive thing.

The American also has the attacking instincts to potentially be deployed further forward, which would also increase Pochettino’s options.

That said, it is likely to next season before Yedlin is featuring in the first team after getting a proper pre-season with the squad under his belt.

 

A right full with some sort of positional sence , and who can actually defend would be a huge asset to the team .. Walker,s a disaster i.m.o ..

 

'The strange case of the missing Yedlin', almost a Sherlock Holmes story. I think he recently started for the USA in friendlies against Chile and Panama, so he must be fit. I hope Spurs aren't buying players to park then sell on purely for profit, so hope to see Andre as part of our plans next season. His signing has lifted our profile in the States and if Pochettino really rates him then why is he sidelined ? He is young, but not so young that he doesn't require continuous ongoing development. Be good to see him at White Hart Lane. Coys.

 

'The strange case of the missing Yedlin', almost a Sherlock Holmes story.

I definately saw him after the Sunderland game.

 

It's MLS Closed season so there was no point him staying there longer.

 

I like the way young players are no longer expected to produce the goods on day 1. Wait till he's ready before throwing him in. It looks like Poch is a manager looking to the long term. Too many managers just think about the starting 11 for today that's why they don't blood as many youngsters as Poch.

 

Good point Dave. Remember back in the day when the great liverpool sides would buy a player then give them a season to really get a feel for the club, then play them. Everything in football is so costly and immediate now so be a good thing if Poch is allowing a 21 year old from the States to acclimaitise a bit. Coys.