BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Josh Onomah of Aston Villa scores his team's 4th goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burton Albion and Aston Villa at Pirelli Stadium on September 26, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Josh Onomah wants to make Tottenham return
The Tottenham starlet has enjoyed a productive loan
Aston Villa fans who are hoping Josh Onomah would make his move from Tottenham permanent may need to think again. The talented English midfielder wants to help the Villains achieve promotion, but has his sights set on a Spurs return next year.
Onomah won’t be satisfied to just return to North London, he wants to make a real impact. He specifically told the Birmingham Mail that he wants to “get into the team” when he goes back to Tottenham.
Unfortunately for Onomah, that may be easier said than done. Pochettino’s options in the midfield are very crowded. Even if Spurs don’t add any additional talent in the next two transfer windows, Onomah could still struggle to knock more established players out-of-the-way.
One important question about the starlet’s future is exactly what position he’s going to play or Pochettino. He regularly featured as a defensive midfielder during his time with Tottenham’s Academy. Curiously, he’s spent more time with the Spurs’ senior set up as a wide attacking player.
He’s returned to the middle of the pitch during his loan at Villa, but he’s playing most often as an attacking player. Eight of his league starts for the Villains have come as a number ten.
That spot at Tottenham is held firmly by Christian Eriksen. There may be an opportunity for Onomah to claim the spot as the Dane’s backup, but it’s unclear whether or not he’d be satisfied with that limited opportunity. Pochettino isn’t going to leave Eriksen out of the lineup very often.
Even if he returns to a more defensive role, he’s going to struggle to find regular playing time. Mousa Dembele, Harry Winks, Victor Wanyama and presumably Eric Dier will all be competing for those two starting spots moving forward. Dembele’s and Wanyama’s respective health issues could open up some opportunities there, but it’s unclear whether or not Pochettino really trusts Onomah in that position.
Expect Josh Onomah to return to Tottenham this summer and fight tooth and nail for a spot in Pochettino’s squad. He’ll need to show real improvement to earn it though. His future for Spurs is anything but certain.
