OPINION
One of the features of Tottenham’s FA Cup campaign so far has been the impressive performances from young enforcer Juan Foyth.
The 20-year-old Argentine starlet has been selected at the heart of defence in every single one of Spurs’ games in the competition so far, completing 90 minutes on every occasion.
While there have undoubtedly been some dodgy team performances littered in there – namely a 1-1 draw v Newport and 2-2 draw v Rochdale – Foyth has consistently impressed throughout.
And there is no reason why Mauricio Pochettino should not trust his young compatriot again as Spurs travel to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Yes, it is a step up in competition – Spurs have not played against an opponent higher than League One yet in the competition – but it is tests like this that can define a player.
Pochettino has made it very clear that he sees a big future at Spurs for Foyth, so what is the point in protecting him during the big games? The youngster will never progress if that happens.
There are those that will argue that this is too big a game to risk playing Foyth in. After all, Spurs are chasing their first piece of silverware in ten years, and the FA Cup is their last chance to do so this season.
But Swansea are in a precarious position in the league, and will surely make some changes for this one as they focus on their battle against relegation.
Furthermore, top scorer Jordan Ayew, who has 10 goals this season, misses the game through suspension, which mitigates one of the Swans’ major threats.
Having played just eight games in all competitions so far this season, Poch must release Foyth from his sideline shackles on Saturday.
There is no doubt that he would prove a lot of naysayers wrong with a solid display.