News

Tottenham midfielder joins Pompey on loan

|
Image for Tottenham midfielder joins Pompey on loan

Well, Kenny Jackett has moved to bring in another midfielder. Problem is, with all due respect, Tottenham’s Anton Walkes doesn’t have the experience we would have wanted from a Pompey addition.

The loss of Danny Rose to a season ending injury has left us desperately short of a defensive midfielder to add stability and solidarity in the middle of the park – Ben Close and Adam May have done well but their inexperience has made it tough for them to step up without an experienced head alongside them.

Walkes, as a Premier League prospect at Tottenham, making his Spurs debut in 2016, clearly has the ability and Jackett should know him better than most from his time in London, but does he have the experience? Clearly that would be a no.

Jackett told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘He can play in midfield, the centre of defence or at right-back and he’s an athletic player, so we’re pleased to add him for the rest of the season. The experience of coming to a club like Pompey will be a good one for him and he’ll be keen to help us move towards the top six. He’s someone I have a lot of time for and think he’s got a very bright future. He’s certainly got all the tools to succeed.’

Walkes, 20, who has come in on loan until the end of the season, plays in midfield but can also operate at right back, gaining experience in the MLS with Atlanta United in 2017.

He told BBC Radio Solent: ‘It’s a great experience to come here and only good things will come if I can get involved in a promotion push.’

It goes without saying the Tottenham academy graduate will be welcomed to Fratton Park, given a chance to prove himself too, but I cannot help but feel I would have sooner seen Jackett persevere with our own younger players than bring in another from a club, which ultimately benefits them most of all.

PLAY UP POMPEY

Follow @VitalPortsmouth.

2017-18 Prediction League – February
Doncaster (h) Saturday 3rd February 2018 – click here.
MK Dons (a) Saturday 10th February 2018 – click here.
Blackburn (h) Tuesday 13th February 2018 – click here.
Southend (a) Saturday 17th February 2018 – click here.
Fleetwood (a) Tuesday 20th February 2018 – click here.
Blackpool (h) Saturday 24th February 2018 – click here.

Pompey Bloggers
Join the Vital Pompey Debate


Share this article

'The landlord'