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Following their Premier League debuts at Anfield, Tottenham youngsters Callum Olusesi and James Rowswell have now opened up on what it means for them.
The youngsters at Tottenham Hotspur are certainly stepping up to the plate as Spurs fight to avoid the drop this season.
Archie Gray has been praised for his displays on the pitch and his leadership traits in the dressing room by team-mate Dominic Solanke, as the 20-year-old continues to spur his team on as they fight for Premier League survival.
Pape Matar Sarr also brought some much-needed freshness in the middle of the park alongside Gray in the game against Liverpool, leaving interim boss Igor Tudor to praise the two youngsters.
Tottenham youngster Callum Olusesi opens up on Premier League debut
There have been calls for Tottenham to give youth a chance, given the injury crisis the club is dealing with, and Sunday marked a huge milestone for two academy graduates.
Callum Olusesi and James Rowswell were handed their Premier League debuts in that encounter, in what was a big moment for the youngsters.
Olusesi managed 14 minutes of action after coming on for Djed Spence in the 76th minute, adding positive energy into midfield during the closing stages.
Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur Official Website about fulfilling a long-held ambition, Olusesi explained what it meant to finally step onto the pitch.
“It’s a dream come true, there’s been a couple of games where I’ve been on the bench, loads actually, but to get on the pitch – it’s a great feeling,” Olusesi said.
When asked about the feeling of being on the pitch when Richarlison scored, Olusesi reflected on the importance of the goal and the situation Spurs currently find themselves in.
“Yeah, it’s good we need all the points we can get right now.
“Obviously, we’re not in the best situation, but if we all work hard and stick together, we’ll be able to get out of it.”
James Rowswell hopes to see more Spurs academy graduates break into the senior team
Olusesi was not the only Tottenham academy star to make his Premier League debut on Sunday, with James Rowswell also coming on in the final stages for Richarlison.
The 19-year-old earned legacy number 904 following his brief cameo. Speaking after the match about the emotions surrounding the occasion, Rowswell admitted he was struggling to take it all in.
“Thank you very much. I don’t even know what to say at the minute. I am so happy right now. It is all I have been working for, everything building up to this moment. I am so happy for it to come around.”
Reflecting on what he has learned about himself during a difficult period for the club, the youngster explained he is focused on helping the team in any way possible.
“I just try to do my part and help the team as much as I possibly can. Everyone just plays their part and what a massive point it was today at Anfield. So we just have to keep building on this.”
Rowswell also spoke about the moment Richarlison’s goal went in and the impact it had on the team.
“Massive moment for us. Yeah, it brought home the points.”
He then addressed the significance of receiving his legacy number and what it meant for him and his family.
“Definitely a proud moment for me and my family. I am just very grateful for this opportunity to come around.”
Olusesi also spoke about Rowswell’s debut, praising the work his fellow academy graduate has put in behind the scenes.
“It’s great. I’m happy for James as well. Obviously, I’ve seen the hard work he’s put in training every day. Now that his time has come, I’m happy for him. It shows the academy that there is a chance if you keep working hard and believe in it.”
Finally, when asked about young players progressing through the Tottenham academy pathway, Rowswell explained his own journey through the system.
“I came in at 8 or 9 and have done a journey up through the academy. Hopefully, we get many more people doing the same thing and, like Cal said, it is great for the academy.”
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