Aaron Skinner joined Tottenham’s U-18 side in November last year for a short trial period. Skinner celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday and had a birthday to remember as he signed his first professional contract with the Lilywhites.
Who is Aaron Skinner?
Name – Aaron Skinner
Age – 18
Nationality – England
Position – Centre-Back
Aaron was born in Salford, England and spent his youth career at League Two side Bury. He has represented Bury academy from U-12 to U-18 level. He made his debut for Bury’s U-18 side at the age of 14 and has been an integral part of their team since then. Aaron played an important role in the 2018-19 FA Youth Cup and led the Shakers to a quarter-final finish. However, an impressive run from the Lancashire side was ended by Liverpool’s U-18s as they thrashed Bury U-18s by 5-1.
The youngster played in a variety of positions for the Shakers. He can play as a centre-back as well as a defensive midfielder. After an impressive run of games with Bury’s U18s, Skinner joined Tottenham’s U-18 set up in November last year on a trial period. It looks like the youngster has impressed the academy coaches before the coronavirus pandemic and the Lilywhites have decided to tie down the 18-year-old on a permanent deal. The youngster announced the news on his Instagram account.
So what should the Spurs’ faithful expect of the versatile youngster?
Aaron Skinner can take up multiple roles as a defender as well as a number 6. He will now be a part of Tottenham’s U18 squad whenever football restarts and is likely to slot into the U23s well due to the shortage of players as the rest of U23s were cut loose and loaned out to lower division clubs.
Jose Mourinho is touted as a manager who barely gives opportunities to youngsters. However, things have been different in North London. Jose has taken Japh Tanganga and Oliver Skipp is already with the first team. Jose thinks of Cirkin and Fagan-Walcott as talents and Tottenham are ready to offer these two academy youngsters a new contract.
Now as Tottenham don’t have a U23 side, the previous U18s have been promoted and Skinner is likely to feature for the U23s as well. Skinner could also end up playing in Tottenham’s U19 team who will play in the UEFA Youth League that runs alongside the Champions League.
It is hard to say if Skinner will be able to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Kane, Winks and Tanganga who have all been promoted from the club’s academy to the first team and are regularly getting playing time. But one thing is for sure that the club has signed a young and dynamic defender.
So, it’s good to see the club investing in talent and putting emphasis on developing young players. Given that Skinner was able to impress the academy coaches during his short stint, he could be the next youngster to impress Mourinho and make his progress to the first team.
