The highly rated central defensive prodigy is enjoying a phenomenal breakout campaign away from the chaotic relegation fight currently consuming Hotspur Way.
The gruelling physical grind of the second tier usually chews up promising young academy talents. Yet one specific loanee is completely defying that negative trend right now. Ashley Phillips just secured a massive nomination for the prestigious EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award earlier today.
The rising 20-year-old star currently enjoys a brilliant loan spell away from North London. He racked up exactly 36 league appearances for Stoke City this term. This tally represents the heaviest workload of his entire professional career. The former Blackburn Rovers man patiently waited until late September for his first proper league start.
That massive starting opportunity finally arrived during a tight, 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough. He literally never looked back once. The youngster proudly started the last 21 matches in a row for the Staffordshire outfit. Official club media highlight his highly reliable, passionate, and completely determined nature on the football pitch.
Mark Robins trusts Ashley Phillips with Stoke captaincy amid Tottenham defensive evaluations
Stoke boss Mark Robins even handed him the captaincy during a highly thrilling 3-3 draw with promotion chasing Ipswich Town. Earning the armband at 20 clearly highlights his massive leadership potential. Nobody under that specific age played more Championship minutes this season. He made 79 total appearances across two loan spells at the Bet365 Stadium.
That specific tally sets a brand new official club record for loan players. He currently sits on exactly 97 career appearances in the second tier. Becoming a championship centurion before the season concludes is a very realistic target this year. The prestigious award winner will be announced at a special London ceremony on Sunday, 19 April.
Decision makers at Tottenham Hotspur must monitor his rapid development very closely indeed. The football club absolutely needs passionate defenders who truly understand the intense physical demands of English football. Integrating him directly into the first team squad makes perfect sense right now. His young future looks incredibly bright for the North Londoners today.