Since arriving from FC Köln a little over a year ago, the Austrian international defender Kevin Wimmer has made just 12 EPL appearances till date. All coming from last season.
This term, he is yet to play a single minute in the league, and his only opportunity has come in the EFL, where he has seen action only once. As expected, Wimmer isn’t happy with life on the bench, and he’s increasingly growing frustrated at his lack of playing opportunities.
Academy graduate and prospect Cameron Carter-Vickers is ahead of him in the pecking order, making all 7 matchday squads so far.
This latest development is making Wimmer, who is currently with the national team for the World Cup qualifiers consider his future, and he is looking at heading for the exit door if things haven’t changed by January.
But should the 23-year-old be allowed to leave as he looks surplus to requirements at the moment? Not many Tottenham fans will give yes for an answer.
So, why should Pochettino do everything in his power to keep Kevin Wimmer happy at the club and make him remain in Tottenham’s books for the considerable and foreseeable future?
His quality can’t be questioned
Having featured in 32 Bundesliga fixtures in his last season at Cologne F.C before his switch, questions can never be raised about Wimmer’s abilities and he’s far from the bench warmer he has become overnight.
As the previous season wore on and Vertonghen succumbed to the effects of a nasty knock for months, in his stead, the Austrian effortlessly slotted in alongside Alderweireld in the heart of the defence. His performances drew praises from critics and fans alike, with many tipping him to lay hold to the position permanently ahead of Vertonghen.
And while that is yet to happen as Poch quickly reinstated the veteran Belgian back to the starting lineup when the new season began, Wimmer’s future never at once looked bleak. After his impressive debut campaign, he was rewarded with a bumper new 5-year deal in July as the club and coach were satisfied with his performances and input.
An injury he suffered prior to the pre-season preparations saw him miss out on the club’s Australian tour, but with that, and given what he has proven thus far, keeping him at the club will make more sense as he will prove his quality over and over again once afforded the chance to do so. For now, he’s not getting enough of that.
He will come quite handy
Carter-Vickers might be ahead of him in the selection process and get to play more as a result, yet discarding Wimmer or letting him go might not necessarily be the best of options.
With a gruelling campaign still way ahead of Tottenham as they compete on all fronts, the need to completely rotate the regular central defending duo will still set in. And there are of course unforeseen circumstances ahead. Injuries, suspensions, fatigue et al.
Having Wimmer’s experience to turn could be what would save the day. Pochettino might need to hold a pep talk like he did with Son to convince the defender into staying as he remains an integral part of the squad, no matter how little playing time he has seen. Nevertheless, giving him more chance will go a long in assuring the defender of his future at the White Hart Lane.