ContinueYesterday it was announced that Tottenham Hotspur had tied down Steven Caulker to a new four year deal after the youngster impressed on a season-long loan at Swansea.
The 20-year-old is one of the few Tottenham players to graduate from the academy and actually threaten to become a first team regular. The last player to manage this at White Hart Lane is another centre-back, Ledley King.
Spurs have handed opportunities to a number of young players but most have been signed from other academies such as Aaron Lennon and Danny Rose from Leeds, Gareth Bale from Southampton and Kyle Walker who was signed from Sheffield United.
Jake Livermore, who has come through the ranks at Spurs, did begin to push for a place in the first team last season, but Caulker could well be the player that establishes himself and goes on to be a regular for the club for years to come.
The 20-year-old played 26 Premier League games for Swansea last season and earned rave reviews from manager Brendan Rodgers, At 6ft 3" he has a solid frame that makes him a physically strong in the air, and he is certainly no slouch when it comes to a foot race with a forward.
Last season Spurs struggled at centre-back with a number of injuries Michael Dawson missed much of the season, while King continued to struggle. William Gallas is believed to be coming towards the end of the a long career, but Younes Kaboul was the stand out performer.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Jan Vertonghen but they could already possess the heir to the King throne. The veteran defender may be forced to call time on his career and Caulker could well be a ready made replacement.
Last season youth was given a chance with Walker impressing at right-back and there could be an argument that Caulker deserves the opportunity to impress.
He certainly has time on his side and should he avoid the injuries that plagued King's playing career then he could end up with more appearances for Tottenham.
