Who is Ryan Mason?

Ryan Mason, one of the highly rated Academy players, finally made his Premier League debut in the North London Derby last week.

He had a decent game, no Danny Rose style debut. He was given a job to do, and he did it well. 

So, WHO IS RYAN MASON? And what's the big deal about him?

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Capital One cup match vs Nottingham Forest, and Spurs trail 0-1. Pochettino made a substitution bringing on Ryan Mason for Stambouli. That proved to be a master substitution as 5 minutes later, Mason equalised with a stunning strike. Spurs went on to win the match 3-1, and Mason's performance in that match earned him a place in the starting XI vs Arsenal.

The attacking midfielder made his first team debut, at 17 coming on as a late substitute in the UEFA cup (that's what Europa League was called back then) match vs NEC Nijmegen (2008). 

Though he didn't get a chance to impress in that game, his performances in the Academy League were very impressive. Mason often playing as a second striker or no 10 for the Academy side, scored 29 goals in 31 games in the 2008-09 season. This goal scoring, and creativity in the field earned him a loan to Yeovil. He made a promising start at Yeovil, scoring 6 goals before his loan was cut short.

The spell at Yeovil was followed by loans to  Doncaster, Millwall, Lorient, and Swindon. Mason has always impressed during his time at the loan clubs – sometimes playing out of position, except at Lorient where he didn't get any minutes of playing time.

Those who have followed his career right from his time at the Academy and the loans, know that he's one of the most technically gifted players to have graduated from the Academy.His bright starts to the loan spells have often been cut short because of injuries and he's had way too many injuries during his career.

Ryan's been knocking on the Spurs first team doors with impressive performances at the loan clubs for quite some time now. Is 2014 finally the season he makes it at Spurs?

He was one of the highly rated kids at the Academy. Technically strong – yes. But we have seen so many of these highly rated kids just disappear when they make the step up to the senior side.

Does Mason have it in him to survive the Premier League, and make it big? I'd say yes. He does. He has played a few games this season, and from what we have seen – he's got excellent ball control, and passing skills. He's always looking to pass the ball forward. And also a cool temparament. Making your PL debut in a big game, the NLD is huge. He wasn't overawed by the ocassion an had a solid game. 

Mason is 23 now, and this is a huge season for him. A make or break season. If he manages to keep himself injury free, and continue his good form he'll definitely establish himself as a regular in the Spurs side.

What are your thoughts?


About the author:
Janhavi  
Youth & Development: India Spurs
Twitter @IAmTrillian

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