Tottenham Hotspur have seen a change in transfer strategy over the last few years.

Having leaned heavily on experienced acquisitions under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte, Spurs have reverted back to a more youth based recruitment strategy with Ange Postecoglou at the helm.

In the year since the Australian manager’s appointment, Spurs have overseen 14 permanent transfers - with an average age of 21 years old, at time of signing.

Tottenham also rank third in youngest average age of starting line-ups in the Premier League (25.8), only trailing Bournemouth (25.2) and Chelsea (23.5).

👋 @DomSolanke pic.twitter.com/Hf8QunCWis

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) August 19, 2024

Spurs have received praise from the media and pundits alike for signings such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall from Leeds United and Djurgårdens respectively.

According to Jack Pitt-Brooke, the 18 year-old pair have impressed so much in training and pre-season friendlies that Tottenham no longer view signing a new all-action midfielder as a priority.

🥇| The staff at #Tottenham absolutely rave about Archie Gray. They can't believe Spurs got him. They are buzzing! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💎🤍@pokeefe1 pic.twitter.com/Rg7SCxk5vD

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) August 16, 2024

A decision that highlights the Lilywhites’ transfer policy isn’t just to sign any young talent on the market but those who can make an immediate impact on the squad.

A policy that was sure to be music to the ears of newest recruit, 19 year-old winger Wilson Odobert

Odobert‘s arrival in North London was a surprise to many with the transfer seemingly being arranged without any media speculation at all.

Spurs agreed to sign the French teenager from Burnley for a fee of £25m with £5m in add-ons.

Odobert would sign a five year deal, running until 2029.

Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, Wilson 🤍 pic.twitter.com/5JEeg9nLt0

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 16, 2024

The France U21 international registered 4 goals and 2 assists in 32 appearances for Burnley in 2023/24.

He was also on the scoresheet in his sole appearance for the Clarets on the opening day of the 2024/25 Championship season.

Known for his 1v1 style, Odobert ranked fourth amongst teenagers in Europe’s top five leagues for most successful dribbles with 53.

Most successful dribbles by teenagers in Europe's top five leagues last season:

◎ 70 - Lamine Yamal
◎ 69 - Brajan Gruda
◎ 64 - Désiré Doué
◎ 53 - Wilson Odobert
◎ 51 - Ernest Nuamah pic.twitter.com/fNPZGSJ1EY

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 1, 2024

Primarily a left winger, reports suggest that Odobert is being utilised as a right winger in training, adding further depth to a position that consists of Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Timo Werner.

The Frenchman is also comfortable playing behind the striker in an attacking midfield role.

Odobert is known to be a threat on the counter attack, possessing an abundance of pace and agility.

Odobert registered an xA of 4.43 and 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes over the 23/24 Premier League season, which suggests that his playmaking statistics should see an increase with higher quality teammates.

Although not the finished product, his ball striking ability and willingness to shoot from distance indicates that the potential to develop into a bigger goal scoring threat is on the cards.

Wilson Odobert’s dribbling style is Sterling-esque with how he jinks in & then jinks back out of his full-back at high speed.He’s proven he can hurt PL full-backs in 1v1s. Smart deal for an initial £25m and fixes a weakness in Ange’s system. He has good goalscoring potential too. pic.twitter.com/ixcwID94ix

— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) August 16, 2024

Having been linked with the likes of Pedro Neto and Eberechi Eze, it’s clear that Spurs were looking to bring in a player who was able to take on opposing defenders and create chances without the need for constant build-up.

Considering the profile of winger Spurs were interested in and the new recruitment policy around age, it’s a no-brainer as to why Spurs wanted a deal for the 19 year-old to be completed quickly.

“I will almost refrain from what I really think about him, because at this moment in time, I don’t think people realise how good he is,” said former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany regarding Odobert, back in May.

Wilson Odobert in training today 🚀pic.twitter.com/S1rKjfGBoN

— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) August 21, 2024

According to Football London, Odobert showcased in his first training session that he is extremely pacey, tricky and that he is more than capable of scoring a goal.

His best strike came when he bamboozled Gray, by turning him inside and out and producing a Cruyff turn to get a yard of space to blast the ball into the bottom corner beyond Alfie Whiteman.

Having not been available for selection against Leicester City in the opening fixture due to work permit requirements, Odobert will look to make his debut for the club against Everton on the 24th August.