The Fall and Rise of Midfield Maestro Oliver Skipp
As Oliver Skipp’s form has declined, can the talented Spurs and England midfielder rediscover his best under Ange to get his career back on track?
Remember when Oliver Skipp looked like the next huge English superstar? The talented midfielder was stellar when he first burst onto the scene at Tottenham as a teenager. But over the last few seasons, Oliver’s play has regressed significantly. He’s fallen completely out of the England squad after being a regular. At Spurs, he’s struggled for game time and goals under previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Spurs are hoping that the odds are in Oliver’s favor for a revival under an intense new boss much like how a sports betting website allows their fans to back their predictions for a turnaround.
So what exactly happened to the superstar player who took the Premier League by storm as a teenager? Let’s take a closer look deep down his journey so far exploring every aspect of his career and the hopes for a revival that is strong and deep.
Early Days of Stardom
Tottenham recognized Skipp’s talent early and gave him first-team chances right away. After progressing through Spurs’ academy from 2008 onwards, Oliver made his senior debut in 2018 aged just 18. In his first few seasons under managers Pochettino and Mourinho, his energy and skills made him a rising star.
Playing as a defensive midfielder, Oliver formed an excellent partnership with Harry Kane. He earned PFA Young Player of the Year honors twice in 2018 and 2019 as Spurs challenged for titles. He also broke into the England squad and started at the 2018 World Cup when still only 22. His future seemed incredibly bright.
So What Went Wrong?
However, from the 2019-20 season onwards, worrying signs emerged of Oliver’s performances dropping off. After being ever-present initially, a serious hamstring injury disrupted his progress that campaign. Knocks to his confidence and questions around his professionalism surfaced as his output regressed.
As Oliver struggled for fitness and form in the following years, the goals and assists dried up alarmingly compared to his earlier exploits. By 2021, he had fallen completely out of Gareth Southgate’s England plans, having been a guaranteed starter just two years prior.
Last season represented a nadir for Oliver at Spurs as previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo froze him out. Managing just two goals all campaign, he became a fringe squad player compared to his prominent status before. As his slide down the pecking order accelerated, real concerns grew that Oliver’s once sky-high potential might never be fulfilled.
Events Under Conte
The last season under demanding boss Antonio Conte proved to be a career turning point for the declining Oliver Skipp. Conte had publicly challenged the midfielder to regain full focus and win back his place through hard work.
In limited minutes, Oliver has shown glimpses of renewed hunger and flair that marked his early rise. Conte has backed him to seize his opportunity if he stays committed. At 26, Oliver should be entering his prime years, and Conte has proven experience reviving stalled careers. His man management and tactical structure was the key to unlocking Oliver’s abilities once again.
Fans were hopeful the tough-tackling Italian could help light a fire under Oliver through his intense training methods. The playmaker had all the technique and vision needed to thrive in Conte’s system if he applied himself fully. After previous false dawns, Spurs supporters were cautiously optimistic about seeing a re-energized Oliver back to his best under Conte.
Oliver Skipp’s dramatic career trajectory perfectly encapsulates how quickly fortunes can change in football. His emergence as one of Europe’s most gifted young talents was followed far too soon by declining form and marginalization. He went under the intense tutelage of serial winner Antonio Conte, and redemption remained possible for him if he had grasped his opportunity. Conte had backed him publicly, but Oliver failed to repay the faith.
A Fresh Start Under Ange Postecoglou?
This season brings a new variable into the equation with Ange Postecoglou taking the reins as Tottenham manager. His attacking, possession-based style differs considerably from pragmatic Antonio Conte’s approach.
Postecoglou is known for rejuvenating stagnant careers through man-management and motivation. He trusts in players more than rigid systems. This more open, flowing football could potentially suit Oliver’s creativity and get him expressing himself again.
Already this pre-season, Oliver has shown glimpses of freedom in his play under Postecoglou. The Australian’s focus on dominating games through ball control plays to the midfielder’s strengths. A role anchoring the midfield could yet provide Oliver’s revival platform.
While not a guaranteed success, the philosophical shift from Conte to Postecoglou offers new hope. Oliver will be eager to repay the clean slate and opportunity to reinvent himself in this progressive setup. At 26, his career is far from over if this latest managerial change sparks his resurgence.
Can Oliver Revive His Career?
For Tottenham and England fans, getting Oliver Skipp firing on all cylinders again would represent a huge boost. When focused, fit and confident, few players can match his ingenuity and guile in the final third.
Unlocking defenses with a clever reverse pass or moment of improvised skill is where Oliver excels. Operating centrally behind the striker or even in a deeper role, Oliver could yet become a pivotal cog again. But it depends on him maintaining the levels in training and matches to earn his place.
If he can sustain focus and marry his prodigious natural gifts with work ethic and tactical discipline, this fallen star may rise again this season. For player, club and country, getting a reinvigorated Oliver Skipp back to his match-winning best would be a massive lift.
Conclusion
Oliver Skipp’s dramatic career trajectory shows how quickly fortunes can change in football. His emergence as a generational talent was followed far too soon by declining form and marginalization. The early signs are encouraging, but only time will tell if Postecoglou can finally unlock his vast potential.
