Paul Clement thinks Tom Carroll has “a point to prove” against Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Swansea City on Wednesday offers more than one one intriguing narrative, but the biggest is probably this: it’s Swans midfielder Tom Carroll’s first opportunity to play against his old club. Spurs sold the Carty Free favorite to Swansea this January after it became clear that he was well down the midfield pecking order at White Hart Lane, and Carroll has pretty much immediately nailed down a starting role in the Swans’ midfield.

Ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Liberty Stadium, Tom’s manager Paul Clement responded when asked if Carroll might have “a point to prove” against his old club.

“I think that’s normal, he’s been at the club since eight years of age. Tottenham has been a massive part of his life. I’m sure he’s really looking forward to the game.

“Maybe I’ll rest him for West Ham, what do you think?

“A point to prove? He’s a good player. I think Tottenham thought he was a good player. They kept him for a long, long time, he’s played a good amount of first team games. It was the right move for Tom to move someplace where he could play more regularly, and he’s certainly making good progress here at Swansea.”

We all know Tom’s potential and his passing ability has never really been questioned, so it will be interesting to see him playing against Tottenham instead of with them. Carroll is a progressive passer who has done well for a Swansea team that is still battling relegation this season, and it will be a lot of fun seeing what he can do against a Spurs midfield that will probably feature Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele.

I’m still a little sad that English Xavi never took off at Spurs, but he made the right decision to sign for a club that will give him the playing time he needs to succeed, and I hope he has a long and successful career. Starting after tomorrow’s match, obviously.