Report: Cameron Carter-Vickers heading to Sheffield United on loan

There are numerous reports flying tonight that another young Tottenham Hotspur player is leaving to get some experience in England’s second division. Lyall Thomas at Sky is one of several reporting that 19-year old English-American center back Cameron Carter-Vickers will be departing for a season-long loan at Sheffield United.

This makes a lot of sense, and even gives a hint as to Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical plans for the season. Chris Wilder plays with a back three formation at Sheffield, and sending Cam out to get experience in that formation, along with Spurs signing Davinson Sanchez, is a sign that Pochettino is considering switching formations.

Cam struggled all last season in his few appearances for Spurs, and in pre-season looked rather uncomfortable playing on the right side of a back three formation, especially in the International Champions Cup matches in USA. As we said in the Prospect Ratings, Cam is a player who needs first team experience in order to grow as a footballer. I didn’t think he’d get a loan. Pochettino apparently proved me wrong.

If this loan goes through, I think it’s a good thing. Spurs look likely to bring in young Argentine center back Juan Foyth, himself a project, and still have Kevin Wimmer on the books (for now). Sending CCV out on loan to learn how to play in a back three formation will serve him well, and he’ll get a stiff test in the Championship. Hopefully it’ll make him a better footballer.

Sheffield promoted to the Championship this season after winning League One last year.