Tottenham’s bilingual academy star Keanan Bennetts who’s compared to Gareth Bale left Spurs to be next Bundesliga sensation
Winger Bennetts has already represented both Germany and England at youth level
HAVING grown up down the road from White Hart Lane, you would be excused for assuming Tottenham academy product Keanan Bennetts was dreaming of the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino, an advocate for youth, appeared to be the perfect mentor for the young winger who’s been compared to Gareth Bale. So few saw his move to Monchengladbach coming.
Bennetts, now 19, had starred in the Spurs academy and was promoted into the Premier League 2 team and featured in the Uefa Youth League.
The set-piece specialist scored nine goals and provided eight assists in the last campaign, and many expected him to be next on the academy’s conveyor belt.
But then in May, a week after the final game of the season, news filtered out of North London that Bennetts was joining Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal believed to be worth £2million.
“The Premier League was not a specific goal of mine,” Bennetts revealed after signing a four-year deal at Borussia-Park.
“If you live in England, the goal is mostly the Premier League, but I just wanted to become a professional. If such a possibilities arises, you have to take it.”
Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl, who also signed Reece Oxford on loan, is a big fan of young English talent.
“We back him to make the step up to the Bundesliga,” Eberl said. “Keanan can play a variety of attacking roles.
“We’re delighted he’s chosen to sign for Borussia.”
And while the west German city of Monchengladbach may provide a different office environment for Bennetts, it is far from unfamiliar.
Born in Hamburg to a German mother and Nigerian father, bilingual Bennetts returned to the nation around three times a year while growing up in North London.
That has also given him options on the international scene. Bennetts has represented both Germany and England in the youth ranks while also qualifying for Nigeria.
Former Super Eagles boss Stephen Keshi even called Bennetts father Richard to ask for his services.
“There will be no rushing. We don’t want to shut any doors. He can mix and match,” Richard told the in 2014.
“He’ll keep playing as much as possible until he gets the feel of who values him the most.”
Bennetts father suggested there was already a war over his son at the age of 15.
“As soon as Germany came in for him England invited him to play for them,” he said.
“He’s the only kid to play for Germany at that level and not be at a German club.”
Now, of course, he is. Bennetts’ Bundesliga chance has arisen, he’s taking it and many expect him to be the next big thing to thrive in Germany.