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Malachi Hardy Thanks Roberto De Zerbi For His Trust
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- Malachi Hardy Thanks Roberto De Zerbi For His Trust
(Reuters)
Malachi Hardy has thanked Roberto De Zerbi for his trust in him after making a strong performance this summer during their pre-season tour in New Zealand and Australia.
The 18-year-old defender has been one of the academy's top performers with the senior squad this summer. Hardy started in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Auckland FC and kept his spot for the match against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, which ended 1-1 before Spurs won 4-2 on penalties.
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He looks calm with the ball, takes responsibility when building from the back, and holds his own during, all qualities that Roberto De Zerbi wants from his defenders.
De Zerbi has also praised Hardy's progress in public. After the win in Auckland, the Tottenham head coach said the teenager could have a long-term future at the club.
"Malachi is another good player for the future of the club." De Zerbi said.
The manager showed his praise was genuine by starting Hardy against Sydney. For a young defender moving up from the academy, this kind of support is extremely valuable.
Hardy feels the manager's support has helped him play his natural game instead of feeling overwhelmed. "I'm thankful to the manager, he's shown a lot of trust in me." Hardy said, speaking to SPURSPLAY .
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The defender also thanked Tottenham's senior players for their encouragement. "A lot of the boys are getting behind me and supporting me as well." Feeling included has helped Hardy focus on playing his usual game whenever De Zerbi picks him.
Hardy also thinks Tottenham's tour is about more than just one academy player breaking through. He started alongside Tye Hall and Rio Kyerematen against Sydney, and six more academy players came off the bench, with Luca Williams-Barnett continuing to impress.
Malachi seems aware of the example he and others are setting. Instead of just talking about his own progress, he pointed out what these chances mean for younger players coming up behind them.
"I think looking forward, especially for the younger ones looking up to us as well, they know that there's a pathway, there's opportunities for all of us."
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The England Youth International thinks the number of young players De Zerbi has used is a good sign for the club's future. "Quite a lot of us featured and the game before, so it's promising for the future."
De Zerbi's choice to include academy players could become a key part of Tottenham's growth under his leadership. As he looks at his squad for the new season, players like Hardy, Tye Hall, and Williams-Barnett are showing they can potentially compete this season and not just make up the numbers in pre-season.
His performances in Australia and New Zealand haven't made him a first-team regular yet, but they show he can handle that level. More importantly, Hardy knows the manager trusts him, and his words show he wants to repay that faith.
