Tottenham Hotspur has a wealth of young talent spread across Europe, gaining valuable experience and honing their skills. One of the most promising players making headlines is Argentine striker Alejo Veliz, who is currently out on loan at Spanish side RCD Espanyol. Veliz’s strong performances in La Liga have not gone unnoticed, as he has now been nominated for La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award for September, standing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars such as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Veliz’s journey to this point reflects his potential and ambition. The 20-year-old forward joined Spurs from Rosario Central in 2023 for a reported fee of £13 million. Despite making only eight competitive appearances for Tottenham, his talent was evident, and the club made the decision to send him out on loan to develop further. His first stint away from Spurs was at Sevilla in the latter half of last season, though his opportunities were limited, and he didn’t make much of an impact.
However, Veliz’s fortunes have changed since his move to Espanyol. Unlike his time at Sevilla, where game time was scarce, the young forward has established himself as a regular starter for Espanyol. He has started all four of the team’s La Liga games so far this season, scoring once in the process.
Recognized for His Efforts: U-23 Player of the Month Nomination
Veliz’s consistent performances at Espanyol have earned him a nomination for the prestigious La Liga Under-23 Player of the Month award. Competing alongside some of the brightest young talents in Spanish football, including Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal, Real Valladolid’s Raul Moro, Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, and Getafe’s Christantus Uche, Veliz’s nomination is a testament to his growing influence in La Liga.
This recognition reflects the progress the young forward has made since joining Espanyol. The loan spell is proving to be an ideal environment for Veliz to rediscover his form, after a difficult period last season, and to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in European football.
A Memorable First La Liga Goal
The highlight of Veliz’s loan spell so far came on August 31, when Espanyol faced Rayo Vallecano at the Cornella-El Prat. With the match tied at 1-1 deep into injury time, Veliz produced a moment of magic that left Espanyol fans in a frenzy. After a swift counter-attack, an initial shot by Irvin Cardona was saved by Rayo’s goalkeeper, but the ball was quickly recovered by Walid Cheddira, who played it across to Veliz. The Spurs loanee, showing remarkable composure, took a touch and slid the ball into the net with a curling effort over a defender, securing a dramatic last-minute 2-1 victory for Espanyol.
The goal was not just important for the result but also for Veliz on a personal level. After a challenging year, which he described as “not great” in terms of football, Veliz was visibly emotional after the final whistle. Speaking to reporters after the game, Veliz expressed his gratitude: “I had a year that honestly wasn’t great for me in terms of football. I just want to thank my family, my girlfriend who always supported me, the coaching staff for giving me the chance to come here and prove myself, and my teammates.”
A Future Star in the Making for Tottenham?
Tottenham Hotspur fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Veliz’s development at Espanyol, as his loan spell could prove crucial in shaping his future at the club. With Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou keen on building a dynamic and youthful squad, Veliz’s performances in Spain may give the Australian tactician food for thought when planning his squad for the 2025/26 season.
Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, which places emphasis on fluid, high-press football, could suit Veliz’s style of play. The Argentine striker is known for his intelligent movement, ability to find space in the box, and clinical finishing—all attributes that would make him a valuable asset in Tottenham’s forward line. If Veliz continues to develop at this rate, he could return to North London next summer as a serious contender for a starting spot.
Veliz’s Rise to Prominence: From Rosario to the Spotlight
Veliz’s journey from Rosario Central to Tottenham and now Espanyol is a testament to his perseverance and ability to adapt to new challenges. Coming through the ranks at Rosario Central, Veliz quickly earned a reputation as one of Argentina’s brightest young prospects. His physical presence, coupled with his technical ability and work ethic, caught the attention of several European clubs, but it was Tottenham who secured his signature in 2023.
Although his debut season in England was not as impactful as he might have hoped, the decision to send him out on loan has allowed Veliz to continue his development in a more competitive environment. His time in Spain, first with Sevilla and now with Espanyol, has given him the opportunity to acclimatize to European football and test himself against top-quality opposition.
Veliz’s progress at Espanyol is not just encouraging for his own career but also for Tottenham, who will be hoping that their young forward can return next season with the experience and confidence needed to make a real impact in the Premier League.
Competition for the U-23 Player of the Month Award
While Veliz’s nomination for La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award is a significant achievement, he faces stiff competition from some of Spain’s top young talents. Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid, has taken La Liga by storm this season with his dazzling displays, despite being only 17 years old. Real Valladolid’s Raul Moro has also impressed with his creative play, while Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios and Getafe’s Christantus Uche have been key figures for their respective teams.
Winning the award would be a major milestone for Veliz and a recognition of his hard work and determination. Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted alongside such prestigious talents is already a sign that the Argentine forward is on the right track.
What’s Next for Veliz?
The 2024/25 season promises to be a pivotal one for Alejo Veliz as he continues to develop at Espanyol. If he can maintain his form and continue making decisive contributions for the Spanish side, he will not only bolster his chances of winning individual accolades but also increase his stock in the eyes of Tottenham and other potential suitors.
With Tottenham’s forward line likely to undergo changes next summer, especially if the club looks to add more depth and versatility to their attacking options, Veliz could return to London with a chance to stake his claim for a first-team spot. His performances at Espanyol will be crucial in determining whether he can fulfill the promise he showed when Tottenham invested £13 million in his potential.
For now, though, Veliz’s focus will be on helping Espanyol achieve their objectives in La Liga and continuing to make a name for himself in Spain. If his early performances are anything to go by, Tottenham may have a future star on their hands.