Paul Scholes, writing in his column for the Independent, has stated his belief that the League Cup final on Sunday is a big test of a young Tottenham Hotspur team’s mettle and their ability to produce a big performance in a big final.
Mauricio Pochettino men has earned plaudits for his expert handling of young Spurs team, but they are heading to Wembley on the back of a disappointing Europa League exit at the hands of Fiorentina and will be playing against Chelsea, who have an impressive record of winnings big finals in recent years.
Scholes has the experience of winning two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups with Manchester United and feels Sunday is a big test for Tottenham’s young team.
The Manchester United legend believes that it is a wonderful opportunity for some of the young Tottenham players to add a winners’ medal to their locker early in their career and feel the experience of actually winning a trophy.
“The Capital One Cup final is a great opportunity for the likes of Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb to get a medal early in their careers”, Scholes wrote.
relatedNewsStory
“I am sure that they will all have very good careers, but it comes down to how much you have won in the end, and winning finals is difficult.”
However, Scholes feels Sunday will be a big test of Tottenham’s mettle and their ability to produce on the big stage against a Chelsea team who have developed a habit of winning big finals in recent years.
He admits that cup finals are not about producing the best performance, but about producing big moments and handling the pressure of a playing a final.
“A cup final is all about seizing the moment.
"You cannot put right a mistake or a missed opportunity the following week. Look how Chelsea won the Europa League final against Benfica in 2013 despite not playing particularly well.
“On Sunday we will find out what this good young Spurs team are like when the pressure is really on.”
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.