While Tottenham have struggled on the pitch in the Premier League this season, one thing they have at their disposal is a series of talented youngsters.
Archie Gray has been a key member of the squad since arriving from Spurs, while Lucas Bergvall has established himself well in England.
Read Tottenham takes a look back in history to look at the young footballers who have ever made an appearance at the Lilywhites, those who have climbed through the ranks of their academy and made a stand on the greatest stage, and how their careers spiralled after wearing the White shirt at such a young age.
5th – Ally Dick: 16 years 9 months 26 days
Back in 1981, a young Scottish winger was making a name for himself in the Spurs U16 team, and quickly moved up to the U18. One year there saw him move straight up to the first team.
He made his debut while still a member of the U18 squad, on the 20th February 1982, when Manchester City travelled to White Hart Lane.
Dick started the game on the left side, with legendary Glenn Hoddle sitting next to him in the heart of the midfield. A brace from the maestro was the difference on the day.
He played 17 games in the First Division before moving to Ajax in 1986; unfortunately for him, though, he couldn’t break into the side.
After stints at different clubs around the world, he settled down with Alloa Athletic in 1996, and retired a year later.
4th – John Bostock: 16 years 9 months 22 days
Just four days younger than Dick, Bostock made his debut in the UEFA Cup at home against GNK Dinamo Zagreb in November 2008. The Croatian side had some recognisable names such as Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic.
The English defender came on with just over 10 minutes to go, as he replaced David Bentley. Prior to the sub, Spurs were already 4-0 up, and that was how the game finished, though the feeling of being on the pitch must have felt great for Bostock.
He only played three more times at the club, and despite a series of loan moves, he eventually made a permanent switch to Royal Antwerp.
After further moves across France, Turkey and England, he has most recently been at Solihull Moors’ last campaign, until he was released, where he remains a free agent.
3rd – Mikey Moore: 16 years 9 months 3 days
The English winger is still viewed as a potential star for the future at the club, despite making his debut two years ago this coming week.
They took on Pep Guardiola’s City side, who were embroiled in a title battle with North London rivals, Arsenal.
Moore came on in the 92nd minute of the match, with the Cityzens leading 2-0 at the time. With little time, he couldn’t make any impact, as the game ended with a two-goal advantage to the away side.
He played 20 more games for the Lilywhites before joining Rangers on loan last summer, where he has featured 45 times and registered 11 goal contributions.
2nd – Dane Scarlett: 16 years 8 months 2 days
During the lockdown campaign, Spurs had so much attacking quality with Harry Kane, Heung Min Son and Lucas Moura all reliable options for Jose Mourinho. It came as a shock to many to see Scarlett on the field.
That represented his quality, though, as he was subbed on for the Brazilian in a 4-0 win over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League. However, it has not been an easy path for the English striker.
He’s still with Spurs, though, continues to be loaned out, having already spent time with Ipswich and Oxford United. He is currently on loan at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian after joining in January, where he has scored once.
1st – Alfie Devine: 16 years 5 months 9 days
Another youngster who made his debut under the legendary Portuguese figure just two months later. In the third round of the FA Cup, the Lilywhites drew Non-League side Marine away from home, which threw the normal first-team selection out of the window.
After taking a dominant 4-0 lead in the first half, Moussa Sissoko was replaced by Devine, who had 45 minutes to play first-team football.
He is the only one to score on his debut on this list who shifted the ball past a defender and struck it past the keeper at the near post.
He only played one more first-team game before moving to KVC Westerlo on loan, and last summer he joined Championship side, Preston North End, on loan, where he got 15 goal contributions. Does he still have a future at North London? This summer will be telling.
