Alasdair Gold has ‘spotted’ some exciting Tottenham news from Hotspur Way, as Alfie Devine could soon get his chance in the Premier League under Antonio Conte.
The Lowdown: Conte's complaint
Conte’s explosive interview with Sky Italy this week has drawn plenty of attention, with the manager correctly pointing out that his squad is actually weaker in terms of numbers now than it was prior to the January transfer window.
However, that weakness may grant opportunities to some of the younger players on the fringes of the Italian’s squad, like Dane Scarlett, who is effectively the only other out and out striker at the club after Harry Kane.
Another player who may benefit is 17 year-old Devine, who is yet to be seen in a Premier League fixture for Tottenham, appearing just once for the club in the 5-0 FA Cup win at Marine FC back in January of last year.
The Latest: Devine may get his chance
According to Gold, writing for Football London, Devine, the youngest player to ever turn out for Spurs’ senior side, ‘could find himself getting more chances to impress Conte’ ahead of Saturday’s clash with Manchester City.
Devine has been involved in the first team training sessions before the visit to the champions, and the departures of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Bryan Gil could now open the door for a Premier League debut.
The Verdict: Exciting for Spurs fans
While the teenager actually made his only appearance for the first-team up front against Marine, his natural position is indeed somewhere Conte is lacking in his current squad.
Devine has made ten of his 16 appearances for the youth sides at N17 from an attacking midfield position this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist.
Goals from midfield has been a huge issue for not just Conte but also Nuno Espirito Santo this term, with no Lilywhites player outside of Kane and Son Heung-min scoring more than twice in the league.
Whether 17 year-old Devine is ready for the rough and tumble of regular senior football yet is unclear, but Gold’s report details how he is taking part in the strength and conditioning training, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise if Conte unleashes the youngster between now and the end of the campaign.