Mauricio Pochettino is known to put a lot of faith in his young players.
The Tottenham boss has often favoured developing the club’s starlets in favour of spending big money – in the hope that they will one day turn into stars themselves.
Pochettino is set to continue that philosophy by giving several of Spurs’ fringe players a run-out in the EFL Cup home tie against Gillingham, with one young man in particular set to impress.
At least, he’d better hope he puts on a decent performance, given that his manager has already compared him to Lionel Messi. No pressure, kid.
Marcus Edwards was hugely impressive in pre-season, so many Tottenham fans will have high hopes for him.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is most likely starting on the bench against the League One side, but Pochettino has given a rather exciting preview of what he can do.
“His qualities … it’s only looks – his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” he said, as per the Guardian.
Pochettino knows La Liga well having spent so much time at Espanyol, so he will no doubt have vivid memories of Messi’s early days.
Of course, there’s a danger talk like that could go to the left-footed player’s head, though it probably already has, as he’s nicknamed ‘Mini Messi’ by his team-mates because of his ability to go past opponents.
As an Academy product, Edwards has been at White Hart Lane since he was eight, signing his first professional deal in the summer.
18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers is also set to feature.
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