Gary Mabbutt has exclusively told Football FanCast that Dane Scarlett is good enough to compete in Tottenham’s first-team next season.
Scarlett, who doesn’t turn 17 until later this month, burst on the scene following a number of outstanding performances for Spurs’ youth sides, which have caught the attention of Jose Mourinho.
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The teenager striker’s 22 goals in 18 matches led to him being called into the senior squad by Mourinho, where he made his Tottenham debut in the Europa League against Ludogorets back in November.
Following more excellent form for the U18s, including five goals in a single FA Youth Cup match against Newport, Scarlett was handed further senior appearances, one of which was his Premier League debut against West Brom last month.
Scarlett was an unused substitute at Aston Villa on Sunday, and with Carlos Vinicius’ loan spell expiring this summer, Mabbutt says that the youngster has the potential to make the step up into the first-team.
The former Tottenham captain told Football FanCast:
“We have a lot of excellent youngsters out on loan – Oliver Skipp is doing well.
“We have a lot that have the ability to step up to the first-team, and Dane is exactly the same. He has got the potential and seems to be taking it all in his stride.
“If he’s comparing himself to Harry Kane, who did find it difficult to break through and went out on loan on a number of occasions, Dane will be a player that will be learning from that. If he continues to improve and continues to have the attitude that he has at the moment, he could be an amazing player for the future.
“Will he be there to challenge Kane next season? Of course, he will be one of those wanting to.”
Scarlett’s played just 17 minutes for Tottenham’s first-team, so it’s almost impossible to judge him. But even in that short amount of time playing with the seniors, he’s almost scored, assisted Vinicius against Wolfsberger, and despite his age, would appear one for the Spurs faithful to get excited over.