Alfie Devine scored Tottenham U23s' only goal in their 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace U23s on Monday and is continuing to impress.
The 17-year-old has now bagged seven goals and registered three assists in 12 Premier League 2 appearances so far this season, as well as netting two in two games in the FA Cup youth trophy.
The attacking midfielder is not only impressing with his footballing ability but is clearly a key part of the academy side, as he has been given the captain's armband in both FA Cup fixtures this season and once when playing for the England U19s.
Devine has started 11 of the 12 league games he has been involved in so far this season and already shown his great potential.
Last season, the attacking midfielder got 45 minutes in Spurs' FA Cup game against Marine and bagged himself a goal in the 5-0 victory.
He also made the Premier League matchday squad on two occasions and has also had a number of opportunities to train with the first team.
After the FA Cup tie, Japhet Tanganga spoke highly of the academy player, a position he was once in at Tottenham.
"Every time he's come up [to first-team training] he's looked a real spark," the defender admitted. "He's doing well. When he was coming on, I just told him, 'Keep it simple, do what you've been doing in training – there's a reason why you've been training up'.
"You saw glimpses of his ability in a really professional performance. I'm really happy for him to get his first professional goal. He's a really good player and there's more to come as well.
"He's shown he can hustle, he's shown what he can do, so hopefully from here he can kick on and get more appearances for the club," Tanganga added.
Jose Mourinho was the man in charge against Marine and he also praised the 17-year-old after giving him the opportunity to impress.
"He's a kid with good potential," Mourinho explained. "He's basically a midfield player but with an instinct to appear in finishing zones and to score goals.
"We like him and of course for him, it was a special day."
There were also reports that the Portuguese manager had likened the midfielder to Bruno Fernandes and U23s coach Wayne Burnett has also praised Devine.
"Alfie has scored two very well-taken goals [against Liverpool U23s in November] but he gets himself into those positions because he's willing to get forward and make those intelligent runs, so that was pleasing," he said.
Under Antonio Conte, opportunities for the academy players have been few and far between, although Dane Scarlett and Harvey White have been given a place on the bench in some recent fixtures, as the Lilywhites deal with various injuries.
It is difficult for the Italian to give the youngsters a chance, when Spurs are competing for a top four spot in the league and progression in the FA Cup.
Devine currently has a market value of £450,000, according to Transfermarkt and he could be a potential player who could save Tottenham millions, if he continues with his positive development.
At just 17, the midfielder is impressing beyond his age and a loan move in the near future may be beneficial to continue this development, before he gets a chance with the first team.
