Wed 24 February 2021, 20:05
Tottenham HotspurDane Scarlett was the first name on Jose Mourinho’s mind after our 4-0 win against Wolfsberger AC in the second leg of our UEFA Europa League, round of 32 tie on Wednesday night.
The Academy striker made his debut in the competition against Ludogorets aged just 16 years, 247 days back in November, making him our youngest-ever player* at the time. That record has since been taken by Alfie Devine, who was 16 years, 162 days when he featured (and scored) in our FA Cup win at Marine in January.
This time around, Dane was one of three substitutes, including Academy debutants Marcel Lavinier and Nile John. The striker worked off the left side of a front three and was everywhere in those forward areas in a 10-minute cameo that included his first assist, robbing Gustav Henriksson and allowing Carlos Vinicius to fire home his second of the night for the final 4-0 scoreline.
Dele’s wonderful overhead kick got the ball rolling for us on 10 minutes, he then provided assists for Carlos’ first, a clinical header on 50 minutes, and Gareth Bale’s first-time ping into the top corner for 3-0 on 73. Carlos wrapped it up 10 minutes later for an 8-1 aggregate over the two legs, as we took our place in the last 16.
The draw for the round of 16 will take place on Friday (12 noon).
Jose said: “Let’s start from the end - Scarlett again! He’s a fantastic player, a kid with an incredible talent. Lavinier for the first time, John for the first time, and if the story I was told is true, it’s an amazing story, he arrived at the Club at seven-years-old and 10 years later, he plays in this stadium, Europa League.
“So, congratulations to the Academy and to all the other kids, because in the end, they are all friends, they all have the same dream and when some reach the dream, I believe all the others, they also feel happy.
“After that, of course we qualified, but we qualified playing well, playing seriously, scoring beautiful goals, all four goals are beautiful goals and more important than that, the attitude. People went serious to the game, so, a good night for us.”
Speaking further about the work of the Academy - remembering that we took four youngsters to the first leg in Budapest and had another four on the bench tonight - Jose added: “I respect the work they do, and when I can push a little, the best push I can give to their work is to bring the kids and to make the kids feel that the door is open for them.
“It’s just about the work. The interaction is very good, the kids have trained with us many times, we even do sometimes 11 against 11, bringing the kids in to train with us. The relationship is very good, and I feel happy every time I give a chance. In Dane’s case, it’s already the third chance, and, of course, more will come. Even for others, it’s a boost for them, and I’m very happy for them.”
*Records since joining the Football League in 1908...
