Antonio Conte has revealed that he considers Dane Scarlett to be the best prospect in the Tottenham Hotspur academy at this moment in time.
This may come as no surprise to many Spurs fans as the young striker has been thriving over the past two years in a Lilywhite shirt.
Scarlett was even handed a cameo off the bench against Leeds United last time out when Tottenham were already 4-0 up with five minutes to go.
While Scarlett has only scored once in 13 games across all competitions and age groups this season (TransferMarkt), he has been training with the first team a lot.
Last season, when he was playing consistent youth team football, he managed 25 goals in 24 youth games, as well as four assists. He even bagged an assist in the Europa League for the senior side too (TransferMarkt).
Conte has now disputed claims over his squad being thin because he named four academy players on the bench against Leeds, insisting you have to earn a spot no matter your age.
He said (Football London): “I don’t give gifts to my players.
“If you are a player and you are only 17-years-old, Dane’s working really hard and he is a really good prospect from the academy. He is for sure at this moment the best prospect from the academy.
“There are a couple of others who are improving. Dane has to continue to work very hard, we are trying to find the best solution in the training because he has a long history with injuries, he has great potential, he is only 17.
“I don’t give gifts to anybody, they have to deserve this opportunity.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Tottenham have really struggled to promote youth talent in recent years in the same way that Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal have. Spurs have some real gems in the youth system so hopefully we will see a few rise to the top in N17 or out on loan.