‘Earning the trust’ – Port Vale manager explains how Alfie Devine is doing behind the scenes

Port Vale are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after a 1-0 win over Mansfield Town on Tuesday night, and it was Alfie Devine who scored the decisive goal. Andy Crosby, his manager at Port Vale, has been singing the Spurs man’s praises.

Of all the young players Tottenham Hotspur have at their disposal, Alfie Devine is perhaps the most exciting and promising talents.

Devine became Tottenham‘s youngest ever player and goalscorer when he made his debut in the FA Cup win over Marine back in 2021 (Daily Mail). He was just 16 years and 163 days old at the time.

Given he is still only 19-years-old now, it’s not surprising Ange Postecoglou decided to loan Devine out for the season to gain valuable experience. His new home for the campaign is with League One side Port Vale.

He’s enjoying life there, too, especially of late. Just within the last week, Devine has scored two goals to take his tally to three goals and two assists in 14 appearances for Vale (Transfermarkt).

Alfie Devine the hero for Port Vale

His latest effort proved decisive in the Carabao Cup encounter against Mansfield, and his manager, Andy Crosby, is clearly very happy with his loan star.

Speaking to the Port Vale Youtube channel, Crosby said: “It was an outstanding goal from Alfie Devine. A young player who’s been with us a while, is earning the trust for his performances and the way he’s conducting himself.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’m delighted to see Alfie Devine playing so well for Port Vale and he seems to be becoming something of a talisman for them. If he keeps this up, he will end up starting week in week out, and that is going to hugely benefit his development and be such a boost for Tottenham in the long term, too.

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