Harvey White has admitted that it has been a season of learning for him, particularly during his loan spell at Portsmouth in the second half of the season.
White, who has been one of the bright sparks of Tottenham’s academy for the last few years, was one of the best players in the Under-23s set up in the first half of the campaign, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in 11 matches.
He got his reward as he was called up to train with the first team by Jose Mourinho on several occasions before making his competitive debut against Ludogorets in the Europa League in November.
The 19-year-old then got his first senior start against Marine in the FA Cup at the start of January before completing a loan move to Pompey.
White made 21 appearances in League One and showed glimpses of some real quality during his time at Fratton Park.
While admitting his disappointment at Portsmouth falling just short of the play-off spots, the youngster revealed that his spell on the South Coast, away from the comforts of the Spurs academy, was an eye-opening experience.
He told the club’s official website: “The games at Spurs definitely helped me in making a dream come true and then going on loan to Portsmouth, which is another massive club, getting the opportunity to play there and learning with some top players and top managers, I’ve just loved it.
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“It’s been a massive learning curve – in a really positive way.
“As soon as I got to Portsmouth in January, on the first day, everyone made me feel welcome.
“I enjoyed training, we got to the first game against AFC Wimbledon, I played in it, we won 4-0 which always helps and then I pushed on from there, training every week, I was in the gym quite a bit and just playing a lot of football.
“Compared to Development Squad games, it was a lot more competitive because you’re playing for people’s livelihoods – that was always in the back of my head – and you’re also playing for players’ careers because those players – and me as well – want to play at the top so if it means promotion, if it means play-offs, for some players, that might be the highest level they’ve played at so far.
“Going there and making 22 appearances, I started six of them, played three full lots of 90 minutes and scored one goal, so it was great for me, but I was just gutted that we didn’t get into the play-offs because that would have topped off a really good loan and got us closer to promotion.
“I was gutted in that respect because as a team, we deserved it. We went through a lot of injuries and suspensions, I feel like we did deserve to be in the play-offs but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m sure Portsmouth will get back to where they should be though – and that’s at the top.”
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