The search for a back-up striker may be right under Tottenham’s nose

Throughout the years, England’s top flight has been the home to some of the footballing world’s best strikers. More specifically, Tottenham Hotspur have had some of the league’s most prolific forwards in their ranks, including Gary Lineker, Jimmy Greaves, Jermain Defoe, and, more recently, Harry Kane. 

Crucially, the Lilywhites aren’t strangers to developing up-and-coming goalscorers, and that is something that could save them a lot of money over the course of the coming transfer windows. With that in mind, could Troy Parrott be the next world-class star to come through at Spurs? 

The youngster requires patience and trust 

In recent times, Spurs have come unstuck on numerous occasions when without Kane, having to rely on underwhelming options, such as Fernando Llorente, Vincent Janssen, Roberto Soldado, and more. In order to try and bolster the squad, former Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino, targeted Juventus’ Paulo Dybala.

However, that move ultimately failed to materialise. Following the cub’s failure to secure the Argentine’s signature, the Spurs faithful called for Parrott to be granted more game time as a backup option to Kane.  

Fundamentally, despite Jose Mourinho stating that the Irishmen isn’t yet ready for first-team football, the North London side are reaching a point where taking a gamble on the 18-year-old may pay dividends. Throughout the last two decades, two of Spurs’ most significant breakthrough talents, Gareth Bale and Kane, were awarded patience and consistent opportunities. While there is nothing to say that Parrott will enjoy a career that matches the successes of those players, he too needs similar treatment to showcase his true abilities.  

Spurs have nothing to lose 

Having tried and failed to thus far find a reliable, long-term backup option to the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, Mourinho and Tottenham find themselves in a position where they have nothing to lose in persisting with Parrott. At the time of writing, the 18-year-old has played just five minutes of top-flight football.

Ultimately, this isn’t enough time for the youngster to adequately get involved in a game, let alone deliver in front of goal for the side who are, as of June 5th, 12/1 to finish in the top four with Space Casino betting on football come the resumption of the league.  

Moreover, the last few years of Premier League football have produced some of the most exciting moments in relation to giving young players a platform to play with freedom. From an attacking perspective, the breakthrough of Marcus Rashford at Manchester United is a prime example of what sustained belief and consistent opportunities can do for a young player. Additionally, the same can also be said for Phil Foden at Manchester City.  

A raw, yet hungry talent  

Unlike other breakthrough prospects, Parrott’s emergence is one that the entirety of English football is paying close attention to. Based on youth form, the 18-year-old could be far more than just a mere squad option, with many believing that he has the ability needed to reach the sport’s pinnacle. However, for that to happen, he needs a run in the team.