Tottenham fans will love Ian Wright’s latest comments on Alfie Devine

Published on January 13, 2021

Ian Wright has told his Wrighty’s House podcast that Tottenham Hotspur teenager Alfie Devine’s movement before netting on his senior debut for Spurs against Marine was “fantastic” – and backed him to develop at the north London club.

Devine, 16, joined Tottenham in the summer as Spurs took advantage of Wigan’s financial issues to lure Devine to the capital for a bargain figure of £500,000. Since then, his rise has been exponential, already becoming a regular for the Under-23’s.

Having scored twice in seven Under-18 Premier League games for Spurs, Devine then netted on his Under-23 debut. His name hit the headlines when he was sent off for a horrendous tackle on Danny Drinkwater, with the Chelsea man also being sent off.

He has that nastiness that Jose Mourinho seemingly likes and was handed his debut on Sunday against Marine. He took the chance, cutting inside from the left flank and lashing a ball at the neat post – and Wright has given his verdict on his podcast.

(Photo by MARTIN RICKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“Mourinho has started to ease young players into his vibe and I’m pleased he’s doing that,” Wright said. “When you saw Devine come on and his movement and that, he’s going to the top and play with the best.

“So you look for that movement and how quickly he passes. His movement for the goal was fantastic. He’s got the confidence and the capability to get that shot off. Against Marine, of course, it is easier. Playing with those players, it elevates you.”

TBR’s view – Devine can be Tottenham’s next Dele Alli

With Dele struggling to recapture his best form, Tanguy Ndombele proving excellent one week and struggling the next and Gio Lo Celso seemingly spending as much time on the sidelines as he does in the team, Mourinho needs a consistent number 10.

Devine is still only 16 and anything can happen from this point on in. But under the guidance of Mourinho at this age, he can become the ideal Mourinho number 10 – scoring goals, creating assists, proving to be nasty but brilliant.

He can be the ruthless new Dele, that the former MK Dons man was before his injuries.