Jose Mourinho tipped one of Tottenham Hotspur’s current young players to have a very bright future back in 2021, however, his prediction hasn’t come true yet.
The youngster who Mourinho labelled a ‘diamond’ is part of Ange Postecoglou’s young squad, although his opportunities this season have been rather limited.
Mourinho handed the Tottenham Hotspur academy star his first-team debut for the North London club and even watched him get his first senior goal contribution in the Europa League four years ago.
Since then, things haven’t quite gone to plan for the young forward, although he has been working hard to get his chance, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by Postecoglou and his staff.
Jose Mourinho on Dane Scarlett’s ‘incredible potential’ in 2021
Back in February 2021, Jose Mourinho tipped Dane Scarlett to have a brilliant future following his first assist for Tottenham Hotspur in their 4-0 win over Wolfsberger AC.
The then 16-year-old was making just his third appearance for the North London club and the Portugese manager was asked about the youngster after the match.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United coach admitted that he had ‘incredible potential’ and that he expected him to become a first-team player the following season.
Speaking after Tottenham’s Europa League win over Wolfsberger, Mourinho told TNT Sports: “He’s a diamond, he’s a kid with incredible potential. He’s worked many times with the first-team which gives him a different personality. He’s still 16 and I believe next season he’s going to be a first-team squad player because his talent needs to develop and when the kid is very, very good – he’s going to be a fantastic player.
“I just hope that everything goes well around him and nothing strange disturbs his development. He’s a striker, I’m playing him more from the sides – a little bit similar to what happened with Rashford – when you are too young it’s difficult to be a nine and it’s easier to come from the sides without losing that killer instinct. He’s very clever, I’m very happy with him.”
Dane Scarlett is now part of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham first-team
The last four years for Scarlett haven’t quite gone as Mourinho predicted, however, the striker is now part of Tottenham’s first-team squad.
A tricky loan spell at Oxford United saw him recalled by Postecoglou and he has been handed several opportunities by the Australian manager.
Scarlett, who Dejan Kulusevski think is Tottenham’s ‘most underrated player’, marked his return to Spurs with the winning goal against Elfsborg to take Tottenham through to the Round of 16 in the Europa League.
The 20-year-old now has three goal and assist contributions in four appearances since making his return and is proving to be somewhat of a useful asset.
Scarlett’s hard work in training has been noticed by Postecoglou and the Spurs boss admitted that he hopes he can give him more chances this season.
