Mikey Moore blows ‘Gareth Bale moment’ in Tottenham 3-0 defeat vs Brentford
Mikey Moore squandered a "Gareth Bale moment" in Tottenham's 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.
That is the verdict from Spurs expert John Wenham after what he witnessed from Moore's showing against the Bees.
The 19-year-old started on the right flank in the loss to Keith Andrews' side, but did not have the required impact.
That was a big show in faith in the academy graduate from Roberto De Zerbi, but he blew his opportunity.
It leaves serious question marks over his immediate future, with a loan move to Bundesliga outfit FC Koln currently on hold.
Bale is a big comparison, given what he achieved with the N17 club and afterwards, but that is how highly that Moore is viewed.
How did Mikey Moore miss 'Gareth Bale moment' against Brentford?
The youngster missed three big chances at the Gtech Community Stadium, which could have changed the outcome.
Wenham believes had he scored them all, it would have been similar to Bale's hat-trick against Inter Milan in 2010, which is widely regarded as his breakthrough moment.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the Lilywhite Rose owner said: "Mikey Moore had three chances, My God, it could have been a Gareth Bale moment for him.
"The first one was a really weak effort, for the second one, Andy Robertson put an outstanding ball across the face of the goal, and again it was a tame effort, which is very frustrating.
"The third one, he made for himself by tucking inside the full-back, getting a decent shot away this time, but unfortunately, Caoimhin Kelleher made the save.
"Had he scored one, two or three of them, you could say maybe he wouldn't be going to FC Koln, but now, with the signing of Savinho, and based on not taking those opportunities yesterday, he will now be deemed to go out on loan and continue his development."
Why does a loan move make sense for Moore?
A loan move is probably the best outcome for Moore, as it will allow him to hone his craft away from the pressure of playing for the Lilywhites.
Given the expenditure, and the expectations that De Zerbi now has, there will be a lot of scrutiny on every Spurs player.
It may be better for the academy gem to boost his end product in another top league, and come back next season as a genuine option, who can actually make an impact.