Roberto De Zerbi can't ignore Tottenham gem Jamie Donley any longer after 'great' loan scenes
Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley must have Roberto De Zerbi's attention after his latest loan exploits.
The 21-year-old was sent on loan to Luton Town in League One, as there was no space for him in the Spurs squad.
The Northern Ireland gem had managed one goal and one assist in five league matches for the Hatters.
He has played in a variety of positions, on the right flank, as a number 10 or in a second striker role, since joining the Kenilworth Road outfit.
That shows his versatility that could be an asset for De Zerbi's side, but he has also proven his ability to contribute.
His showing in the 4-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers should force the Lilywhites boss to take notice of Donley, he can't ignore him any longer.
What has Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley done now?
Donley started the game at Adams Park, and he had a brilliant impact as his side walked away with three points.
He first notched an assist for Kasey Palmer's opener, before scoring a goal himself to double the lead.
Bucks Free Press reporter James Richings described it as "great" although he did bemoan the defending from the Chairboys.
Taking to X on 10 October, he said: "Jamie Donley with the finish.
"Wycombe, masters of their own downfall by giving the ball away just outside of the box.
"Take nothing away from the finish, it's a great strike, but it's terribly defended."
He also managed five chances created and six passes into the final third, per FotMob data, showing how dangerous he can be.
The 14-cap international must be pushing on the door to get into the senior squad sooner rather than later after the scenes away from his parent club.
What has Donley said about De Zerbi?
Donley has been at Spurs since the age of eight, but has only made six appearances for the first-team.
He is now reaching the stage which will define his career, and he will want to play regularly for the North London side, rather than being sent on another loan or just included in the squad.
Donley appeared to be frustrated with how he had been treated by De Zerbi since he came in
Speaking earlier this month in quotes shared by Tottenham podcaster Chris Cowlin, he said: “When I came in for pre-season I spoke to [De Zerbi] a little bit and he said that he liked me, and I went out to Australia and played quite a lot.
"Then a few of the lads came back from the World Cup and so then I was kind of pushed away a little bit.
"Towards the end of the window, I had a clear idea of what I was going to be doing, it’s difficult because there’s so many players and they’re signing £100million players.
"I’m not arrogant enough to think I’m going to be playing over them, they don’t really give you a pathway."
That seems to suggest that he may end up running out of patience with his role at his boyhood club.
De Zerbi needs to start considering him as a senior option when he is back in the fold, otherwise he may start to consider whether his future lies in N17 or somewhere else.