Tottenham have next Ledley King in waiting after latest Under-21 scenes

Ledley King is widely regarded as one of Tottenham's best ever players.

The defender made 323 appearances for Spurs between 1999 and 2012, after coming through the academy ranks.

He earned 21 England caps, a total which would have been increased had he not suffered from chronic knee issues.

King was touted for his calmness under pressure, his ability to play out from the back and his prowess in aerial duels.

Tottenham fans are now searching for the next one club man in the centre of defence.

They may not have to wait much longer after what one academy star did in the Under-21's 2-0 loss to Exeter.

Who is Tottenham's new Ledley King?

Malachi Hardy has come through the academy, just like King did, but he is yet to be handed his first-team debut.

Roberto De Zerbi will surely be considering lining him up next to Micky van de Ven and Co, after his performance in the EFL Trophy clash.

Hardy looks like the new King in waiting, with his ability to play out from the back and win aerial duels.

He completed 95 per cent of his passes in the contest, and won three of four aerial duels, for a 75 per cent success rate, according to Fotmob data.

Hardy made six clearances and one interception, and was the clear standout on a disappointing night for Wayne Burnett's side in the last Under-21 scenes.

Why Hardy will be hoping to avoid that King couldn't

The 18-year-old still has a long way to go, of course, until he reaches the senior level and has the chance to emulate an icon.

The signs are encouraging, though, that he could become Spurs' next homegrown hero.

He will hope to avoid the injuries that hampered King in his career, as records show that the legendary player missed 89 games between 2006 and 2011.

Those kinds of statistics are not generally available for the previous era, when King started his career, so it is likely to be even more.

If Hardy does not fulfil his potential, it will likely be a result of injuries, which would be a nightmare that supporters in N17 have seen before.

Hopefully, he can avoid that and go on and fulfil his lofty potential, perhaps even when De Zerbi is still in charge.