Why Tottenham have been given Oliver Irow reality check after recent Plymouth hype rush
Tottenham Hotspur have another young gem on their hands in Oliver Irow.
The Lilywhites sent the left-winger on loan to Plymouth Argyle in the summer, where he has settled in well since joining.
The Hotspur Way product spent the second half of last season on loan with League One side Mansfield Town, proving he could perform to a high standard in the division.
Irow then scored on his debut for Plymouth, netting in the Carabao Cup against Coventry City.
He has four goals in a total of seven games in all competitions so far for the Pilgrims, and there has been plenty of hype around the young forward.
It's safe to say that Tottenham have another hot prospect on their hands with Irow, but how far away is he from being able to perform in the Premier League?
Why Tottenham just got dealt Oliver Irow reality check
Irow has helped Plymouth up to fourth place in League One, as he and the League One club will be hoping for promotion come the end of the season.
The 20-year-old scored a brace against Blackpool before his most recent game for Plymouth, which raised even more attention around his name.
However, his display in a 1-0 loss to Burton Albion on Saturday may suggest where the winger is at in his development.
As per FotMob data, Irow had a 5.7 match rating, which was the worst among his teammates, including substitutes and the opposition for that matter.
He misplaced six passes out of an attempted 26, while making just one defensive contribution.
He had 45 touches in the game, and though he completed two dribbles successfully, his crossing accuracy emerged as a low 17 per cent.
He won just 29 per cent of his ground duels, and was unable to create a single chance in the game.
This proves that Irow is still a raw talent and can struggle for his team when the tough gets going.
Often, a sign that a player is ready to step up from the EFL to the Premier League is when they perform well, even when their team loses or struggles.
Irow has yet to complete a full season in professional football, and will perhaps need several loan moves before being ready to compete for a spot under Roberto De Zerbi.
What we know about Irow's contract
Spurs fans have been frustrated with the handling of several youth players in N17.
Ashley Phillips and Will Lankshear both left Middlesbrough in the summer, with both deals having the potential to reach a combined £20million, if all add-ons are met.
There has been particular outrage at the sale of Lankshear, who has started well for Boro, despite Spurs not having an in-form striker.
Mikey Moore was also in contention to play for the Lilywhites this season, but instead had a loan move to Germany sanctioned.
Irow could fall in the category of players Spurs should not have sold or let go, unless he keeps performing well.
This gives him at least this season and next to prove his worth to Tottenham, and to show them why he'll deserve a new contract on improved terms once his current deal expires.