Loan Watch: Tottenham ace Alfie Devine wins it for Port Vale against Oxford United
If Tottenham supporters didn’t already believe that 19-year-old Alfie Devine has a big future ahead of him, his performance during just his second appearance for Port Vale in League One might change their minds.
Spurs’ youngest-ever goalscorer was sent out on a much-needed season-long loan to League One side Port Vale, as announced by the club via their official Twitter page (25 August).
He is a player who many connected with the club believe has a big future ahead of him, and early signs from his loan with Port Vale demonstrate that they are absolutely right in thinking that.
Few players, let alone young players, would step up and take a penalty in the 99th minute of the match with the score level at 1-1, yet that is exactly what Devine did against Oxford United on Saturday (2 September).
It was only his second appearance for the club, having made his debut on 26 August by coming on for 14 minutes against Carlisle United, as he once again made an appearance from the bench, and what an appearance it would end up being.
With his side trailing 1-0 at home, Devine was introduced in the 68th minute, and despite spending less than a third of the contest on the pitch, would go on to be named man-of-the-match, stealing the headlines with his contributions.
He was busy throughout, completing 93 per cent of his passes, with one of those being key, registering two shots on target, attempting four crosses and playing one long ball forward (Sofascore). But it was two key moments that made all the difference.
Firstly, in the 74th minute, he stood over a free kick on the left-hand side and whipped a delightful ball into the penalty area, which was headed home by Alex Lacovitti to level the contest.
And then, in the 99th minute, Devine well and truly stole the show. With his side having been awarded a penalty, he displayed ice in his veins to pick up the ball, place it on the spot, and smash it home for the winner.
If the England youth international can continue the season in the same way, Ange Postecoglou will have a real gem on his hands upon the player’s return to Hotspur Way.
In other Tottenham news, another talented youngster at the club, this time for the women’s team, has also been sent out on loan.