Mikey Moore could follow in Wayne Rooney’s footsteps after Tottenham form
Not often do you see a 16-year-old player ready to make his first-team debut, but that might be the case for Tottenham Under-18 star Mikey Moore.
It was certainly the case for Manchester United and Premier League great Wayne Rooney, and many Spurs fans will remember his debut well.
David Moyes started the then 16-year-old for Everton against Tottenham in a 2-2 draw on 17 August 2006, with Rooney marking his Premier League debut with an assist, as he set up former Wales international Mark Pembridge.
The rest is history, and while Moore will have to do incredibly well to achieve even half of what Rooney achieved throughout his glittering career, he can certainly take his first step toward that goal by being handed a promotion sooner rather than later, as Spurs expert John Wenham has pointed out.
Just as Rooney did all those years ago, Moore has already proven that youth football is too easy for him, with the forward making the Under-18 Premier League South his playground this season.
On just his second start since his return from injury, Moore demonstrated that he wouldn’t need any time to get back up to speed with a goal and an assist, and he has now built on that performance.
Spurs twice came from behind to win 6-3 away at Southampton Under-18s on Friday 2 February, with Moore’s hattrick stealing the headlines.
Sensational talent
Oli Irow, Leo Black and Callum Olusesi also got themselves on the scoresheet, but it was Moore’s performance against the Saints which made the difference.
His first goal came in the 24th minute when he embarked on a solo run and finished well to put Tottenham 2-1 ahead after Irow had got Spurs back on level terms 12 minutes earlier.
The hosts responded well with two goals and went into the break 3-2 ahead, but once again Moore took matters into his own hands in the second half, making it 3-3 in the 62nd minute with a low shot that went in off the far post, before curling home to complete his hattrick and put Spurs ahead once again four minutes later.
Moore now has 20 goals and 13 assists in 18 appearances for Spurs and England this season.
It is a sensational run of form, and the youngster will hope that Ange Postecoglou has taken notice.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs Women have been dealt a huge blow with one of the mainstays in their team set for an extended period on the sidelines.
For more exclusive Tottenham updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.