View: Loan exit could be perfect for Tottenham star Alfie Devine
Tottenham youngster Alfie Devine impressed during the second half of his side’s pre-season clash with West Ham.
At just 18 years of age, the future certainly looks very bright for Devine. He came on at half-time in Perth as Spurs lost 3-2 to their London rivals on 18 July and despite featuring on the losing side, the young midfielder put in a strong display.
Although he played out of position on the right-hand side, this did not seem to phase the youngster one bit and the impressive performance would have given his new manager Ange Postecoglou something to think about.
Throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch, Devine recorded an impressive 100 per cent passing accuracy, completing 30 of the 30 passes he attempted (Sofascore) and also went close to scoring.
Devine played 17 times for Spurs’ Under-21s last season in Premier League Two and if his performance down under is anything to go by, he is clearly ready to make the next step.
And perhaps the best way for him to make that next step is by playing his football elsewhere next year. According to The Athletic (19 July), the former Wigain man is expected to leave on loan this season, which might be exactly what he needs.
While a case can certainly be made for Devine to begin featuring in more first-team matchday squads, a move straight into Premier League elevens could perhaps still be a year or two away. As talented as Devine is, it is important not to rush the development of young players.
However, there is no question that he is ready for senior football, perhaps just in a lower division. With his 19th birthday approaching this August, now could be the perfect time for Devine to get some first-team minutes under his belt with a view to breaking into the Tottenham picture in the near future.
Another year of Under-21 football would clearly be of no use to the player however being pushed straight into Spurs’ first-team squad could see the player spending most of the season on the bench with more experienced midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order.
This would do his development no good and a loan therefore seems as if it would be the perfect solution at this moment in time.
Playing some football in the Championship or even League One could prove to be massively beneficial and Devine might come back to Spurs an even more talented and well-rounded player.
Spurs certainly have a star on their hands for the future but for now, it is time for him to develop elsewhere.
In other Tottenham news, Paul Robinson believes another midfielder can turn his fortunes in North London around.