Totally not Mikey Moore: Spurs have a £100M dud who’s more like Yamal to be unleash

The future at Tottenham Hotspur has not always seemed bright, but under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, the club is steadily building a team full of potential.

While the recent 3-2 defeat to Brighton was a setback, it’s important to focus on the exciting prospects still emerging within the squad.

Postecoglou has overseen the development of a group of talented young players who could shape the club’s future if he remains at the helm long enough to see it through.

Over the summer, Tottenham made strategic moves in the transfer market, bringing in promising youth players such as winger Wilson Odobert and one of English football’s most highly-regarded young talents, Archie Gray, from the Championship.

Add Lucas Bergvall to the mix, and perhaps the brightest talent of them all—Mikey Moore—and it’s clear the club has been focused on youth development.

Mikey Moore, in particular, has made a name for himself at just 17 years old. He recently made his mark in the senior team, putting in a strong performance against Ferencváros in the Europa League.

Prior to this, Moore had only made brief appearances from the bench, but his first start in a competitive fixture showed why he’s regarded as a star in the making.

Although Spurs won the match 2-1, Moore’s impact was undeniable, as he provided an assist opportunity for teammate Timo Werner, only for the German to miscontrol and miss the chance. Had Werner converted, it would have added to Moore’s growing reputation.

Moore’s versatility was also on display, as he played on the right wing against Ferencváros and later moved ahead of Werner on the left in Tottenham’s game against Brighton.

His goal-scoring prowess at youth level—19 goals in 24 appearances for the U18s—suggests he has the finishing ability to become a regular contributor for the senior squad.

Whether he becomes Harry Kane’s long-term successor remains to be seen, but Postecoglou clearly has high hopes for the teenager.

Postecoglou’s caution around Moore’s development reflects his understanding of the pressures facing young footballers.

He acknowledges the exceptional talent of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, often considered the gold standard among teenage footballers, but also emphasizes the need for careful management of Moore’s progress.

Yamal had a sensational 2024, contributing significantly to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and continuing to impress in LaLiga. Comparisons between Moore and Yamal might be premature, but Moore’s potential is evident.

One player at Tottenham who is already delivering at a high level is Dejan Kulusevski. Though not a teenager like Moore or Yamal, the 24-year-old Swedish star is beginning to live up to his £80m-£100m valuation, as suggested by pundit Gary Neville.

Kulusevski’s ability to create chances has been a crucial asset for Tottenham this season. In a recent 3-0 victory over Manchester United, he created nine opportunities for his teammates, cementing his place as one of the league’s most creative players.

His contribution extends beyond mere goals and assists, as his vision and passing ability have made him indispensable in Postecoglou’s attacking system.

A closer look at Kulusevski’s statistics compared to Yamal’s highlights the Swede’s impressive creativity. While Yamal excels in carrying the ball forward, Kulusevski outshines him in certain passing metrics, especially in key passes and passes into the final third. According to FBRef data, both players have similar expected assists and through balls per 90 minutes, demonstrating their comparable playmaking abilities.

Although Yamal’s dribbling stats stand out, Kulusevski’s passing and playmaking metrics show why he is so highly regarded.

Kulusevski has created 21 chances in the Premier League this season, only slightly ahead of Yamal, who has created 17 chances in LaLiga.

Kulusevski’s ability to unlock defenses at a young age suggests that his best years are still ahead of him, and as he continues to improve, he could become one of the most valuable assets in the league.

With young talents like Moore on the rise and established players like Kulusevski continuing to impress, Tottenham’s future looks promising under Postecoglou.

The key will be managing the development of these players while ensuring the team remains competitive at the highest level. If Postecoglou can strike that balance, Tottenham may finally emerge as a consistent force in both domestic and European competitions.

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