Former Premier League player Noel Whelan warns Tottenham Hotspur of their interest in Alex Scott
Speaking to Football Insider (h/t Football.London), Noel Whelan has told Tottenham Hotspur to err on the side of caution after being linked to Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott. The ex-Leeds United player highlighted how the Premier League could be a big step up and Spurs would have to be patient in such a case.
The teenager has become an instrumental part of the Cider Army and has already bagged four goals and provided two assists in 32 matches across all competitions this season. The 18-year-old midfielder brings a lot of versatility to the team. He can be deployed in several different positions whether it is a more attacking or defensive role in the middle of the pitch which could be a great asset for any club.
That being said, Scott is still at a very impressionable age and a move to a top Premier League club like Tottenham Hotspur could be really overwhelming at his age. The club would also have to carefully navigate the path ahead so as not to put too much pressure on the youngster.
Whelan highlights the issue of making the jump from the Championship to the Premier League. He also urges the North Londoners to be patient at the moment.
“I think it’s difficult because it’s a big step to come from the Championship to the Premier League. If Scott comes into Tottenham, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on his shoulders to produce when he comes into the team. It’s a massive risk doing these sorts of deals but the one thing I would urge Spurs to be is patient. It takes time to adapt.”
What lies ahead for Tottenham?
The Lilywhites currently seem to be in a transitional phase after a lot of ups and downs in their recent years. The club has failed to compete on a consistent level amongst the elite clubs in England and Europe ever since making it to the final of the UEFA Champions League in the 2019-20 campaign.
Spurs have since trailed off a bit and the likes of Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason, and Jose Mourinho have taken care of the club in a managerial capacity without anything substantial to show for it. Antonio Conte took over at Hotspur Way this season and has quickly learned that there is still a long way to go for the North Londoners.
Fabio Paratici has been brought in at the club from N-17 to help recruit young talent and Scott could be a great acquisition should he continue on his current trajectory. At 18, the player could prove to be a great long-term asset provided he is nurtured and moulded in the right manner.
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Recruiting a young player is always a double-edged sword. On one hand, you could be signing up a diamond in the rough which could pay long-term dividends whereas on the other hand the pressure and change of environment could prove to be their downfall.
The Guernsey-born player has shown the potential to be a great player in the time to come. Whilst this could be potentially tempting for Paratici and Co, Whelan makes some valid points with regards to Scott.
