ALFIE DEVINE wasted no time in announcing himself to Spurs fans.
The 16-year-old midfield talent started on the bench in Tottenham’s FA Cup third round tie against Marine.
Alfie Devine is congratulated by Ben Davies for becoming Spurs’ youngest ever goalscorerCredit: AFP
However, not only did he become the youngest ever player to feature for the North London giants – at the age of 16 years and 163 days old – Devine also managed to get on the scoresheet in the 5-0 win.
The England youth international was snapped up from cash-strapped Wigan, who were forced to sell after entering administration, in 2020.
But, it could’ve been a different Premier League giant helping Devine hone his skills.
The promising talent, son of former St Helens rugby player Sean Devine, remarkably began playing at Liverpool’s academy when he was just four.
At seven it appeared he was being primed for a career at Anfield, after signing terms with the club.
However, at 11 he was released and it wasn’t to be at his boyhood club.
And last month, Devine gave Chelsea outcast Danny Drinkwater a torrid time during an U23’s match – with the Blues midfielder lashing out at the wonderkid after the teenager caught him with a two-footed tackle that saw both given red cards.
TIME FOR REFLECTION
At a crossroads, Devine couldn’t hide his disappointment after he was snubbed by the Reds.
He grew disillusioned with the game, and gave up playing for four months to reflect on his time at the academy.
Against Marine in the FA Cup Devine showed his class with a goal on the hour markCredit: Getty – Pool
Tottenham snapped up promising Devine from Wigan in 2020Credit: Instagram @alfie.devine
A two-footed tackle in a U23 match last December on Danny Drinkwater got Devine sent offCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Then came redemption with Wigan Athletic.
The Latics immediately offered Devine a place, and were said to be shocked that he was let go by the Reds.
They changed his position from centre forward to central midfield, and he prospered through the youth ranks.
And last season he pushed on.
Devine became a regular for Wigan’s U18’s, and rather astonishingly, was given his U23 debut – just two months after turning 15.
He was also invited to train with ex-Wigan boss Paul Cook and his first team.
TRIUMPHS ALONG THE WAY
With Tottenham aiming to win trophies, Devine has already steeped himself in the tradition of being a winner, albeit at a younger level.
Devine was released by Liverpool before Wigan rescued his youth careerCredit: Instagram @alfie.devine
Devine impressed against Spurs in a FA Youth Cup game last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
For Wigan’s U15’s he was the star man in the 5-0 rout of Sunderland in the Floodlit Cup final.
While he was also part of their FA Youth Cup side that beat Spurs on their way to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history this season.
His performance that day stood out to Tottenham youth coaches, who were wowed by the youngster.
THREE LIONS GLORY
Every young footballer dreams of playing for their country.
Devine is no different, having represented England’s U16 team and leading by example.
He starred at the SportChainCup in Spain, playing in a 5-0 rout of Japan, as well as games against Mexico and the host nation.
At the SportChainCup Devine was voted player of the tournament Credit: Instagram @alfie.devine
Tottenham appear to have unearthed a midfield gem in DevineCredit: Rex Features
England eventually crashed out the tournament to Spain, but Devine took centre stage to win the player of the tournament.
Spurs have a long history of cultivating classy midfield players, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne, and Dele Alli spring to mind.
In Devine it appears they may have unearthed another gem.
Jose Mourinho says he’s very happy with Dele Alli’s performance against Marine
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
