Mikey Moore has been one of the standout performers for Tottenham during the club’s pre-season fixtures, drawing attention from fans and pundits alike.
The 16-year-old wonderkid showcased his immense talent with a series of promising performances that have sparked discussions about his potential role in Tottenham Hotspur’s senior squad this season.
Harry Redknapp, a legendary figure in English football, has been particularly vocal about Moore’s future. Redknapp has encouraged Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou to ignore Moore’s tender age and give the prodigy a chance to shine at the highest level. The former Tottenham boss believes that if Moore is as talented as his pre-season form suggests, Postecoglou should not hesitate to include him in the first team.
Moore’s pre-season contributions have been nothing short of impressive. He scored against Hearts and netted the decisive goal in an exciting 3-2 victory against Vissel Kobe. These performances have not only boosted his confidence but have also made him a player to watch as the new season approaches. Additionally, Moore’s performances on the international stage have further solidified his reputation as a rising star. Playing for England U17s, he contributed four goals and an assist in four appearances at the UEFA EURO U-17 competition, further highlighting his ability to perform on the big stage.
Despite the excitement surrounding Moore’s talent, the decision to integrate a 16-year-old into the Premier League is not one to be taken lightly. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and physically demanding leagues in the world, and the transition from youth football to the senior team can be challenging. However, Redknapp believes that if Postecoglou truly rates Moore, he should not be afraid to give him opportunities in the first team.
Speaking to Football London, Redknapp, who was in Portsmouth to visit Kellogg’s Football Camps – a UK-wide summer football program for local kids – said, “If he’s good enough, stick him in. The kid who played for Spain in the European Championship final (Lamine Yamal) was only 16. We’ve had Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole, they all came into the team around that age. If he’s as good as everyone thinks he is, hopefully, we will see him in the first team this year.”
Moore has already made history at Tottenham, becoming their youngest-ever Premier League player when he made his debut against Manchester City last year. This milestone has only added to the anticipation surrounding his future at the club. Postecoglou, aware of the young talent at his disposal, has made it clear that his next task is to ensure that Moore’s environment is conducive to his continued development.
In a press conference, the Australian manager emphasized the importance of creating the right environment for young players like Moore to thrive. “In coaching terms and working with young players, the most important thing is the environment you set up for them and what they come into. That means the moment they come into the dressing room, the kind of dressing room you have with the senior players and the way we train and the way we talk.”
Postecoglou continued, “We try to teach them as much about life as we do about football because obviously for a lot of them, and you mention Mikey Moore, he’s only 16. He’s got so much growth as a footballer but also as a person. We try to provide the environment which allows him to be the best that he can be and then it’s up to the player. Once you provide that environment it’s up to the player to keep driving on and not be satisfied.”
Redknapp, who has always had an eye for young talent, was at a Kellogg’s Football Camps session in Portsmouth, where he spoke about Moore and the importance of nurturing young players. The fun-filled camps are operating nationwide this summer for kids aged 5-15, with 73 locations around the UK. Kellogg’s is keeping kids active and entertained during the school holidays, thanks to partnerships with the EFL, Manchester City, Celtic, and Rangers. Parents can still sign kids up for their local camp by heading to the Kellogg’s Football Camps website. 30,000 free spaces are being offered throughout the summer, which can be redeemed using code 4567 until 16 August at kelloggsfc.com.
As Tottenham gears up for the new season, all eyes will be on whether Ange Postecoglou takes Redknapp’s advice and gives Mikey Moore the opportunity to make his mark in the Premier League. If Moore’s pre-season form is anything to go by, the young starlet could be on the brink of a breakthrough season with the Spurs.
