Mourinho, Tottenham Taking Kids on European Road Trip

UEFA made one good decision in response to COVID, which was a further expansion of the team benches for the knock-out rounds, allowing for 23 total players. Even after expansion in the Group Stages and in English FA competitions to nine players, the extra three players afforded teams in Europe makes for a real opportunity. For José Mourinho and Tottenham on the way to Hungary, it means taking some of the kids on a European road trip.

Four Tottenham Youth in the Squad

While the news from José Mourinho regarding any injured stars returning was not positive, what is positive is the continued opportunity being afforded the Tottenham youth this season. Twice this campaign Tottenham have set a new record for the youngest player to appear for the senior team. First Dane Scarlett played, then Alfie Devine played and scored for Spurs. Both players are under 17.

While Devine was part of the U-18 team that played Wednesday and is not part of the team making the trip to Hungary, four other academy players are going with the team. Dane Scarlett will be looking to make his third appearance for the team this season as he got a brief runout recently at the end of a Premier League game. All of this is good for the Tottenham Academy and good for the future of the squad.

Two more from the academy joining the squad

Joining Scarlett on the bench from the academy is Dennis Cirkin. Cirkin has previously been on the bench in Europa League, but has yet to make a senior appearance. Given the lack of depth at left back, maybe Cirkin gets a chance, who knows.  Joining those two are Marcel Lavinier and Jamie Bowden, with both making the bench for the first time.

Bowden and Lavinier are two very different stories. Bowden – much like Harry Winks – has been a Spurs for life, having joined the club at the age of six. The still 19-year-old deep lying midfielder will want to make his debut sooner than later, as it seems in all likelihood a loan is coming for the youngster in the near future.

Lavinier has only been with the club since just this past Octobert after spending 12-years in the Chelsea academy. Certainly a player José Mourinho would have been familiar with from his time with Chelsea and the defenders dual nationality between England and Portugal. A multi-functional defender sort of like Japhet Tanganga, but primarily a right back, Lavinier just wants a chance.

Ultimately, none of the kids are likely to play. Tottenham Hotspur.com quoted José Mourinho as saying the opportunity is “good for them” because “even if they don’t play it’s a great experience for them.” Like many kids in their late teens or early twenties just experiencing a European road trip is enough.