Tottenham Hotspur have developed many world-class players over the years, including Harry Kane, Ledley King, and Dele Alli. However, Spurs do not always get it right when it comes to keeping their best players, and a striker who they have let go just made a starring performance in a World Cup qualifier.
Troy Parrott just answered back to critics as he scored a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland against Hungary to ensure a World Cup playoff spot for the Boys in Green.
Parrott came through the youth ranks at Tottenham after joining from the Dublin-based side, Belvedere. However, he made just four first-team appearances for Spurs.
Whilst at the North London side, Parrott spent time on loan at Millwall. Kane was also loaned out to the Lions before getting his chance at Spurs. The same was not to be the case for Parrott as loan deals to Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons, and Preston North End followed.
Were Tottenham Hotspur wrong to get rid of Troy Parrott?
Parrott eventually found his level in the Eredivisie. He starred for Excelsior Rotterdam before joining AZ Alkmaar permanently. This season, Parrott has scored six goals with one assist in seven Eredivisie games for AZ.
His record with Ireland is also phenomenal. Parrott has found the back of the net 10 times, with three assists in 33 matches. If he can guide Heimir Hallgrímsson's side through the playoffs to the tournament, which will be held in North America next summer, then he will forever be a legend in Irish soccer.
Whilst performing in World Cup qualifiers and the Dutch league is one thing, Parrott can only prove that Spurs were wrong to let him go by performing at the highest level. If the striker continues to perform for AZ, then a team in Europe's top five leagues will no doubt take a chance on him.
Last summer, Parrott was linked with the Premier League side Leeds United. Leeds may want to take a chance on Parrott in January to help them in their bid to survive in English soccer's top flight. The Elland Road side is currently 16th in the Premier League, but just one point above the relegation zone.
Parrott is only 23, and whilst the Eredivisie is a good league for developing players, he should be itching to get back to English soccer again. The Irish forward is certainly one to look out for.