Paul Merson says he expects Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alex Scott to move on to ‘bigger and better things’ after watching him in action for Bristol City in the FA Cup.
The Championship side were beaten 3-0 by Premier League champions Manchester City, but Merson was left impressed with how Scott performed and how he was ‘very comfortable’ on the ball, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports News (28/02/23).
The 19-year-old has been dubbed the ‘next Jack Grealish’ for his low socks and how he carries the ball in such an effortless manner.
The only thing missing for Scott is probably that £100 million transfer, floppy hair and a Gucci deal.
Either way, given the way the young midfielder is performing, it probably won’t be too long before he gets that Premier League move, with the likes of Spurs, Newcastle United and Leeds United all keen.
Nonetheless, before and after yesterday’s game, Paul Merson shared his thoughts on the highly sought-after player and how a move for ‘£25 million’ would be a ‘cup of tea’ in the money-crazy footballing market of England’s top-flight.
“That’s one of the hardest positions to play,” said Merson. “People say it’s the easiest, but you have got to make things happen.
“To do that, and to see some of them passes at 19, you don’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t. Just looking at some of them clips, he won’t be there that long.
“That’s a cup of tea. If he went for £25 million to a Premier League team or a top half-team and it didn’t work out. What’s that to them? £25 million?!
On Scott’s performance v Man City in FA Cup: “I’d be shocked if he wasn’t (destined for bigger things). When I watch footballers play, they only have to do certain things in a game and you think ‘he can play’. Very comfortable. Glides with the ball. He sees a pass. Never panics on the ball.
“In the second half, he didn’t really get on the ball as much. But the game probably took him over. He’s a young kid. At 19, he’s playing against world-class players. I would be shocked if he didn’t go on to bigger and better things. I don’t mean that disrespectfully to Bristol City.”
DEJA VU FOR TOTTENHAM
With Alex Scott being likened to Jack Grealish, this is deja vu for Tottenham because they have been here before when it comes to trying to sign a rising and talented English ball carrier.
When Grealish was in the Championship with Villa, it was well-documented that Spurs and Daniel Levy came knocking when the Midlands outfit were in a world of mess, from a financial perceptive, and in real danger of entering administration.
Grealish was their star man, and biggest asset, as Spurs were keen to take him on board, only for the north London club to make a complete mess of the situation.
If they do indeed knock on Bristol City’s door for Scott in the summer, then Levy won’t want to be falling down the same trap again.
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