Alfie Devine is pushing for playing time at Tottenham Hotspur having travelled down for today’s 2-2 draw against Brentford.
Eagle-eyed fans would have spotted Devine walking into the Tottenham dressing room just behind Hugo Lloris before kick off.
Devine wasn’t actually named on the bench but was seemingly taken to West London anyway as backup.
It’s never just the matchday 18 that travel for games, as others are taken along in case of an injury in the warm-up.
Devine was Antonio Conte’s pick for that role against Brentford, with Devine going through the pre-match preparations.
There was no spot on the bench for Devine but being around these Premier League games will be valuable experience.
Devine may need Tottenham loan exit
Devine, 18, joined Tottenham from Wigan Athletic back in 2020.
The midfielder – once released by Liverpool – showed huge promise in the Wigan setup and secured himself a move to North London.
Devine has played just once for Tottenham’s first team but it was a memorable appearance, scoring against non-league side Marine in the FA Cup.
First-team minutes haven’t been forthcoming for Devine since though and some may wonder if it’s time for a loan move.
Devine is playing in Premier League 2 and in the UEFA Youth League but there will surely be a number of Championship clubs who will give Devine some senior action.
Devine is still behind the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Harvey White in Tottenham’s pecking order, and they’re even behind Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp.
Devine is unlikely to break through this season and he may not even be taken as the ‘spare man’ moving forward.
Cristian Romero, Bentancur, Lucas Moura and Richarlison will be back soon, possibly bumping Devine out of contention.
Being around the first team is a lovely compliment for Devine’s talent and potential but if Championship or even League One loan offers come, Tottenham should think about it.
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