Premier League academy players often have a lot of pressure put on their shoulders and are often idealised as the next big thing.
Whether that be the likes of Phil Foden at Manchester City, Charlie McNiell at their city rivals, or Troy Parrott at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Irish international joined the club’s youth setup in 2017 and immediately made a name for himself as an exciting prospect with his goalscoring for the academy sides.
His debut for the first team followed in 2019 and the following season he got his first loan move away from White Hart Lane, to Millwall but struggled to cement himself in the first team. A drop in division to then League One side Ipswich Town and subsequently MK Dons followed, where he was able to pick up more goals.
However, an underwhelming loan spell back in the Championship followed and there was a fear among some fans that the chances of the youngster breaking into the ranks of Tottenham’s first team were over.
Although, this season has seen that form pick up once again, with an impressive loan spell at Dutch top-flight side Excelsior. 17 goals in 32 appearances is an impressive return and has got him back on the radar ahead of this pre-season.
Former Spurs player Alan Hutton told The Real EFL exclusively that he believes it is now time for Parrott to be given a chance to show he has the capabilities to lead the team.
“The one that interests me the most at this moment is Troy Parrott. Going to the Netherlands and scoring 17 goals is very good. If you think about the situation that Tottenham are in at the minute, they probably need a striker.
“Now he’s 22 and this is probably his last effort to break into the first team so this pre-season needs to show Ange what he’s capable of.”
Reportedly coming into the last year of his contract, Hutton may be right that this is his last real chance to show the Tottenham hierarchy what he can do going forward.
Hutton spoke to us courtesy of Best Online Poker Sites.
Writer’s View
Parrott had a lot of hype surrounding him in his early years with Daniel Levy’s club, but it just hasn’t worked out the way he would have wanted.
Disappointing loan spells halted his progression and although this could be his final chance, it may be one step too much. It would not be too surprising if he moved on this summer.
