Tottenham Hotspur teenager Mikey Moore says he wants to “create excitement” after team-mate James Maddison compared him to Brazil legend Neymar.
The 17-year-old has been handed an increasing number of first-team minutes this season by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who has previously said Moore is “ready to start any game”.
Moore drew attention during spurs‘ 2-0 victory over Ferencvaros in the Europa League in October, before a stunning display against AZ Alkmaar – also on the European stage – Maddison gushed: “From the 45th to the 65th minute, I thought we had Neymar on the left.”
The English youngster, who previously played for England under-19s, also became Tottenham’s youngest player to start a Premier League game since September 1993 when Postecoglou picked him Defeat by 1-0 at Crystal Palace in October
talking with Official Spurs websiteMoore has admitted he instinctively wants to get fans out of their seats by making something happen, but he also tried to temper Maddison’s comments a bit by insisting he still has a lot to learn.
“For me personally, I always want to create that excitement in the crowd. When I got the ball I was thinking, ‘I’m going to beat my man or I’m going to try to make something happen,’ and I felt that from the fans, coach and players whenever they had the ball, it was a first class game.
“To do that at home and play in front of our home crowd in that stadium was a dream come true. I know Madders came out after the game with a big compliment but I’m not sure yet! Obviously that’s nice to hear, but it was only one game, so there’s still a lot to do.”
Moore’s comments echo those made by Postecoglou in October, with the former Celtic boss suggesting he will be given time and opportunities to help his development.
“What we want to continue to do is develop Mikey the right way, give him the platform to continue to improve,” Postecoglou said. “So far, whatever we’ve asked of him, he’s had a real impact and the plan is to continue to do so.
“Mikey just wants to be Mikey. He’s very mature for a 17-year-old. He handles things very well, both positive and negative. He works hard every day. And he’s making an impact at an age where it’s very difficult. This level, but this is the beginning of a process for him.”
