Conte could have his own Fernandes in "special" 17 y/o who could save Spurs millions - opinion

Alfie Devine is surely catching the eye at Tottenham Hotspur after another U23 outing resulted in a direct goal contribution.

It’s now seven goals and three assists in 12 appearances for Wayne Burnett’s side in the Premier League 2 and has emerged as a captain option, taking the armband in the FA Youth Cup this season, too.

Such form has seen a call up to the England U19s squad but’s already telling that at only 17 years of age, he’s mixing it with Spurs’ best young talents.

The teenage sensation earned his senior debut under Jose Mourinho last campaign, playing 45 minutes in a 5-0 whitewash of non-league outfit Marine in the FA Cup.

And the Portuguese, who is now in charge of AS Roma over in Italy, was a huge, huge fan.

‘Mourinho, though, was a big fan and told Devine that he saw shades of Bruno Fernandes in him. Others have compared him stylistically to Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour, and Tim Cahill for his ability to arrive late into the box. The name Steven Gerrard has even been whispered, but we should be wary of getting ahead of ourselves,’ claimed The Athletic.

Indeed, one of his more public endorsements makes that comparison all that more real.

After handing him his debut, the ‘Special One’ told reporters (via Goal.com):

“He’s a kid with good potential. He’s basically a midfield player but with an instinct to appear in finishing zones and to score goals. We like him and of course, for him, it was a special day.”

Capable of playing in a deeper-lying no.8 role or as a no.10, Devine is clearly a hugely talented attacking midfield prospect and one that could not only provide Spurs supporters with excitement and is someone who could save the club several millions of pounds in future transfer windows.

“He’s just the whole