Conte could unearth his next Eriksen at Tottenham by unleashing 17 y/o "whole package" - opinion

Alfie Devine was among the substitutes as Tottenham Hotspur embarrassingly crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening.

A strong Spurs starting XI were beaten in extra time by Championship outfit Middlesbrough, meaning their long wait for silverware goes on.

Antonio Conte’s side were completely devoid of ideas at the Riverside Stadium as the second-tier side registered more possession (51%) and shots (16) than the north Londoners.

And for all of their defensive issues this season, the Italian has still suffered from a lack of creativity in the final third, so perhaps it’s a surprise that he did not turn to the 17-year-old gem in this competition.

Devine recently took his tally for the U23s this season to nine goals and three assists from 15 appearances in the Premier League 2 and the FA Youth Cup, via Transfermarkt.

His form for the youth squads at Hotspur Way has seen him earn international recognition at U19 level for England, whilst he earned his professional debut in this tournament under Jose Mourinho last season, featuring for 45 minutes in the 5-0 whitewash of Marine.

According to The Athletic, the Portuguese believed there were similarities between the teenager and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

”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,’ they revealed.

In the public eye, he did talk up his ability, particularly in the final third.

“He’s a kid with good potential. He’s basically a midfield player but with an instinct to appear