Who is Tottenham wonderkid Marcus Edwards? SunSport profiles forward who reminds Maurico Pochettino of Lionel Messi
Teen is set to make his first-team debut against Gillingham in the EFL Cup and remind us what the fuss is all about
MAURICIO POCHETTINO is ready to unleash a young Lionel Messi on Gillingham in the EFL Cup tonight.
Tottenham starlet Marcus Edwards - the latest in a long line of whizkids likened to the Barcelona superstar - is set to make his first-team debut.
Speaking about the young talent before the game, Pochettino claimed he shared similarities with Messi - no pressure then.
The Spurs chief said: “We have some talented players. Marcus is an exciting talent. His qualities, his body and the way he plays remind me a bit of Messi at the beginning.”
London-born Edwards is an attacking midfielder who starred for Spurs' Under-18s last season.
He netted seven times in 19 appearances and pushed for a place in the Under-21s with five substitute appearances.
Edwards has represented England in the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 age groups.
When he scored against Cyprus with the Young Lions two years ago he admitted he was too scared to celebrate in case his auntie got angry.
The highly-rated youngster said: "It was a weird feeling. And I didn’t really want to celebrate as I’d discussed it with my family and friends at school beforehand.
“I didn’t think I was allowed, I’d have been told off by my aunties - so I just jumped with the nearest person to me.
“But afterwards they were just saying how proud they were.”
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Edwards tends to play off the striker and drift onto the right flank where he can cut inside on his stronger left foot.
Poch will have noted his skill and composure as well as passing ability and willingness to receive the ball in tight spaces.
The Spurs chief will hope Edwards can add more goals to his game, starting against the Gills tonight.
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