James Maddison has likened Mikey Moore to Neymar following his dazzling performance in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar.
A Richarlison penalty was the only thing separating the two sides as Spurs extended their perfect start to their Europa League campaign.
However, it was Moore who got supporters talking with a performance that yielded three crosses into the box, three attempted dribbles, six touches in the AZ box, one chance created and three shots.
Moore was given a standing ovation when he was brought off in the 88th minute and at just 17 years old, Spurs look like they have a serious talent on their hands.
Spurs wonderkid Mikey Moore channels his inner Neymar
The first 20 minutes of the second half saw Moore look particularly dangerous, driving at the AZ defence with supreme confidence and desire to make things happen.
Moore’s directness and skill lifted the crowd and ultimately made AZ finally buckle under the pressure.
So good was Moore during that 20-minute spell that Maddison had to double-take to make sure Spurs hadn’t snuck on Brazilian icon Neymar at half-time.
“I thought we had Neymar on the left wing! He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality,” Maddison told TNT Sports after the match (via BBC Sport).
“He’s a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him.”
Ange Postecoglou added in his post-match press conference (via Football.London): “He was exciting, you cannot deny it. I love the way Mikey is taking it all in his stride. He’s working hard every day and wanting to develop.
“He’s understanding this is a journey. It’s exciting. He’s developing really well. I had no fear throwing him in. I see him every day and he’s a great young player.”
