Dilan Markanday: Things to know about the Tottenham youngster
With Jose Mourinho's future in doubt, it seems as though the club is continuing to focus on their future on the field regardless.
Youngster Dilan Markanday was pictured training with the Tottenham first-team ahead of their Europa League second leg against Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC, and has been added to the B-list squad meaning he could feature, with the manager confirming he'll be on the bench.
But who is Markanday? Here's what you need to know about the 19-year-old.
1. British-Asian ethnicity
One of the most under-represented groups in all of football is the British-Asian, but Markanday is hoping to make a name for himself.
Born and raised in north London, he has Indian citizenship also through his parents and is hopeful of joining the likes of Hamza Choudhury and Aston Villa youngster Arjan Raikhy in making a name for themselves in the Premier League.
2. He plays as a right winger
Rocking the infamous number seven shirt on a regular basis, Markanday often plays as a right winger for the Spurs youth team.
Not blessed with tremendous pace, he uses his intelligence and creativity to drift into areas to hurt opposition defences and works hard defensively too, which won't go unnoticed by the gaffer.
3. He's played 85 times for the academy
Markanday joined the academy as a youngster and joined up with the Under-16s back in July 2017. He's since represented them at every level and will be on the bench for the first team when they face Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League.
4. 'Best Overseas Player' during youth tournament in 2017
During a youth tournament in Italy back in 2018, Markanday's performances were so good that he was given the award for 'Best Overseas Player'.
Spurs finished third in the tournament, beating Juventus in the group stages. They eventually lost to winners Atalanta in the semi-finals before beating Juventus again in the third-place play-off.
5. Yet to play at international level
Despite being eligible for two nations, Markanday has never been called up by either country at any level. Regular football away from the youth teams will likely help that, but he's got some serious competition in the England set up.
6. FM21 rating
Considering his lack of first-team football, Markanday doesn't actually feature on either FIFA 21 or PES 2021 this year but he is in FM21. With a PA of 51/100, they give him a three-star potential making him a good pick-up for some lower league sides.