The trend of “Inside forward” in football has led to a new type of player in the academies. Wide players are no longer just expected to run to the byline and put the ball into the box. Instead, young players are encouraged to become goal threats themselves by adding dynamism and thrust from all sides. This change in approach has resulted in a new breed of players with a wider skill set being developed in football academies.
Meet Mikey Moore, Tottenham’s prodigy who personifies the new natural of a born “Inside forward”. Despite being just 16 years old, Moore has already taken the youth circuit in England by storm. He plays with such skill and confidence that it seems like he’s a seasoned veteran playing an age group or two below his level.
Who is Mikey Moore, and why is there so much buzz surrounding him? Is the hype justified? In this Mikey Moore scouting report, we’ll decode the prodigy’s potential to take the Premier League by storm in the near future.
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Who is Mikey Moore?
Mikey Moore’s name had been taken in hushed tones even before he had been promoted to the U18s level. He only came to this level at the start of this season but has taken to that level like a duck to water.
As a right-footed left-winger, he is the archetypal inside forward and his goal return this season is one that would put strikers to shame.
Playing just 61% of available league minutes for the U18s in eight appearances, Moore already has eight goals and six assists. He is a true definition of “scoring for fun” and to see him doing this from the wing, it is no surprise that he is being anointed as Tottenham academy’s next superstar.
In addition to left-wing, Moore has also been deployed as an out-and-out centre-forward as well as a No 10 just behind the striker. Clearly, coaches are still experimenting as to where Moore’s prodigious skills can be best utilised.
Talking about skills, Moore has a lot of them which although raw, make him an enticing prospect and someone who could be moulded into a world-class player, like a certain Asian on Spurs’ books.
Mikey Moore – Style of play
Moore is an explosive athlete who has almost a nonchalance when he dribbles on the pitch. He glides across the field and looks effortless while doing so. He is blessed with pace and his style of dribbling allows him to get away from his markers in close spaces on the pitch.
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Mikey Moore is a master of creating separation when marked tightly and if he is allowed to run into space on transitions, you might as well add a goal to Tottenham’s tally.
The thing that pops out the most from his numbers is how ready he looks in terms of providing the end product. Granted, it is still just U18s football, but there have been numerous prospects who have all the raw tools but never progress past becoming a highlight reel to become a force to be reckoned with at the senior level.
Moore looks like a sure bet to separate himself from that pack. He already has an understanding of when to release the ball, when to take it forward himself and he can get his shot away in the blink of an eye.
If he was two-footed, then his academy days could be compared to that of Mason Greenwood at United, who always looked like a step above his peers due to his sheer finishing ability and sense of scoring.
Still, Moore is not completely hopeless with his left foot as he can be regularly seen running to the byline to add another angle to his attack. With more practice, he has the potential to become a two-footed menace who, combined with his finishing ability and end product, will be first-team ready.
Mikey Moore potential
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The thing that hasn’t been talked about enough so far is that Moore is just 16 and this is his first season with the U18s. It is not normal, at any level, to have eight goals and six assists in eight games.
At his best, Moore’s game looks a lot like Son Heung-Min’s style of play. Before advancing age and some injury issues forced Son to take a more cerebral role in the attack, he was an explosive menace who could score from anywhere, anytime. His partnership with Harry Kane allowed the latter to flourish as a creator too, such was Son’s sense of space and the timing of his runs.
Moore brings similar potential from the left wing which can be honed as he gains further match experience at higher levels. He already has the work-rate and finishing skills of his senior team captain but the next step is to see how Spurs handle his development.
Moore has shown that he has already outgrown the competition at the U18s level so it makes no sense for him to keep inflating his numbers at a level he has already bossed.
Some appearances for the U23s should follow this season even at just 16. If he can transfer this form to the U23s level as well, then a first-team debut at 17 or so shouldn’t be out of the question.
Not every player needs a series of loan moves to get senior experience before they get a chance at their team. Some just blast through the door due to sheer talent and end product. Moore looks set to follow that path and considering Ange Postecoglou is not afraid of giving youngsters a chance, a first-team debut could even come this season, if only to show how much trust the club has in their gem.
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