Ledley King blown away by Tottenham academy product: He is better than I was

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Published on:

20 Apr 2017, 1:14 am

By Harry Sykes

Ledley King has claimed to Bleacher Report that emerging Tottenham star Cameron Carter-Vickers is better than he was at the same age.

King, who is widely regarded as one of the outstanding Spurs players of the last 40 years, noted similarities between the 19-year-old academy product and when he was emerging from the White Hart Lane ranks at the same age.

United States Under-23 international Carter-Vickers is tipped for big things after making a huge impression on the Tottenham coaching staff in recent years.

He has made only four senior appearances to date but has been a regular member of the matchday squad and manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed he will develop into one of the best centre-backs in England.

It is a view echoed by former defender King, who has been blown away by the progress made behind the scenes by the young American, who joined the Spurs academy since the age of 11.

"He's probably more physical than I was as a young kid coming through," King told Bleacher Report. "Maybe a better defender than I was, too.

"But on and off the pitch, I can see characteristics in our demeanour, our determination to want to improve and want to get to the top."

Carter-Vickers' route to the first team is currently blocked by international centre-half duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, while Eric Dier has also been used predominantly in that position this season.

Ex-Tottenham skipper King was famed for his ability to deliver outstanding performances in elite matches with little or no preparation but finally bowed to the inevitable when he retired in the summer of 2012 at the age of 31 due to a chronic knee problem.

]In other Tottenham news, the club have sensationally terminated the contract of one of their defenders.

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Cameron Carter-Vickers

Ledley King

Tottenham