'Future Spurs captain' - Exclusive: Mourinho & staff wowed by 'phenomenal' youngster
Jose Mourinho and the Tottenham coaches are convinced they have a potential Premier League star on their hands in Oliver Skipp.
The 20-year-old has made only 23 Spurs appearances since graduating from the youth team and was sent out on loan to Championship outfit Norwich City this season following a major recruitment drive that saw seven senior signings arrive.
But Skipp has seized his opportunity at Carrow Road and is more than living up to his reputation as one of the finest Spurs academy products in years.
Tottenham staff are in no doubt about the potential and talent of a player Mourinho has already called "phenomenal" and a "future Spurs captain".
A Spurs source has told Football Insider that Mourinho and his backroom staff believe the club will have a Premier League-ready talent after a season or two of regular senior football.
He was loaned to Norwich as they are expected to challenge strongly for promotion, their playing style mirrors Spurs' and manager Daniel Farke promised to give Skipp plenty of opportunities.
He certainly has. The youngster has started all 11 of Norwich's Championship matches this season, and finished most of them, too.
Operating in a midfield anchorman role alongside Scotland international Kenny McLean, Skipp has earned rave reviews for the maturity of his performances.
Mourinho has been extremely complimentary of the England Under-21 international, and had no hesitation in green lighting a four-year contract for him in the summer, first revealed by Football Insider.
Long term, Skipp has a big role to play at Tottenham and is regarded as capable of playing Champions League football in the future as well as thriving in the Premier League.