Scott Parker has hailed rising Tottenham star Rodel Richards – and fans have taken to Twitter to describe him as the next Harry Kane.
Striker Richards, 17, bagged his second hat-trick in 10 days yesterday (Tuesday) as Spurs demolished Preston North End 5-0 in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
It further underlined the progress the teenager has made under the wing of Spurs Under-18s coach Parker, who moved into full-time coaching in the summer following his retirement from playing.
In an interview with the official Tottenham website, ex-Tottenham and England midfielder Parker namechecked Richards as he hailed the improved performance from his side.
“RJ (Rodel Richards) probably doesn’t want Christmas to come to be fair! He’s in such a good vein of form but it’s a little break in terms of games now, although I think all of the boys have been a credit really. I mentioned it at the weekend but after that bad result we had at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago, the players have really rolled their sleeves up and gone on to another level which has been really pleasing.”
Tottenham fans are getting excited about the potential of Richards, who has followed the same path as club talisman Kane in smashing in the goal at youth-team level for the club after leaving Arsenal.
The White Hart Lane faithful took to Twitter to point out the comparison, with many hailing the teenager as a gem with the world at his feet.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Rodel Richards, an Arsenal youth reject, hit 27 goals in his first season for Spurs U16s. Now in the U18s, he has hit successive hat tricks. Kane MK2? ???? #coys #ms85
— Mattspur85 (@mattspur85) December 12, 2017
He’s something special mate!
— Addicted To Spurs (@addicted_spurs) December 12, 2017
What I’ve seen of him I think he could have a big future at us COYS!!
— John Bailey (@baileyjohn80) December 12, 2017
I tell you what mate we could have another little gem on our hands in Rodel Richards and just like Kane he was at the other lot first we could have nick another one ha ha
— John Bailey (@baileyjohn80) December 12, 2017
Harry Kane and Rodel Richards ????????
— Johnny Duvander (@JohnnyDuvander) December 12, 2017
A goal scorer. Previously with Arsenal. It’s happening again… ????
— Deco (@miamibyrne) December 12, 2017
Richards > Lukaku
— Addicted To Spurs (@addicted_spurs) December 12, 2017
Baller
— OnomahIsABaller (@SpursD22) December 12, 2017
Richards > Llorente
— Jay (@ffsjxy) December 12, 2017