Jose Mourinho has included Tottenham academy ace Dennis Cirkin in his matchday squad for this evening's game against Everton.
With fellow defenders Japhet Tanganga and Juan Foyth missing out through injury, the head coach has selected the left-back as part of his 20-man squad
The 18-year-old is no stranger to Mourinho after training with the rest of the first-team squad at Hotspur Way on a number of occasions since the Portuguese boss replaced Mauricio Pochettino at the helm in November.
Previously included on the bench in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough and Southampton at the start of the year, this is the first time the highly-rated player has made the squad for a Premier League game.
But who exactly is Cirkin?
His story so far
Cirkin, born in Ireland but having lived in England since he was three, moved quickly up the age groups in Tottenham's academy.
He often played in age groups above his years and soon forced his way into the U18s and eventually into the U23 set-up for five Premier League 2 matches last season.
He also started the first ever match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs' U18s beat Southampton in the first test event at the ground in March last year.
Playing in only two U23 games this term, Mourinho watched back a video of him impressing as Tottenham's U19s beat Olympiacos in the UEFA Youth League and marked him out as a player to progress.
He then signed his first professional contract at the end of November to end 2019 on a high before 2020 got even better with his spot on the bench against Boro.
What are his strengths
The teenage has a great engine on him and has excellent technical ability on the ball.
He can also whip in a fine cross when required and can also find the net for a full-back, netting twice in the U18s Premier League this season.
There is plenty of room to improve for the 18-year-old, as should be expected, but he's got all the tools to go as far as his determination will take him.
What has Mourinho said about him
"I couldn't be at the game but I watched on video our youth team playing in the [UEFA Youth League], and we also have [Dennis Cirkin]," he said.
"OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development."
