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Ian Wright gives exciting verdict on Tottenham star Carlos Vinicius at HT

Will Butcher

Mon 11 January 2021 7:15, UK

Carlos Vinicius scored a first-half hat-trick as Tottenham did what was expected and cruised past non-league Marine on Sunday in the FA Cup – and Ian Wright’s half-time verdict will excite fans.

The on-loan striker, 25, took his Tottenham stats to six goals in nine appearances for Jose Mourinho’s men as Spurs eased into the fourth round of the Cup – despite fielding a number of youth players and fringe stars.

Harvey White, Jack Clarke, Alfie Devine and more were given a chance, while out-of-favour players such as Dele Alli, Gedson Fernandes and Joe Rodon all started. But Vinicius stole the headlines, netting three quick-fire goals.

Two tap-ins and a brilliant third finish came either side of a Lucas Moura free-kick before sub Devine scored on his debut, and Wright thinks the Benfica loanee showed enough to convince Tottenham to sign him permanently.

“Scoring goals like this builds confidence,” . “They’ve needed someone who can come in and finish. If he can continue to get confidence and take that into the Premier League, they can sign him. He looks really good.”

TBR’s view – Is Vinicius worth the permanent clause?

The striker joined Spurs on a loan-to-buy deal after scoring an impressive 24 goals in 47 Benfica appearances last season. the release clause is worth £40million – but is he worth it?

There is certainly a player there. He has shown – albeit against Marine and some Europa League minnows – that he can come in without a run of games and still score. Wright is bang on, they needed a back-up striker who can finish.

Is he worth £40million? That is a lot of money for a player who is not going to start. But if Vinicius is happy to remain second fiddle, get 20 appearances in all competitions a season, then sure, make his deal a permanent one.