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Nuno Espirito Santo discusses goalless Tottenham attacker, after Thursday

Will Butcher

Fri 22 October 2021 7:15, UK

Nuno Espirito Santo has told his post-match press conference – – that he has sympathy for Tottenham teen Dane Scarlett.

Scarlett, 17, was handed his seventh senior appearance for Tottenham on Thursday night as Spurs fielded a weakened side to take on Vitesse.

The entire side was changed from Sunday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United – with Scarlett coming in for Harry Kane. The starting players did not travel.

Eventually, Spurs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Vitesse – failing to get a shot on target until 37 minutes. A really lacklustre effort by Nuno’s second string.

Scarlett has now gone seven senior games without finding the back of the net for Spurs – looking somewhat bereft of confidence at the moment.

Nuno was asked about the teenage star in his post-match press conference. The Portuguese gaffer explained his sympathy for the striker.

“Dane is 17-years-old,” “It is tough for him but many of our players when they were 17 were not involved in first-team football.

“He is full of talent, of course details that comes with experience and experience is when he competes against tough opposition like he did today.”

Nuno on Scarlett: Tottenham needed a back-up striker in the summer

Because Tottenham failed to sign cover for Kane in the summer, it means Scarlett has to travel to every Premier League game for Spurs.

It also means he has to play in a Spurs side that is thrown together with the club’s fringe players. No momentum, no consistency from his teammates.

If Spurs had brought in a striker, then Scarlett could have remained with the 23’s and scored goals on a regular basis. He is yet to net this season.

That is, for the 23’s or first team. Having to play in the UEL, and warm the bench in the league, is seemingly affecting Scarlett’s confidence.