'Phenomenal talent': Jermain Defoe says Tottenham have a youngster who genuinely reminds him of Luka Modric

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Over the years, several incredible young players have played for Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane is the standout example, who is perhaps the best young player Tottenham have ever produced in their history. Similarly, the likes of Ledley King and Sol Campbell went on to become top-class centre-backs after coming through Spurs’ academy.

Previously, Marcus Edwards has been dubbed the “English Messi” by former Tottenham youth coach Temisan Williams as he has gone on to have an impressive career at Sporting CP.

Mikey Moore, recently praised by Declan Rice looks like the next best thing at Spurs nowadays and he showed a glimpse of his potential by assisting Richarlison’s goal with a wonderful cross in his side’s latest 3-2 loss against Everton.

Jermain Defoe, who was a brilliant young talent once himself had a chance to work as a coach for his former club in the Under-18s from 2022 to 2024.

As a result, the former England international would have had the chance to watch the Lilywhites’ future superstars in action.

Jermain Defoe compares Tottenham youngster Tyrese Hall to Luka Modric

The players in question themselves would also have loved to have picked Defoe’s brain, who is a Premier League legend.

While reflecting on working as a youth coach at Tottenham, a player that the retired striker reserved special praise for is Tyrese Hall.

Jermain Defoe initially claimed that in his eyes, Hall is ready to play in the Premier League despite being just 19 years old while marvelling about the teenager’s talent.

Defoe told Sky Sports News: “I’d probably go as far as saying he’s one of the best players at his age I’ve seen in the country and actually, I remember, we played a game last year against Chelsea and his performance was unbelievable.”

“It was our standout performance, it was probably his best performance in a big game, I think we end up winning 3-2, we were 2-0 down. It was a masterclass and the player’s name is Tyrese Hall. He’s someone who I believe is a Premier League footballer.”

“I know that’s a big statement but he’s someone who, when I first saw him, I thought, you know what, I believe, God willing that he’s someone that can go on and play at the top, top level. An unbelievable footballer, so much potential.”

Jermain Defoe went on to claim that with the ball at his feet, Hall reminds him of players like Luka Modric and Joe Cole.

“He reminds me a little bit, technically, how he is, so silky, again, another big statement of that Luka Modric sort of vibe, that Joe Cole [type technique]. Phenomenal talent.”

Jermain Defoe remains a huge admirer of Modric, with the Real Madrid legend being his teammate at Tottenham and yet, he has compared the Spurs wonderkid’s technique to the legendary midfielder.

Modric would star in training at Tottenham, which Defoe would recall and since leaving Spurs, he has gone on to become one of the best players of his generation, which speaks volumes about Hall’s talent.

Who is Tyrese Hall?

Hall is a central midfielder by trade.

The Englishman previously used to play for Chelsea.

However, Hall played for Tottenham’s Under-18s while he was still a schoolboy in the 2021/2022 season.

The highly-rated technician went on to sign a professional contract with Tottenham in 2022.

Manchester City scouted Hall, who looks like a star in the making.

The teenage talent is capable of playing as a number eight, as a holding midfielder, as a number 10 and out wide.

Ange Postecoglou would be well aware of Hall’s potential as he has trained with the first-team and headed out on Tottenham’s pre-season tour.

Judging by Jermain Defoe’s revelation, the youngster seems like a special talent.