Manager says 19-year-old Tottenham loanee has ‘the world at his feet’

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Tottenham Hotspur have a number of exciting talents that have come through the academy of late.

In pre-season, a host of young players impressed in the Spurs first-team, which bodes well for the future of the squad.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has kept several players at Hotspur Way, with Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear in line for minutes over the coming months.

Meanwhile, the likes of Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, Jamie Donley, Josh Keeley, Matthew Craig and George Abbott are all getting experience out on loan.

Now, one Tottenham talent currently plying his trade elsewhere has been backed to become a “top player” if he works hard.

Richie Wellens tips Tottenham gem Jamie Donley for success

The player in question is Jamie Donley, who is currently playing for League One side Leyton Orient.

The 19-year-old forward has made six appearances to date for the O’s, including three starts in the league, though he is yet to score or assist.

Orient manager Richie Wellens has now told The Athletic that Donley has what it takes to play at the highest level.

However, Wellens also shared what he feels the Tottenham talent needs to work on over the course of the season.

“On the ball, he has the world at his feet,” said Wellens. “He can play at the top level if he wants to.

“But you look at the top teams now, as soon as they lose that ball, they sprint back.

“That is something Jamie needs in his game – the reaction as soon as the ball turns over, whether it is to go and press or slide back into shape.

“It is something over the next six to eight months, while he is with us, we will try to develop. If he gets that, he will be a real top player.”

Promising comments about Donley

Donley was outstanding for Spurs’ Under-21s last season. In 23 age-level appearances, he registered eight goals and 17 assists.

This led to Ange Postecoglou giving him his Tottenham senior debut in December 2023, against none other than Manchester City.

Donley made four first-team appearances throughout last season, and he has certainly outgrown the U21s, so it’s good to see him out on loan and getting a good appraisal.