Dante Cassanova, 20, has made Tottenham's matchday squads for the past four matches and is pushing for a debut under Ange Postecoglou.
Of course, around 10 players are currently injured at Spurs but Cassanova - a central midfielder playing at centre-back in the under-21s - has earned his presence among senior players by captaining the youth teams.
After winning Premier League 2 last season at under-21s level - in a team that featured Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Damola Ajayi, who have all earned first-team minutes this season - Cassanova could be next to break through at Spurs.
However, his contract is also expiring at the end of the season. That may also impact his involvement amid a possible summer move for a nominal development fee.
Wembley-born Cassanova grew up idolising Lionel Messi but also looked up to Usain Bolt as his family were born in Jamaica.
Those who know him say he was kicking a ball as early as two years old and signed up for Tiny Ballers, a casual football club for toddlers, before joining Heathrow FC aged 6.
The former student of the Harefield Academy in Uxbridge quickly outgrew his boyhood club and moved to Ballers FC where he was spotted by Spurs scout Michael Donaldson - along with scouts from Brentford and Chelsea - before his seventh birthday.
However, as a Spurs fan, who also idolised Gareth Bale, he opted for north London despite training with all three clubs before making his final decision.
Cassanova played in multiple positions before establishing himself in midfield at under-18s level. He looks up to Manchester City's Rodri, but is currently having to play at centre-back given Spurs' injuries at youth level.
He played an important part in the Premier League 2 success last season, bouncing back from a major hamstring injury the year before.