What Mauricio Pochettino said about Troy Parrott back in 2019 hasn’t come true, but Everton could benefit from it.
Everton scouts are keeping a close eye on Troy Parrott ahead of the January transfer window, with David Moyes keen to sign a centre-forward.
Parrott scored five goals over the international break, with two against Portugal and a memorable hat-trick against Hungary to send Ireland to the World Cup play-offs.
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Toffees scouts would’ve certainly been impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances, so it wouldn’t at all be surprising if he’s moved up to become the first-choice target, ahead of Ivan Toney and Joshua Zirkzee.
With that said, ahead of a potential transfer to Everton, we’ve looked back at the prediction Mauricio Pochettino made about the former Tottenham Hotspur frontman back in 2019.
What Mauricio Pochettino said about Everton target Troy Parrott back in 2019
Parrott was given his long-awaited Tottenham debut back in September 2019, as he started against Colchester United in the EFL Cup.
Speaking after the game, then Spurs boss Pochettino made the claim that Parrott will be a ‘very important’ player for the club.
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“He needs time,” the Argentine boss said.
“For sure he’s going to be a very important player for Tottenham Hotspur in the future but he needs time, maybe one year, two year.
“We need to create space for young ones to find their natural space in the squad. We need time with the new signings as well. We’ve been unlucky with them.”
Ultimately, that prediction never came true, as Parrott ended up making four first-team appearances for the North Londoners before leaving on a permanent deal to AZ Alkmaar in 2024.
Everton could now benefit from Troy Parrott’s unusual career path
Parrott has been forced to rebuild his career in the Netherlands after loan spells with Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons and Preston North End.
The 2002-born striker has become prolific in the Eredivisie with Excelsior Rotterdam and now AZ Alkmaar.
Parrott averages one goal every two games in Holland’s top flight, which is pretty impressive considering he’s not at one of the top clubs like Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord.
He also has a good record with the Irish national team, netting 10 in 33 caps, so his many different experiences will set him in good standing to become a Premier League striker at Everton.
Parrott’s success abroad has clearly given him much more belief and confidence in his ability, which is sometimes the difference maker in top-level football.