Tottenham head coach José Mourinho has claimed Oliver Skipp is the future of Tottenham, adding that he sees the youngster assuming the captaincy later in his career.
The 19-year-old signed a new four-year deal earlier this week to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2024, committing his long-term future to the club despite failing to register regular minutes in the first team this season.
Judging by Mourinho's comments in his latest press conference, held before Spurs' vital Premier League clash with Leicester this weekend, Skipp has a big role to play in the future - with his Portuguese boss hailing his qualities as a player and person.
"I'm really happy. Everybody in the club is, his team-mates are, I am and Skippy is or not he wouldn't sign the contract," Mourinho began.
"I think he's genuinely Tottenham's future. He's one of these players by human quality, by personality, he is one of these kids that I have no doubt he will be an important player for Tottenham.
"Sometimes coaches are selfish and I told him that. I never told him I want him to go on loan, I always told him I wanted him to stay here, because that's the selfish perspective of a coach who wants the best possible squad."
Mourinho added that Skipp was keen to play regular football as soon as he can - hinting that a possible loan move may be in the offing - before touching on his future hopes for the England Under-21 international - hopes that include following in the footsteps of Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane by taking the captain's armband.
He continued: "In his mind he wants to go on loan, six months, the whole season. He feels that he needs that, I also feel that would be good for his evolution, so maybe that is the direction we go.
"I think he can be more than a player, he can be a future captain here. Hugo, Harry. I see this kid being one day a future captain here by his character, by his personality. I feel really happy that he signed."
Mourinho also downplayed the importance of Tottenham potentially winning four home games in a row for the first time since leaving White Hart Lane, noting: "A little bit like when we played Arsenal, it was very important to win the derby or when we played Newcastle and my first victory at St James' Park.
"Nothing else is important now, the only thing that matters is the points that we need. So I don't even think about the first time we can make four victories in a row at the new stadium. I just think that we need these points."
Source : 90min