Jose Mourinho has often been accused of failing to give youth a chance throughout his managerial career, so much so that the Portuguese tactician once saw fit to list every single youngster he'd afforded a chance in his various first-team setups.
Perhaps keen to dismiss the suggestion even further, Mourinho has named 20-year-old Marcel Lavinier in Tottenham's 25-man squad for the upcoming knockout stages of the Europa League.
With Spurs desperate to reclaim their spot in the Premier League top four, as well as needing to fulfil their commitments in both domestic cup competitions, there's every chance Mourinho will utilise his full available squad in the Europa League, meaning Lavinier has every chance of making an appearance.
With a potential debut on the horizon, 90min answers the question; who is Marcel Lavinier?
1. Released by Chelsea
Lavinier joined Chelsea's youth academy aged seven, spending 12 years with the Blues and signing his first professional contract in 2018.
He picked up more than his fair share of silverware during his time with Chelsea, winning the Under-18 Premier League southern division and national title, the FA Youth Cup and the inaugural Under-18 Premier League Cup in 2017/18.
However, despite his success, he was released from Chelsea in 2020 and put pen to paper at London rivals Tottenham.
2. Represented both England and Portugal
Happy to have beat Germany 8-1 and to also get an assist⚽️✌️️ proud to be Croatia cup winners??#ENGU17?? pic.twitter.com/rgY7G4mVo5
— Marcel Lavinier (@MarcelLavinier_) October 4, 2016
Lavinier was born in London and has been capped by England at a number of youth levels, including Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17.
However, he holds dual nationality with Portugal and his most recent international appearance came for their Under-18s.
He still holds the option of which nation he'd like to represent a senior level, and there's likely to be a battle for Lavinier's services if he continues on his current upward trajectory.
3. Style of play
Primarily a right-back, one of Lavinier's best assets is undoubtedly his pace.
The youngster has the energy and the drive to influence both ends of the pitch, with his ability to beat a man with ease becoming a feature of his play.
During his time at Chelsea he registered a number of assists and he's taken no time at all in settling into the Spurs youth setup. In a clash with Manchester United's Under-23 side in November, he was tasked with marking the talented Shola Shoretire and he looked far from out of his depth.
4. A versatile performer
While Lavinier's undoubted talent has no doubt caught the eye of Mourinho, his ability to plug gaps in numerous positions will have likely played a key part in the decision to include him in the Europa League squad.
Despite being best suited to a right-back role, such is the strength, speed and intelligence of his game, the 20-year-old has been known to fill in at left-back and centre-back, while he's also been pushed into midfield on occasions.
The term 'utility man' doesn't even come close.