Scarlett, 18, joined Pompey in the summer for a season-long loan in search of regular first-team football to aid his development. Despite reported Championship interest from the likes of Preston North End, Scarlett made his way to PO4. It was felt he’d have more regular first team football, as well being cared for by a manager that has already helped develop the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Gavin Bazunu into Premier League regulars.
At the time of writing, Scarlett has featured 12 times in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 4 goals and getting 1 assist. What’s interesting about Scarlett’s goals, however, is that they’ve all been very different. His first, away at Port Vale, was a neat chip over the goalkeeper having been put through 1-on-1 from Pack on the half way line. His goals against Peterborough featured a diving header, as well as a left footed effort from the edge of the box having stood his man up.
So far at Fratton the forward has shown different aspects of his game. Pressing, strength, pace, finishing & desire have all been on full display but it’s his attitude that has many believing he really could be the man to go on and replace Harry Kane at Tottenham. Below are just a handful of quotes from his managers:
“Dane Scarlett is ruthless, he’s deadly and he’s only eighteen years old. I’ve seen him score goals like that before. He is brave and will put his head in places others wouldn’t be willing to. What I love about him is that he just doesn’t get carried away with himself” – Danny Cowley
“Tottenham Hotspur have a striker in Dane Scarlett who, if everything goes well, is going to be phenomenal” – Jose Mourinho
“Dane’s working really hard and he is a really good prospect from the academy. He is for sure at this moment the best prospect from the academy” – Antonio Conte
Before coming to the South Coast, Scarlett scored 23 goals in 23 games for Spurs U18s, and has even featured for the first team in the Premier League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and FA Cup. He’s also being recognised on the International stage, having been called up to represent England U20s, having scored 12 goals in 14 games for the U19s.
Whilst he has a long way to go, and it’s early days in his Portsmouth loan, there is no question that Dane Scarlett has been an excellent addition to the squad. It looks for all ther world like he’s going to have an excellent season, and a loan to a Championship Club should happen next season to continue his development (Hopefully back to Portsmouth after a successful promotion campaign…)
His fantastic attitude and refusal to get carried away with himself, coupled with his ever-improving ability will provide Scarlett with an excellent chance to compete with an aging Harry Kane in 2-3 seasons. I fully believe we are looking at a future England International and we should count ourselves lucky that we got to see him in a Pompey shirt.
