Ange Postecoglou was delighted following Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 win over Elfsborg after academy stars Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore all scored their first goals for the club.
The Australian coach admitted it was "made in Tottenham tonight", with the three youngsters stepping up amid an injury crisis to guide them into the last 16.
Scarlett and Ajayi open the scoring
With the score at 0-0, Scarlett came on to replace the injured Radu Dragusin in the 66th minute; four minutes later, he scored his first Spurs goal, latching onto Dejan Kulusevski's in-swinging cross and guiding a perfect header into the bottom, right corner.
He was involved again 14 minutes later, this time laying it off for 19-year-old debutant Ajayi, who then fired a great strike into the bottom, right corner.
Mikey Moore completes the rout
17-year-old Mikey Moore then finished off a perfect evening for the club's academy. The energetic winger went on a dazzling solo run, taking on a handful of Elfsborg defenders before firing a well-placed effort into the bottom, left corner. Postecoglou was delighted with the trio.
"It was made in Tottenham tonight. It’s brilliant for the club and I’m sure there are academy coaches and players who won’t sleep tonight because they are pretty excited," he said post-match.
"We knew we would have to rely on some young players tonight, and all the way through this campaign to be honest. I thought they stood up really well.
"The whole group played well but we were going to need some young boys to make an impact and not just the three goalscorers. We had a couple of 18-year-olds in there as well who continue to drive us on. It is a great night for the club and something the whole academy should be proud of."
The former Celtic manager later added that these types of moments are "enjoyable for everyone", highlighting that fans always have a deeper connection to players who rise through the ranks.
"I think it’s a much prouder moment for the club itself. That’s what academies are for. Those three boys were probably on the terraces at one time so our fans can relate to that," he answered.
"We're in a tough spot in the league obviously but I think that will be hugely enjoyable for everyone, just the fact that three young boys, three Tottenham lads, have scored on a European night."
Kulusevski was also proud of the academy stars, stating in the mixed zone post-match: "They come and give everything they can. Today they changed the game."
Van de Ven back in Spurs action
While the academy players took the headlines, Spurs fans also witnessed the eagerly-anticipated return of centre-back Micky van de Ven.
The 23-year-old has played just one match since the 30th October due to two hamstring injuries, and he featured in the first half against Elfsborg before a pre-planned substitute.
A makeshift defence eases
Postecoglou has been forced to use a makeshift defence in recent months, often Archie Gray and Dragusin, and – unsurprisingly – he was delighted to have Van de Ven back in action.
"He's a quality player. You could see already he's got a presence out there," he stated.
"With the injured guys, we've got quite a few who are long-termers, and they just want to help so they're coming in with really positive energy which helps the other boys."
Teammate Kulusevski told the site post-match that he is delighted that the Dutchman is back available for selection. "He's one of the best centre-backs in the world. He would help every team and I'm happy he's back," he said.
The winger-turned-playmaker continued that Van de Ven's return, coupled with key players earning rest against Elfsborg, gives him confidence ahead of Tottenham's match against Brentford on Sunday.
"We have to climb up the ladder and we have a great chance on Sunday," he said. "We had a couple of players rested today. Myself and Son only played 45. Micky is back. We are going to be fresher and ready."
