This could be a big breakthrough year for the Republic of Ireland international.
Troy Parrott is showing that he will not stand on ceremonies when he faces the best and brightest of world football.
After some inclusions in senior squads last season, Mauricio Pochettino has advanced Parrott’s early career significantly by bringing him on the club’s pre-season tour and giving him a taste of the action.
Parrott was handed his first start for Tottenham in their International Champions Cup encounter against Juventus, and was named alongside the likes of Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld, Hueng Min Son and Harry Winks.
#THFC: Gazzaniga, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Tanganga, Georgiou, Winks, Skipp, Lamela, Dele, Son, Parrott. #SpursTour2019 ⚪️ #ICC2019 pic.twitter.com/28XDBfY7U5
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 21, 2019
On the opposite side of the pitch, for Juve, were the likes of Adrien Rabiot, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spurs had the better of the opening 45 minutes and Parrott looked lively in an attacking triumvirate with Lamela and Son.
Troy Parrott in action during the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur at the Singapore National Stadium. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images)Just before the half-hour mark, Parrott played a big part in the goal that sent the Italian side on their heels.
Spurs had four-on-three with a counter-attack and Son drew in two defenders before teeing up Parrott for a low shot. The Irish striker hit a crisp effort that Juve’s veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon managed to keep out, but the rebound fell to Lamela and he made it 1-0.
🙌 Troy Parrott denied by Buffon but Erik Lamela guides it home
⚪ @SpursOfficial 1 up v Juventus#ICC2019 pic.twitter.com/YTIlUwFvzM
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) July 21, 2019
Another look at the goal sees how influential Parrott was in the opener, sparking the break after getting hold of the ball inside his half before bombing forward and peeling around Son to receive the pass:
https://twitter.com/Dino_Grgic/status/1152921109769142273
Parrott’s bright start in his first senior Spurs start drew a lot of praise, and he will hope it is just the beginning of a busy pre-season.
There could be Premier League and Champions League appearances in his near future if he keeps up this pace.
