THE SECRET SCOUT

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He’ll bring you his verdict in Sportsmail.

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

One of the best players in Gareth Southgate’s England Under 21s squad, a nasty injury to his right ankle means he has missed much of the season. But last Saturday he played the closing minutes in West Brom’s FA Cup defeat to Reading and will be looking to get regular action between now and the summer. If he does he will bring some ingenuity to Tony Pulis’s side as they look to score more goals. Last season’s loan at Brentford was the perfect setting for this youngster whose energetic play and movement on both flanks was a key part of Mark Warburton’s success. He possesses extreme confidence — sometimes mistaken for arrogance — and has good close control. It is, though, his accuracy of pass and cross that makes him stand out and at Brentford he was also responsible for free kicks. Right footed, he has clever movement which enables him to deliver accurate inswinging crosses from the left as he looks for the angle and makes it difficult for full backs to challenge. Unlike some attacking midfielders, Pritchard has an eye for goal which is so valuable in a wide player.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

Only 5ft 8in, he shows strength on the ball and works hard for his team. Gifted technically, he can however let himself down with his recovery challenges. Due to his combative style, he has a tendency to give away free-kicks and must learn to challenge on his feet. But he is brave and has pace, which he uses to attack defenders. So far he has been loaned sensibly and a good future is all but guaranteed. A successful end of season with West Brom should culminate in him being a valuable member of the Tottenham senior squad next year, something that would be due reward for the mental strength he has shown to come back from his injury.