PREMIER LEAGUE SUPERSTAR

pay tribute to his assistant, Jesus Perez, and the staff that have been integral to his success.

He said: “We need to share with all the people that work with us. At Southampton, the people that created the attitude or worked in the academy – also at Tottenham. They deserve credit, too.”

Pochettino, 45, gave an insight into the decision-making process that has enabled him to create a pathway for so many young England players.

“At Espanyol, I told my sporting director and president that, rather than 25 professionals, I would rather have 20 or 21, and give four or five places to our younger academy players,” he said.

“With 25 senior players, it is difficult to provide youngsters with the space to play. If you save money, like we did at Espanyol by signing three or four players less, you can invest more in the rest of your squad and academy.

“You can also provide the possibility for the young players to train with the first team.

“When we arrived here at Spurs, three-and-a-half years ago, we had 33 professional players. How do you provide younger players with a possibility to play? Southampton was the same. That was my decision, too. And then, of course, the credit for (bringing through) Harry Kane, Harry Winks and every young player is about everyone.”

Such is the strength now in the Spurs squad, rising star Marcus Edwards has gone to Norwich on loan, while winger Georges-kevin N’koudou has joined Burnley temporarily.

Pochettino insists he has raised the bar for young talent, adding: “Now, it is not only about quality. It is not only about showing something good.

“You need to show quality, mental strength, physical condition and everything, if you want to play in the first team.”