‘Unbelievable’… Peter Crouch says Tottenham legend was the ‘best player’ he’d ever seen at Spurs | OneFootball

Peter Crouch has lauded Ledley King as the ‘best player’ he’d ever seen during his time in the Tottenham Hotspur academy.

Crouch is the latest former Spurs player to make an appearance on the club’s Off The Shelf podcast.

The Englishman reflected on his spell in north London between 2009 and 2011. He was an integral part of the Spurs side that qualified for the revamped Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

But some may not be aware that Crouch was part of the academy setup at Hotspur Way between 1996 and 2000. After a couple of loan spells, he eventually rejoined QPR but he was part of a talented group of Tottenham youngsters beforehand.

And Crouch has been speaking about Ledley King’s undeniable talent as a youngster at Spurs.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Crouch lauds King as ‘the best player’ he’d ever seen

Speaking on Tottenham’s official podcast, Crouch admitted that King was the best player he’d seen at academy level.

“First impressions of Ledley were just like he was the best player I’d ever seen. No joke – ever seen, at that age,” the former Spurs star said.

“He was the best player. Level above, year above. Just the most naturally gifted footballer, not centre-half, as a footballer.

“No matter what position. So yeah, he was unbelievable. In the ball courts, you had to have good feet. He was 6ft4 but still unbelievable.”

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

It’s no real surprise to hear Crouch speak so glowingly about King.

The centre-back is undoubtedly a legend at Spurs and remains the last player to captain the club to major silverware, lifting the Carling Cup way back in 2008.

King was an exceptional defender but was also gifted with the ball at his feet.

Many Spurs fans remain adamant that King would have gone on to become one of England’s best defenders if it wasn’t for persistent knee injuries.