"We spotted him in France, looked at him and made the decision to take him on a contract," said Martin Jol.
The Spurs coach wrote in The Sunday Times: ‘In England (with the exception of Spurs and Manchester United) they still think of skills as funny stuff, tricks. In Holland skills equal technique. It is important to demonstrate skills to young players in a way that goes beyond learning tricks. Spurs have one of the best technical skills coaches in the world, Ricardo Moniz. He can put on a session where they are not only shown the technique but also where a skill might fit into a game. He is amazing. He can do 90 different skills and teach kids every single one. Our target is for every player to master the ball in every situation on the pitch under pressure.'
Moniz who learnt from the great pioneer, and fellow Dutchman Wiel Coerver joined Spurs from PSV Eindhoven last season.
Gerard Houllier who wanted to recreate street football within a more organised structure, a philosophy Dutch clubs have also implemented, helped set up France's Academy system.
Former Spurs player Johnny Metgod, now Feyenoord assistant manager, said: "When I was a youngster I was playing in a street and that formed my character in a natural way." (BBC)
Central midfielder Jamie O'Hara who turned professional as an Academy graduate in September 2004 and broke into the reserves in the same season has signed a contract extension at the club. Capped at England Under 16, 17 and 18 level, he made 13 appearances for Tottenham's reserves last season before spending the second half of 2005/06 on loan at League One side Chesterfield where he made 19 appearances and scored five goals.
Jol added: "I think Jamie was one of the players who progressed unbelievably last season. He played well for the reserves and when we put him out on loan they were very happy with him. He came back and I told him if he's fit, he could be in the squad."
Other Reserve/Academy contract extensions completed over the close season were left-sided Charlie Daniels, goalkeeper Robert Burch, striker Simon Dawkins and full-back Chris Riley. Terry Dixon, Kyle Fraser-Allen, Daniel Hutchins, David Hutton, Jake Livermore and Takura Mtandari have joined the Academy on first year scholarships.
Daniels who made one start for the reserves in 2004/05 turned pro last July. He showed great versatility over the course of last season by occupying full-back, wing-back and left midfielder, impressing all with his defensive play and contribution going forward for the reserves. He made a total of 16 appearances before suffering an injury that forced him out of the closing stages of the southern championship winning campaign.
"Last season Charlie Daniels progressed so he deserved it," offered Jol.
After the first day of pre-season last week, reserve team coach, Clive Allen told the official site: "The younger group were the first lads to go out for the physical testing. There were a number of tests to see exactly where they were at in terms of fitness which forms a base line to work from. The lads were great and have all done well on the tests. They've come back in great shape, which was good to see. They all did very well on their weights and looked in good shape," he added.
Spurs XI play seven pre-season friendlies between July 14 and August 14, starting at Enfield Town this Friday.