Mauricio Pochettino has compared 17-year-old attacking midfield prodigy Marcus Edwards to Lionel Messi.

Pochettino has named Edwards in his matchday squad and the expectation is he will begin among the substitutes.

Edwards is a shorter left-footer that prefers to play as a No. 10.

“His qualities … it’s only looks – his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” said Pochettino.

Edwards’ nickname at the club is “Mini Messi.”

Edwards signed a two-year professional contract at Tottenham over the summer.