Nick Barmby came through the youth ranks at Spurs and exploded on to the first team scene in 1992. He quickly became a first choice player as a mere teenager and was a permanent fixture in the side for the following three years - including being part of the famous five-man attacking line that Ossie Ardiles employed. At the age of 21, he started to gain senior international recognition and was widely regarded as someone who would be a top player for many years to come - so it was a big surprise when Spurs sold him to newly promoted Middlesbrough for £5.25 million, meaning Barmby became the club's most expensive signing. Barmby impressed at Middlesbrough but only stayed for a year, before going on to play for the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Leeds United. He also had a decent England career, scoring four times in 23 caps, and was part of the team that hammered Germany 5-1 on their own turf in 2001.
