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When Alex Scott made his Guernsey debut versus Phoenix Sports before a mere 55 spectators in 2019, his manager back then assured, “we haven’t seen the best from this youngster.”

That statement proved to be something of an understatement.

Today 22 years old and a Premier League regular with Bournemouth, the playmaker has just received his first summons to the senior Three Lions team.

His rise from non-league prodigy to possible international star is a proper throwback, a journey seldom told in the modern game.

What’s next? The World Cup?

“Back then, there was zero possibility of making it as a professional football player, let alone playing in the top division and representing the national team too,” the player said in a recent interview.

“It’s been a crazy five or six years of my life, and things have changed drastically for me and my family.”

But in what way did Scott, known fondly as the ‘Grealish from Guernsey’, find himself here?

Developing in the lower tiers

Scott’s football journey has been far from a typical one.

He was part of over four years in Southampton’s academy setup from the age of eight, leaving school early each Friday to fly from his island home on the Channel Island to the mainland so he could train and feature for the club’s academy sides.

Prior to his 13th birthday, however, they decided to let him go. Bournemouth gave Scott an option and he remained with them for a while, but, as he later admitted, his heart wasn’t fully committed.

Instead, he opted to remain on the island and play for his hometown club.

“I wasn’t playing very well and traveling weekly was starting to feel overwhelming,” he recalled.

“All I desired to chill at home with my mates at the weekend because I had missed almost several years of doing that. To have that slice of childhood again was something I really needed.

“Building some confidence by returning and playing island football was huge for me. It was probably the most crucial things that led me to this point.”

At the age of 16, the teenager became the youngest player in the club’s records when he was introduced as a second-half substitute in their Isthmian League match at the opposition.

“I had trouble sleeping because I was figuring out how I could get him in the side because he’s that good,” Guernsey boss the coach commented at the time.

“Everyone’s now seen that – his possession of the ball is outstanding, the manner he runs with the ball, he’s a class act.”

Returning to the pro ranks

Second-tier club Bristol City – owned by islander Steve Lansdown – had been monitoring his early progress after an promising beginning in men’s football and arranged a trial in late 2019.

“The whole experience was hectic,” said Scott. “The first day I joined the under-18s, the next day I was with the senior squad, which was a total surprise.

“Midweek I played for his local side in London, travelled back and on the Friday, I played for Bristol City Under-18s and netted a three goals. It was almost a done deal for me to put pen to paper on a deal.”

Within 18 months, even some way short of his 18th birthday, he was making his senior debut against the Hatters.

He went on to make 83 league appearances for the Robins while still a teenager, frequently being used as a wing-back – and sometimes further forward as a number 10 – such was his adaptability and versatility. Even at that young age and playing out of position he was their best player.

Thanks to his ability to drive the ball forward, and with his socks down to his ankles, he earned the nickname ‘Guernsey’s Grealish’, a reference to Manchester City and England playmaker Jack Grealish.

At the end of the 2022-23 campaign he claimed the second tier’s best young player honour, was selected in the division’s team of the year and was voted the club’s top player and top youngster.

“No doubt, I believe he’ll play for England and I’m sure he will progress to the top of the sport,” his former manager, the player’s boss at the club, stated previously.

Less than three months after, he signed for Bournemouth for a understood fee of £25m.

Securing his big move

Scott endured a difficult first season with the club, having to wait until the autumn to earn his top-flight debut after a knee problem in pre-season, and then finding himself inconsistent of the team.

His second campaign was just as affected, this time by a surgery which ruled him out for almost several months.

“There was quite a good run at the end of the previous campaign, which was nice to have, then I broke my jaw,” said Scott.

“It was almost another obstacle and it was turning out to be a pretty bad year for the first five months.”

But he was then selected by England for the Under-21 European Championships – and succeeded in get himself fit for the tournament.

He started five of the England U21s’ six games as they went on to win the competition in Slovakia, developing a formidable partnership in the middle with Elliot Anderson, who himself has excelled for the senior side under the national coach.

And he has begun this season just as strongly for Bournemouth, featuring in every game to guide them to fifth in the table.

“To play for the England senior team would be among the most special moments of my career,” the player stated recently.

“It’s down to me, I’ve got to continue developing as a player, maintain my love for football, getting better day on day, and hopefully I catch the eye of the national coach and earn an opportunity.”