LONDON -- Ryan Mason believes Tottenham's approach to youth development is unique in top-flight football and warned Spurs' domestic and European rivals: "Next season we'll be even better!"

Spurs boast the youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 23 and just one over-30, but they are two points off top and among the favourites for the Europa League after the 3-0 win against Fiorentina, in which Mason scored the opening goal.

Mauricio Pochettino's has blooded a number of youngsters, including Mason, at Spurs and Thursday's impressive round-of-32 second leg victory over the Serie A high-flyers saw the head coach introduce three academy graduates from the bench -- Joshua Onomah, 18, Harry Winks, 19, and Nabil Bentaleb, 21 -- while 18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers was an unused sub.

Mason believes Spurs' approach to youth endears them to neutrals and says the squad is yet to reach its potential.

"If you're a fan of football you can only enjoy what's going on here. The gaffer is bringing in young players, like tonight with Josh [Onomah] and Winksy [Harry Winks]. There's not many other clubs in top-flight football doing that and we're doing so well, obviously he's doing something right and the club's doing something right. Hopefully we can carry on," Mason told reporters after the win over Fiorentina.

"Last season we showed glimpses of the way we were going about it and this season we've kicked on again. I'm sure next season we'll be even better and we'll gain more experience. At the minute, we're relishing the opportunities and enjoying every game.

Ryan Mason scored the opener in Tottenham's 3-0 defeat of Fiorentina on Thursday. Getty

"At this stage of the season, every game is crucial and hopefully we can put in good performances and get good results. Obviously we're up there at the minute but we know football is a funny game and things can change. We're just focussing on each game as it comes and enjoying the moment. Hopefully we'll keep it going as soon as possible.

"For the team, it's a great result and nice to progress through to the next round. Obviously it's always nice to chip in with a goal."

"They're a very good team and they're doing well in their respective league. The first result was crucial and to get them back to the Lane level with an away goal I thought was massive and we felt confident we'd get the win tonight."

Thursday's match was only Mason's ninth start of a season that has been blighted by knee and ankle injuries, and before the first leg in Florence he had not featured since the 0-0 draw with Chelsea in November.

The England international's return to action, and form, is timely for Spurs, who are currently without Tom Carroll (achilles) and Mousa Dembele (groin) and facing three league games in six days, starting with Sunday's visit of Swansea.