He has a strikers instinct and is usually in the right place to score goals. Makes good runs and has pace. Good technically too and can also link play with the midfield. Still needs to improve in areas and work hard obviously but is a promising talent. Here is some more information about Benik from an Arsenal fansite - http://youngguns.wordpress.com/Benik-Afobe/
That was an interesting comment by Wenger about Aneke & Afobe about their technique. Aside from those two I've heard of Joshua McEachran - who I gather is a very skillful midfielder. I was under the impression he was a winger but he lines up in the middle on that video. Aziz Deen-Conteh - left sided Luke Garbutt - left back Louis Laing - center back Robert Hall - Saw this kid play in the flesh (he's from the area I used to live) Zele Ismail - the kid Chelsea want. The NI keeper doesn't look very good in the video. Interesting to see how they do against Wales/Scotland (either on TV?) And if they go on to play Nordic Cup & future age groups.
That clip doesn't really give the England team credit for their performance. What was most impressive was although Northern Ireland were poor they were under constant pressure. England were very good with the ball, good technically and moved well off the ball. The next games are on Skysports live too. I don't like to point out certain players for praise at this age but Louis Laing was playing at centre back and passing the ball like an in-form Glenn Hoddle. Every pass was perfect. He didn't have much defending to do though. It will be interesting to see this team again and see how they perform. Hopefully they will play stronger opposition soon and we'll see how they do.
A live game is on Skysports 1 on Friday. Wales U16 v England U16 from Llanelli, Wales. kick off time at 19:40pm. It's England's second game in the Victory Shield Tournament.
Any stand out talents in the team? I remember back in the day when the likes of michael owen would turn out in the games sponsored by walkers crisps.
The standouts for me would be - Joshua McEachran of Chelsea Louis Laing of Sunderland Benik Afobe of Arsenal The most talked about player in this group is probably Benik Afobe as he has scored lots of goals for Arsenal's youth teams.
I am really going to want to see how Zeli Ismail does, he is supposed to be an awesome talent. Got voted the player of the tournament at this years prestegious Milk Cup. Wolves lost in the final to Everton 3-2. Here is a link about him: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/article42764.ece Hopefully he will stay at Wolves since it looks like they may get into the Premiership this year. Of all teams I hope Chelsea don't poach him, like they seem to be doing with a lot of prospects.
He does look a real prospect, I personally though Hallam Hope of Everton was the best player in that tournament after scoring in every game including 2 hattricks. Ross Barkley is only 14 and is in the squad again for tonights game. He is seen as "the next Gerrard" on Merseyside.
The first Kosovan born player into our ranks. I remember afew weeks back when Barnsley picked a 15 year old for their first team. I think he was called Lazarus .
Check my thread out in the Premiership section. It's the fanzone part from the Arsenal v Tottenham game No one has responded to it on there but I think it's funny.
I checked it.. the spurs fan tried to mount the arsenal fan after the last goal. There are some classic fan zones in youtube.
I was also impressed with Hope, i'm surprised he isn't here. I thought he may have got in the team since he got the golden boot at the Milk Cup... As for Ismail... I'm not surprised there are so many foreigners representing England now, since loads have immigrated to our country. Plus you see players like Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski representing Germany, who are both born in Poland. So I don't really see what the problem is these days if someone like Ismail or many others are going to represent England.
Kick off is 19:40pm. Here is a link that is supposed to be showing the game - http://www.justin.tv/mysportsonline1
Team - ..................Blackman .Morris........Laing....Wisdom......Robinson ..Fowler.....Rees......Barkley.......Deen-Conteh ..................Afobe.....Hall