I think a tendency we often have is to hype up a young potential star and then, when they don't get instant success, dismiss them and move on to the next star. I thought it might be interesting to have a thread where we can share updates on some of those forgotten souls who were once "the Future of England" but who have yet to breakthrough in the Premier League. I think a useful parameter might be players born from 1993 to 1997. I use 1993 as a starting point because, a) there were a lot of future stars in that class and b) a 24/25 they remain young enough to eventually get a breakthrough at a higher level. Here are a few of the players I'd be interested in your thoughts on, a few years after they were once (to varying degrees) the next big thing: Josh McEachren Nick Powell Ravel Morrison (I know, I know) Nathaniel Chalobah (I wouldn't call him established in the Prem yet) Jordan Ibe (ditto) Ryan Kent Max Lowe Mason Bennett Sam Johnstone Patrick Roberts (at the younger end, but seems to have been written off by many already)
Well let's start with Nick Powell, who was always one of my favourites. Looks like he's in demand with Celtic and Brighton after him. I can't believe he would only cost 5mil, even if he is out of contract at the end of the season. From everything I've read and seen he's been one of the very best players in the Championship for the last year or so and would surely be a decent addition for most lower-prem teams?
for some reason I've never liked him, never thought he was anything special on the ball. On that list the 2 huge disappointments are McEachran and Morrison IMO, both massive talents in positions where England has always struggled.
Roberts and Chalobah are the most relevant in my eyes. I wouldn't give up on Roberts entirely. He's only 21 (the same age as Solanke.) He's getting minutes in La Liga, even if he isn't starting. Chalobah at 23 also has a good chance if he can cement a place in the Watford team. From what I've heard his attitude is impeccable and Southgate is a fan of his.
Connor Wickham needs to be on this list, because i had high hopes for him as a teenager but he has turned into an epic flop
Not sure about potential stars but a few unmentioned that have looked interesting and fallen pretty badly. Louis Laing - had a very encouraging passing range in one England U16 game. Pretty much dictated the whole game from centre back. Injuries mounted and by the time he had got to reserve level he seemed to struggle. Matthias Fanimo - Another similar situation. Looked quality at U16 level but even by U17 level injuries began to take their toll. Not really the same player after a couple of those injuries. He had good one on one ability and nonchalantly could glide past players at times. Max Clayton - I’m not saying this guy would be a world beater but he had the qualities to be a good link up midfielder. His movement off the ball and touch was always good. Instead he’s played his whole club career as a forward. He isn’t the fasted or strongest so he’s pretty average in that role. Injuries have taken their toll but I added him to highlight that players can also fall down the wayside for stubbornly wanting to player a specific role. Or being put their by a coach.
He was always a striker or attacking player. Has really struggled with injuries and off field stuff since his last season at Crewe. No luck really, pretty sad. Especially when you contrast him and Powell. Powell had everything but just didn't really enjoy being a pro footballer, Clayton had everything taken away and was a ridiculous pro and lived for it. It wasn't changing position that did him in.
Powell was fine until he started getting injury issues at Man Utd (one almost a career ender). He was always overrated imo but was quite a versatile player. Even at Crewe in L1 & L2 Clayton before his injuries he wasn't that impressive as a forward. Think he played more games off the bench than starting in his Crewe career because he struggled to play the role. They seemed to think he was a Michael Owen clone, which he wasn't.
Powell is very talented but injury prone and with a questionable mentality. He is Wigan's best player and gives their side that something extra but they sub him in nearly every game. If that's because of his injuries issues or fitness I don't know.
I think Powell eventually will be a Premier League player, if further injuries avoid him. He is too good for the Championship, though playing for England unfortunately not that likely.
the thing with Powell is he's not gonna leave Cheshire if he can. It's why i'm sceptical of him taking a permanent deal to someone like Brighton.