Former Prodigy Tracker

Discussion in 'England' started by David Brooks, Sep 21, 2018.

  1. David Brooks

    David Brooks Member

    Jun 23, 2017
    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)
     
  2. David Hurford

    David Hurford Member

    West Ham
    England
    Jul 15, 2017
    I like this thread, I keep a black book doing just the same, lol. Bring it
     
  3. David Brooks

    David Brooks Member

    Jun 23, 2017
    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?
     
  4. sharpovic

    sharpovic Member+

    May 20, 2010
    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.
     
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  5. David Brooks

    David Brooks Member

    Jun 23, 2017
    Do we know where Morrison is the season? McEachren at least seems to be starting regularly at last.
     
  6. TopBanana10

    TopBanana10 Member+

    Millwall
    England
    Sep 8, 2018
    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.
     
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  7. wellno

    wellno Member+

    Jul 31, 2016
    Very anti.

    But a thread requiring a comment stating that Rossiter is currently injured.
     
  8. kent paul

    kent paul Member

    Jan 2, 2004
    england
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    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
     
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  9. BarryfromEastenders

    Staff Member

    Jul 6, 2008
    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.
     
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  10. sharpovic

    sharpovic Member+

    May 20, 2010
    I liked Clayton too, nice composure in CM. Didn't know he played striker now, how odd.
     
  11. JRSG

    JRSG Member+

    Mar 25, 2015
    Club:
    Torquay United
    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.
     
  12. BarryfromEastenders

    Staff Member

    Jul 6, 2008
    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.
     
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  13. AJ123

    AJ123 Member+

    Man Utd
    England
    Feb 17, 2018
    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.
     
  14. hussar

    hussar Member+

    Jun 24, 2015
    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.
     
  15. JRSG

    JRSG Member+

    Mar 25, 2015
    Club:
    Torquay United
    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.
     

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