RFUS
Anustart
I had a realisation the other day. After worrying for a while at how the core of our squad is old and approaching the end of the road, I just realised how many great young players we now have. And not just those playing in the academy, I mean those out on the pitch.
Seamus Coleman; 23: Seamie's developed remarkably over the summer and just has to be our long term RB. He's a humble lad seemingly stuck in a state of awe at the fact that he's playing in the premier league. But he's got balls, pace and a directness we've lacked. I criticised him as a right winger, as I think he's best on the overlap, but he was excellent against Villa and has clearly been putting the hours in to hone his skills.
Marouane Fellaini; 23: Easily our most influential midfielder. He's struggled with fitness but when on form he can change the game in a flash; winning the ball back in style and quickly setting us on our way. He's a man mountain who's improved immeasurably since first arriving at the club.
Leighton Baines; 26: Okay, he's not exactly young, but it's comforting to know your best player is only halfway through his playing career. He's fit as a fiddle too, which is worth noting; I'm not sure if he's ever missed a game for us through injury.
Jack Rodwell; 20: The lad gets a lot of stick but for christ's sake, he is 20! 20!!! He's blessed and cursed with being good at everything, but so far exceptional at nothing. He definitely has the potential to be exceptional at something though, and I'd blame his lack of development down to injuries and not getting a consistent run in the team. And most of all, not knowing his position, which is crazy. On a positive note he's looked excellent alongside Fellaini. Both last season and this season. I've got a feeling this is his year.
Ross Barkley; 17: No words needed.
Magaye Gueye; 21: Our best reserve player last year, and bright whenever he took the field for us in the league, he suffered an unfortunate injury in pre-season. However the sounds coming out of the club seem to indicate he's ready to play a part in the main team, and he has a bit of pace, skill and a lot of guile. Which is all needed really. He was supposedly the man of the match (or one of them) in our reserve win the other day, setting up both our goals. I'm really excited about Maggy, as he's gone under the radar of late with Barkley making his mark, and I think he can be a surprise package.
Apostolos Vellios; 19: We've not seen much of him but by God, what we have seen is bloody excellent. He's done more in minutes than Victor Anichebe has done in years. Tall and strong, but blessed with good control and a genuine footballing brain (not to mention a cracking shot!) this guy could be something. It's not often we see young strikers do much here these days, but Vellios is slowly forcing his way into contention and the initial signs are good. Great, even.
Royston Drenthe; 24: Honestly I think he's going to be absolutely boss for us. He's fast, skilful and he's saying all the right things. I watched an interview with him after the reserve game and he looked really settled in already, and most of all happy to be playing football. I don't think I've ever seen someone celebrate a reserve team goal that much! Him and Baines could be lethal, and his pace is blistering, which gives us another dimension. The worry is whether or not he'll stay, but he genuinely looks like he likes it here and I wouldn't be surprised to see some kind of deal in January.
In addition to these positives, it's interesting to look at the old guard. With Mikel Arteta gone, and with that transfer our criminal over-reliance on him, we're looking to younger players in the centre and on the left. Phil Neville was dropped for non-fitness reasons for the first time I can remember, which is surely a good sign. Jagielka took over as captain and looks to be here for the long haul. He's still only 29 and should be good for a while for us. I'd quite like to see him become the permanent captain. Cahill has been relied on this season, but we showed we could do fine without him in the last part of last season. Osman is being relied on more and more (and he bloody well should be -- behind the striker!) and although 30 he's in the form of his life. And I think it's safe to say we've got a replacement (and then some) ready in Ross Barkley.
The only positions where we don't have young, promising players knocking on the door are probably in goal, at LB and at CB. Keepers traditionally play for a lot longer so Howard, although 33, maybe shouldn't be worried about too much. He's not missed a game for us in the league for years, and in Mucha we have a younger, and more than capable back up. LB is a massive worry if Baines gets injured, but long term we don't need a replacement as Baines is still only 26. Jags has years in the tank I feel but Distin is 33, nearly 34. He has ridiculous fitness levels, mind, but I think the next few years we're going to have to see Mustafi, Duffy or whatever promising young CBs we have, really step up. CF I suppose is a worry too but in addition to Vellios, McAleny has looked promising (and very Owen-esque) and Stracq is 23. But he might be gash or he might be boss, I don't know.
My biggest problem though with youth has traditionally been Moyes. I think we have boss young players but I've always thought Moyes is too safe and reluctant to use them until injuries force his hand. However he himself has said he's looking to build a new team (not necessarily with new signings -- implying youth), and his actions so far are supporting these words. All of a sudden it seems there's something to get excited about in our squad. It felt so stale last year but with the infusion of some fresh young blood and some even younger talents coming through, there's suddenly something to get excited about. Assuming bigger clubs don't poach all the above players, like.
Seamus Coleman; 23: Seamie's developed remarkably over the summer and just has to be our long term RB. He's a humble lad seemingly stuck in a state of awe at the fact that he's playing in the premier league. But he's got balls, pace and a directness we've lacked. I criticised him as a right winger, as I think he's best on the overlap, but he was excellent against Villa and has clearly been putting the hours in to hone his skills.
Marouane Fellaini; 23: Easily our most influential midfielder. He's struggled with fitness but when on form he can change the game in a flash; winning the ball back in style and quickly setting us on our way. He's a man mountain who's improved immeasurably since first arriving at the club.
Leighton Baines; 26: Okay, he's not exactly young, but it's comforting to know your best player is only halfway through his playing career. He's fit as a fiddle too, which is worth noting; I'm not sure if he's ever missed a game for us through injury.
Jack Rodwell; 20: The lad gets a lot of stick but for christ's sake, he is 20! 20!!! He's blessed and cursed with being good at everything, but so far exceptional at nothing. He definitely has the potential to be exceptional at something though, and I'd blame his lack of development down to injuries and not getting a consistent run in the team. And most of all, not knowing his position, which is crazy. On a positive note he's looked excellent alongside Fellaini. Both last season and this season. I've got a feeling this is his year.
Ross Barkley; 17: No words needed.
Magaye Gueye; 21: Our best reserve player last year, and bright whenever he took the field for us in the league, he suffered an unfortunate injury in pre-season. However the sounds coming out of the club seem to indicate he's ready to play a part in the main team, and he has a bit of pace, skill and a lot of guile. Which is all needed really. He was supposedly the man of the match (or one of them) in our reserve win the other day, setting up both our goals. I'm really excited about Maggy, as he's gone under the radar of late with Barkley making his mark, and I think he can be a surprise package.
Apostolos Vellios; 19: We've not seen much of him but by God, what we have seen is bloody excellent. He's done more in minutes than Victor Anichebe has done in years. Tall and strong, but blessed with good control and a genuine footballing brain (not to mention a cracking shot!) this guy could be something. It's not often we see young strikers do much here these days, but Vellios is slowly forcing his way into contention and the initial signs are good. Great, even.
Royston Drenthe; 24: Honestly I think he's going to be absolutely boss for us. He's fast, skilful and he's saying all the right things. I watched an interview with him after the reserve game and he looked really settled in already, and most of all happy to be playing football. I don't think I've ever seen someone celebrate a reserve team goal that much! Him and Baines could be lethal, and his pace is blistering, which gives us another dimension. The worry is whether or not he'll stay, but he genuinely looks like he likes it here and I wouldn't be surprised to see some kind of deal in January.
In addition to these positives, it's interesting to look at the old guard. With Mikel Arteta gone, and with that transfer our criminal over-reliance on him, we're looking to younger players in the centre and on the left. Phil Neville was dropped for non-fitness reasons for the first time I can remember, which is surely a good sign. Jagielka took over as captain and looks to be here for the long haul. He's still only 29 and should be good for a while for us. I'd quite like to see him become the permanent captain. Cahill has been relied on this season, but we showed we could do fine without him in the last part of last season. Osman is being relied on more and more (and he bloody well should be -- behind the striker!) and although 30 he's in the form of his life. And I think it's safe to say we've got a replacement (and then some) ready in Ross Barkley.
The only positions where we don't have young, promising players knocking on the door are probably in goal, at LB and at CB. Keepers traditionally play for a lot longer so Howard, although 33, maybe shouldn't be worried about too much. He's not missed a game for us in the league for years, and in Mucha we have a younger, and more than capable back up. LB is a massive worry if Baines gets injured, but long term we don't need a replacement as Baines is still only 26. Jags has years in the tank I feel but Distin is 33, nearly 34. He has ridiculous fitness levels, mind, but I think the next few years we're going to have to see Mustafi, Duffy or whatever promising young CBs we have, really step up. CF I suppose is a worry too but in addition to Vellios, McAleny has looked promising (and very Owen-esque) and Stracq is 23. But he might be gash or he might be boss, I don't know.
My biggest problem though with youth has traditionally been Moyes. I think we have boss young players but I've always thought Moyes is too safe and reluctant to use them until injuries force his hand. However he himself has said he's looking to build a new team (not necessarily with new signings -- implying youth), and his actions so far are supporting these words. All of a sudden it seems there's something to get excited about in our squad. It felt so stale last year but with the infusion of some fresh young blood and some even younger talents coming through, there's suddenly something to get excited about. Assuming bigger clubs don't poach all the above players, like.
