Rooney's the most advanced kid I ever saw. Only Michael Owen in my memory came close. For some reason he never achieved close to his potential imo. Sounds daft that considering he is England highest goal scorer and behind just Shearer in the premier league era. But he really should have become world class rather than just flirting with it.
I first really noticed Barkley in the England U17s that won the euros. He was the best player in the team but I agree that he didn't stand out in the way Rooney did. At that age Rooney was terrorising Premier defences. Still think Ross has the potential.
Like you, I expected the likes of Dowell, along with Ledson and Walsh to come through before Davies got a look in. But he's really grabbed his opportunity with both hands and has surprised me both his technical quality and his attitude. He's so much more than energy levels and endeavour imo. I think I see where our opinions differ Dave. You seem to be specifically preferring flair players and maybe Davies doesn't fall into that category. But that doesn't mean that he won't develop into a very good player in time.
Yep , Rooney was the best 16 year old I ever saw , in those early years he was special, hit the ball at him as hard as you like he'd control it , move it on or shoot. The great players like Pele, Cruyft, Maradona somehow moved with the ball in a special way, he had that look about him. He's achieved so much in the game, well deserved and good luck to him .... but somehow I'll always have that lingering disappointment that he didn't grow into a true great like the previous three or even compete with Messi and Ronaldo.
No Davies doesn't have the sweet left foot of Dowell or maybe the vision, but he's 18 and getting better , Dowell at 19 is stagnating. The comments that Martinez if he was still here would have given Dowell a chance before Davies are fanciful and show no perception of how poor Dowell has been this season compared to last. The flicks, delightful touches, even the long range shots are still there from Dowell but they frequently come to nothing . At this age application and mental attitude are often more defining than outrageous skill, and I know which of the two is applying himself best at the moment.
