Thursday 14 July 2011

...Exciting EPL Prospects, Part 2.

Carrying on from part 1 I'm looking at the young, academy players that will be looking to break through on to everyone's radar:

Newcastle United:

Kazenga LuaLua - Brother of former Toon Army favourite Lomana, Kazenga performed excellently whilst on loan at Brighton, scoring goals and creating a fair few for his team-mates. His progress may have been hampered by a broken ankle he picked up in November, but he is still an incredibly exciting talent who's name Newcastle fans will be singing for some time to come. (Unless he joins Brighton Permanently)

Plays like: Ashley Young; he's got a lot of tools in his locker; good pace, eye for goal, free kick specialist and two good feet.

Norwich:

Tom Adeyemi - An incredibly intelligent youngster who turned down a chance to study at Cambridge University to pursue a career in football. Adeyemi spent last season on loan at Bradford where he played 35 times scoring 5 goals. A very athletic player who stands at 6"1, he is very highly rated by the staff at Norwich and could surprise a few people with Premiership newcomers Norwich.

Plays like: Patrick Vieira, very well built but has good technique to match his stocky frame.

QPR

Troy Hewitt - Signing a player from the Non-League is always a risk, and Rangers have taken that risk in signing the 20 year old from Harrow Borough. Hewitt scored 20 goals in 30 matches for the Ryman League outfit. The move has come about due to the two clubs close links and a good word from QPR scouts means Hewitt's gone straight to the Big League.

Plays like: DJ Campbell, both have dropped down and come back from the Non-league's and both have similar pace, movement and vision.

Stoke City

Ben Marshall - A former youth player at Manchester United and Crewe Alexandra, Marshall arrived at Stoke in a double deal with Matt Lund. The tall Winger/Striker won praise from Greg Abbott after a successful loan spell with Carlisle. If he can recover adequately from a very bad injury sustained in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy i reckon he could fit well in to Tony Pulis' style of hoof-ball.

Plays like: Connor Wickham, a tall striker that can also play out on the wing.

Sunderland:

David Meyler - If it wasn't for injuries Meyler's season would surely have mirrored that of former team-mate Jordan Henderson (some fans rate Meyler more). Instead the Irishman's has gone to America for a month of rehabilitation following a second knee ligament injury. However, there is no doubting his talent which coupled with the incredible commitment he has already shown he could become a big player.

Plays like: A big, physical player with a touch of class. A bit like Dietmar Hamman.

Swansea City:

Jazz Richards - A midfielder who has represented Wales at U-17, 19 & 21's. Jazz, real name Ashley, played a few games at right back during a Swans injury and impressed and looks set to challenge for that spot permanently. Made 8 appearances last season for the play-off winners.

Plays like: A pacy and energetic midfielder that can also play in defence, the only real comparison is Emmanuel Eboue, obviously.

Tottenham Hotspur:

Jake Livermore - Now considered a part of 'Arry's first team squad plans after loan spells at Ipswich and Leeds last season, interspersed by his League and Cup debuts for Spurs against Stoke and Arsenal respectively. A loan to another Premiership club would do wonders for his confidence and experience.

Plays like: A strong combative midfielder in the style of current Spurs team mate Wilson Palacios.

West Brom:

Luke Daniels - With Scott Carson leaving Albion for Bursaspor, and the inconsistent Boaz Myhill being the only other recognised 1st team goalkeeper at the club, Daniels has a good chance of making his Baggies debut this season. After loan spells at Shrewsbury, Tranmere, Bristol ROvers and Rochdale the 22 year old has experience of lower leagues and of being a club's No.1.

Plays like: An immense presence between the sticks, Daniels has an heir of Petr Cech with a confidence that belies his age.

Wigan Athletic:

Daniel Redmond - The technically gifted midfielder made his First Team debut earlier this season when Latics defeated Hull City in the FA Cup, reward for his superb performances at Reserve Team level this campaign and last. A real playmaker on the ball Redmond's strength and resilience has seen him fill in comfortably at full-back in the past and is currently Reserve Team captain.
Plays like: Stewart Downing, not the quickest winger but has very good technique and crossing ability. Could be Charles Insomnia's replacement

Wolves:

Danny Batth - With elder statesman Jody Craddock hobbling toward retirement and the general awfulness of Wolves defence, Mick McCarthy may be looking for a new CB for the start of the season. He won't have to look far. Batth has enjoyed fruitful loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Colchester United over the past 2 seasons and will certainly be knocking at Mick's door.

Plays like: His gaffer McCarthy, a big presence on and off the pitch who doesn't stand for any nonsense.

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