Well after Andy's goal today, its seems like we have a very good crop. I don't know whats the most we have had on the pitch at any one time, or the most we have had involved in a game including subs. Have we played a game this season without one involved.Surely if there was a league for number of acadamy players used we would piss it. Personally I think they all have a great future, including the Fonz. I think it is far too early to think any of them will be stars, or any will fail. I never really thought herd would make it and the Fonz would. At the moment it seems the other way around. But that could easily change again in the next 12 months. Then Bannan, all the talent but seems to want to play the killer ball all the time. I just wonder if he thinks he needs to make an impression too much. Super Marc doesn't seem so super at the moment, but the endeavour is there. I think once we have enough points to make sure we cant go down, the pressure on them will lift and they can play with more confidene. At that point I would love to see them get a lot more game time and not be under the cosh.I think too many kids are built up too quickly, look at Oxlade Chamberlain for example, fine player though he is. I'm sure the same was said about Theo Walcott a few years back and to me anyway hasn't hit the heights his reputation suggested. I think if we stick with them, through this big step up to the first team it could all turn out quite good really.Sorry about the Cider induced rant, its just we don't win very often
Understand what you are saying, but wasn't Gareth Bale a pile of crap for about 12 months in the prem, and Sturridge a rarely used sub for Man City, I'm sure there are enough of those examples aswell
This is how I see itMarc, confidence player, needs to play on the right, moving him to the left is doing nothing for his confidence. Could still make it, needs to get stronger.Bannan, not sure if he has the level of discipline on and off the pitch, obvious talent but has to stop forcing the play. Jury still out.Herd, the best prospect in my view, is playing in his correct position and if he adds stamina and a bit of compusure could be a real force.Gardener, there have been glimpses of real talent, still yet to see if the rave reviews from his reserve and accademy days can be translated in the senior team.Clark very decent footballer, not a central midfield player but can fill in there. Not been tested in his best position. A lack of pace is a major concern.Fonz has talent but does not have enough of power strength pace or skill, serious doubts.Baker Wieman Lichaj not enough appearances to be judged.
Whenever I think about the potential of our young players I think of the stick Peter Whittingham used to get from some quarters. Some just have the inner strength and self belief to go on and become outstanding players others just fall by the wayside. If I had to make a book on it as of today Herd would be favourite and Fonz the big outsider with all the others somewhere in between but it changes almost match by match.
There is some great promise there. If Herd turns out to be the midfield player that we have been looking for then the future is indeed bright. As I have said before, we are going to give someone a right walloping when things click into place. Then watch them go. The delight the players showed after Weimann scored would not have been greater in a cup final. Stick with them.