Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Concrete John on November 11, 2010, 03:31:37 PM
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So, we've got a good bunch of kids coming through that point towards a bright future for us. But which of them has caught your eye the most and makes you think he will 'make it'? Who is the Beckham/Giggs of this group as opposed to the Phil Neville/Robbie Savage.
That's not to say any of them will be shit (Savage and Neville carved out good careers for themselves) but which of the emerging crop do you think is most likely to become a true superstar?
Personally, my vote goes to Bannan. Just something about that says to me he'll get better and better.
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I don't think you can tell at this stage. To me Lee Sharpe was the best of the crop at 21 at MU and he ended up on celebrity love island. You need ability and hunger.
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Its also interesting where Delph sits in the pecking order when fit. At worst they'll all have high level careers and be set up financially for life if they're not already.
I actually don't think they'll be as good as Gabby or Barry and get to England level, although BB is probably already good enough for Scotland. Albrighton possibly may play for England in the autumn of a non final season (only spurs wingers get picked in a world cup year)
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I think Albrighton's got it all and see him perform brilliantly every week. Saying that all of them look to be out of this world so far..
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To early to call it.
They could all be quality in different ways.
I think Albrighton will have the more obvious impact. As we've seen, he likes to beat a man and whip a cross in. This more often not leads to a chance (could be wrong but I think he already leads the way in assists this season after his first real run in the side) so it's a noticeable impact. Plus wingers taking on and beating a man is one of the greatest sights in football. He can also weigh in with a few goals.
Not sure he'll be a superstar, but I do think he'll be in and around England reckoning from time to time.
Bannan I'm not sure about, could go either way. I like how he plays the game and would genuinely love to see a player that slight dominating the midfield and being a first pick. Can he do it against the more physical sides though, or the sides who are better technically than us? In fairness he hasn't really had a chance to prove one way of the other.
Clark could be a good, cultured defender who carves out a decent career for himself. Assured in possession, I see the GB comparisons but GB had a bit more 'cheek' to his game (and no, not just his fat arse) doing a drag back and turning a forward inside out before hitting an inch perfect pass up the line.
The Fonz -from the bits of first team action I've seen him involved in- often looks out of kilter with his teammates and play generally.He has a tendency to disappear or not look interested - and then he crops up with a goal. I'd go as far as to say he's the best finisher currently at the club - and not just based on last nights goal either. The goal v Pompey and a few in the UEFA lead me to that conclusion. In similar situations would Gabby, Heskey or JC have finished as well? Doubtful. JC has a habit of creating something out of nothing but I wouldn't necessarily back him in a regular one on one.
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I voted Bannan because i think his skill and vision in the middle are sublime and you don't get many players like that in football. That said i think all four of them will play at the top level for many years to come, three of them definitely seem to have the right attitude too, though yet again there have been slight questions raised about the Fonz in that regard.
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My instinct is saying Delfouneso, I just have a feeling he is going to be really good. I think he needs a spell out on loan to develop.
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Albrighton is bloody fantastic already in my opinion, im convinced he's going to be a huge part of our first team for years to come, Im not sure about Bannan still, apart that ball at Fulham im yet to be convinced, Delfouneso I just don't know what to make, his performances in the last two games have'nt been anything to get excited about but he could've easily had 4 goals to his name from the games, he's probably the most natural finisher we've got at the club which when you consider he's only 19 is quite something but probably says more about Heskey, Carew and Gabby than anything, i'd love to see Gabby n Fonz start a couple of games together
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delfouneso for me without a shadow of a doubt...
he has a lot to his game, and a lot of natural ability, but the one thing he does have, is very good intelligent movement... one thing he is not though, is a lone target man... for me, he has always had huge potential and to be involved in and around the first team since 16, despite not being as bulky as his height suggests, is a testament to his potental... given a year or two, i think he will be superb...
albrightons big test will be when teams double up on him...
bannons will be when big players mark him...
clarks will be when he faces more players like kevin davies, andy carroll etc...
all four are doing well at the moment though...
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Clark for me. He has that Bruce Rioch ability to create time for himself. Never hurried.Very confident and brave.
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If any of the two are as successful as Savage and Neville I'll be well pleased.
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I think Bannan has the natural footballing brain and ability to make it big, plus with time on his side to improve those aspects of his physique which obviously need building up. Also, in time he can learn how to use his smaller frame to shield the ball in the way that players like Deco and Xavi do, and if he can do that he will be immense.
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I like this thread. I went for bannan, as he is a tricky little player with an eye for a pass, and his touch, positioning and awareness will only improve with experience. He already has the skill, and i love the idea of having a mini Xavi-esque creative midfielder. He is a bit lightweight, but in a midfield three with Petrov/Delph and Nige, i think he could be a real prospect. It would've been interesting to see how this poll would have stood this time last year.
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I would say Albrighton he can beat a man create,score and he get's back to defend, Bannan he can pick a pass out and is not afraid to shoot and he is composed on the ball, Clarke i like the look of the way he play's, Delfouneso he is starting to score goal's which he will no doubt grow in confidence. I think they all have the potential there but i say only time will tell.
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Clark, not only does he have all the makings of a good centre half, but with a footballing brain and ability, which is something not often seen.
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Clark for me. I think he's going to be an england regular within a couple of years. I'd already say he should be playing for us regularly on merit, which says a lot considering the central defenders we have.
I'd actually love to see him alongside Davies for a run of games, I think they could make a really good pairing as Davies looks good alongside a dominating defender and I see Clark being that once he's established. The advantage is he has the brain to play midfield as well.
That said I think all 4 will be very good players (and I think Delph, Weimann and Lichaj all stand a chance of making it for us as well).
The difference with these kids compared to the team with gabby, etc is that this lot all seem to have gabby's determination to succeed, whereas I don't think any of the others from the previous side did, except possibly Cahill.
With the next batch it sounds like we'll have a couple more to add to the list as well, and Forrester is still young enough to make it if he can knuckle down a bit (he really needs to follow bannan's example).
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Ciaran Clark gets my vote provided one of Manchester clubs doesn't
come calling..............future Villa captain
Inspired selection by GH to play him holding midfield ..........no doubt
Sid Cowans had a word in his ear........early comparisons with God ?
Sincerely hope I'm wrong but Nathan could go same way as Moore
brothers and Darren Byfield
Wee Barry is a 'terrier' reminds me of Bremner/Strachen but with
more skill. I've see him have a poor game but he never hides and
is capable of creating something from nothing
Finally Super Marc - already fast becoming a crowd favourite,
capable of delivering quality crosses into the box consistently-
an Andy Gray type centre forward would thrive -
Doesn't seem phased by the step up but needs to learn when
to stand his ground when defending and not jump him, maybe
take lessons from Warnock (not)
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Albrighton by an absolute mile.
Bannan has impressed most after him but hasn't done it for long enough yet, and there's obviously the questionmarks over his size.
Clark, and I know I'll be in a minority here, hasn't impressed me massively. He's done well in an unfamiliar role but when he was at centre half looked shakey at times to me.
Delfouneso could go either way, hasn't grown into his body and playing a role that doesn't suit him.
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Clark for me. I think he's going to be an england regular within a couple of years.
He said he wants to play for Ireland
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the performance at Fulham by Bannan was from a different era, we have not had that sort of player for so long, touch, movement, quick feet an eye for a pass an ability to find space he could be very special
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I'm not bothered who turns out the best really, I just think it's bloody brilliant that we've got all of these youngsters coming to the boil at the same time.
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Of those four?
Clark will be a star, he's got it all.
Albrighton will forge a decent career in The Premier League, hopefully with us.
Bannan will end up at a decent Championship side.
Delfouneso isn't that good (sorry Maz!) and will drop down the leagues ending up at Cheltenham or something.
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Ok so we have some good players coming through but I think we are going to be very average while this happens.
We will probably end up being the Arsenal of the mid table. All the young players still look like they should be on the bench. A more senior player would not have given away that free kick at Fulham that Albrighton did.
It is exciting to see these young players come through but we are going to struggle to finish top half this season.
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Albrighton will be our star winger for many years.
Clark will be the next Gareth Barry...and fuck off to Money City or the likes.
Bananaman will be an absolute champion. Someone will stick him on steroids, fill him out and he'll be Paul Scholes crossed with Paul Merson. He won't be here in 3 seasons.
Fonz will be down in the lower leagues soon enough after showing that he has the ability but neither the consistency nor attitude.
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They are all doing well (even though I have doubts about the Fonz) but my stand out is Ciaran Clark.
He has time on the ball, great build and I think can develop his game into being an allround Midfielder or a cultered centre half. He looks at home to me in our first XI.
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Short term - Albrighton
Long term - Clark
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Way too much hyperbole in this thread for me. Did I dream it or did I read someone describe them as 'out of this world'? I'm far too much of an old git to start making predictions after half a dozen games or less and have seen far too many comparisons with McGrath, Cowans et al over the last 20 years which have never come to fruition...
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Albrighton - the new Beckham with pace.
Delfouneso - could go either way; needs to get his head totally focussed on succeeding as a Villa star.
Banana - this guy takes responsibility and has a great sweeping pass.
Clark - the pick of the bunch; Cahill, with class.
Delph - our Bryan Robson, if he pushes on.
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Ok so we have some good players coming through but I think we are going to be very average while this happens.
We will probably end up being the Arsenal of the mid table. All the young players still look like they should be on the bench. A more senior player would not have given away that free kick at Fulham that Albrighton did.
It is exciting to see these young players come through but we are going to struggle to finish top half this season.
You might be right, but as we're not relying TOTALLY on them I think we can do better than that. Things like Albrighton's mistake against Fulham are part of their learning curve and the key is he doesn't do it again. If they continue to develop and Gezza adds two or three in the right positions over Jan and the summer, then I think we would be at least back where we were under MON.
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Albrighton is ahead at the moment as he's showed good form in many games this season, if he keeps that level up we will have a real star.
I haven't seen enough of Bannan or Clark to make any predictions but so far so good.
The Fonz is a tricky one. He looks a very cultured footballer, his finish the other night was class but and it's a big but...is he a natural goal scorer? I'm not certain he is but he could develop. We'll know more over the next few games.
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I don't care who is the best if all play to their potential.
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It would've been interesting to see how this poll would have stood this time last year.
I think if that had happened then Delfouneso would be winning by a mile. I don't think that means he's gone backwards, but the others have emerged and taken the spotlight away from him a bit.
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Bannan easily for me, I think Clark and Marc will to, but Nathan will go the way of Luke Moore.
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Clark will be the best player, closely followed by Manilow Jnr.
Still don't think Bannan will make it.
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Bannan for me, he's got the abilty and seems to have the right attitude. Although I think Albrighton has done well for us and has potential but he needs to sort his decision making out. If he improves on that score, and there is no reason to suppose that he won't, then I think hell have a decent career.
Nathan's scoring record suggest that he has a chance too but I think it's a bit too early to call. Similarly, Clarke has looked very good whenever he has played (Newcastle apart) but he's not playing in his prefered position at the moment so it's difficult to say.
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I don't care who is the best if all play to their potential.
Me too. We've had a fair few disappointments over the years. But, there does seem to be something different abiut this group. They seem to be genuinely driven personalities. Wonderful prospects. I voted Albrighton because I do think he's got such a refreshing directness to his game .
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I cant choose, seriously. I think and hope they'll all be very accomplished at what they do and form the core of a very successful team. Delph, I raved about when I first saw him for England U21s two or three years ago and he'll definitely be a major player for us in the coming years, as will Gardner.
Delph, Gardner and Bannan could form one hell of a midfield, all things being equal.
Albrighton, Delfouneso and Clark I've championed for some time. I just had no doubts whatsoever that they'd make it. Still don't. Its going to be a couple of years still until they really master their crafts but it will come. Bannan I wasnt as sure about. I knew he had the talent and he reminded me of a young Sid with his vision and passing range but he was a bit more enigmatic, less certain. I'm increasingly optimistic of his chances of carving a top career for himself though.
The good thing is the likes of Gabby, Young, Downing, Collins and Reo Coker perhaps are still young enough to play with these youngsters for years to come and now we just need to add a bit more (hopefully top) quality. Selective specialists to fill in the blanks, fluff the squad out and improve on those leaving.
Its going to be a bit of a journey over the coming year or two, ups and downs, but there's plenty to be optimistic about. The academy is already strong and we're looking to improve further with the improved, revitalised and expanded scouting system.
We could come out of this era stronger than ever.
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below them there is jack grealish and jordan graham too...
14 year old winger jack grealish in particular has everybody very excited... he has played for the irish u14s and u15s, but then got put into the english u16s, then got recalled back to the irish 16s... he also used to play gaelic football, but his old man stopped him apparently, due to the physical side of the game that could potentially ruin his footballing career... but that means he will be used to rough and tumble... he has been at the villa since 6 years old, is a mad villa fan, as are most of his family, and has been playing 2 years above his age bracket for a while now...
15 year old winger jordan graham looks very very skillful... big lad to go with his skill and pace too... he is another that has represented ireland u15s, but also played for england u16s in the victory shield and looked outstanding... he has been with the villa since he was 9, and again, is a villa fan and another who has been playing above his age bracket...
my mate thinks that oliver stevenson is pretty good too, and he is being fast tracked too...
i get the feeling that the work that has been done with the academy since randy lerner took over, will bear some serious fruit within the next 5-10 years...
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I cant choose, seriously. I think and hope they'll all be very accomplished at what they do and form the core of a very successful team. Delph, I raved about when I first saw him for England U21s two or three years ago and he'll definitely be a major player for us in the coming years, as will Gardner.
Delph, Gardner and Bannan could form one hell of a midfield, all things being equal.
Albrighton, Delfouneso and Clark I've championed for some time. I just had no doubts whatsoever that they'd make it. Still don't. Its going to be a couple of years still until they really master their crafts but it will come. Bannan I wasnt as sure about. I knew he had the talent and he reminded me of a young Sid with his vision and passing range but he was a bit more enigmatic, less certain. I'm increasingly optimistic of his chances of carving a top career for himself though.
The good thing is the likes of Gabby, Young, Downing, Collins and Reo Coker perhaps are still young enough to play with these youngsters for years to come and now we just need to add a bit more (hopefully top) quality. Selective specialists to fill in the blanks, fluff the squad out and improve on those leaving.
Its going to be a bit of a journey over the coming year or two, ups and downs, but there's plenty to be optimistic about. The academy is already strong and we're looking to improve further with the improved, revitalised and expanded scouting system.
We could come out of this era stronger than ever.
Seen much of the Dutch lad Halfhuid Maz?
I think we paid a fee to sign him from Excelsior. Doesn't say a huge amount as we paid Watford £1 million plus for Forrester, but he came with a decent reputation from Holland.
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Ive seen a bit. He's a big strong lad, versatile and has played up front and in defence. He's alright, steady, tidy, nothing amazing yet. He might improve a fair bit, he might not.
I wouldnt say he'll make it here though. A squad player at best.
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Bannan easily for me, I think Clark and Marc will to, but Nathan will go the way of Luke Moore.
I have to agree with this.
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below them there is jack grealish and jordan graham too...
14 year old winger jack grealish in particular has everybody very excited... he has played for the irish u14s and u15s, but then got put into the english u16s, then got recalled back to the irish 16s... he also used to play gaelic football, but his old man stopped him apparently, due to the physical side of the game that could potentially ruin his footballing career... but that means he will be used to rough and tumble... he has been at the villa since 6 years old, is a mad villa fan, as are most of his family, and has been playing 2 years above his age bracket for a while now...
15 year old winger jordan graham looks very very skillful... big lad to go with his skill and pace too... he is another that has represented ireland u15s, but also played for england u16s in the victory shield and looked outstanding... he has been with the villa since he was 9, and again, is a villa fan and another who has been playing above his age bracket...
my mate thinks that oliver stevenson is pretty good too, and he is being fast tracked too...
i get the feeling that the work that has been done with the academy since randy lerner took over, will bear some serious fruit within the next 5-10 years...
Yes, I've heard good things about those two and a few others including Sid's son.
More immediately, I like the look of Carruthers (winger, attacking midfielder), Siegrist (goalkeeper) and Derrick Williams (defender). All very promising but my knowledge of that "batch" isnt as strong as the last few. Yet.
I havent seen much of this Johnson lad thats getting to the first team bench yet either.
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Really like Albrighton and Clark - Sorry Fonz.
But for me Bannan will be best!
He is Class in a Glass! (Shot glass of course)
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I'm not sure why people seem the think Fonz will end up like Luke Moore. Whether it's because he dose'nt seem like the happiest chap in the world when he scores i don't know, but bearing in mind he seems to score whener he put's on a first team shirt (and reserve one for that matter) i think he may well be the one to blossom out of all the others. Bannan, it's a bit too early to say, as with Clark, but there's no reason why Albrighton can't go on to be a very good footballer.
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I think Clark will have the best career of the lot of them. There aren't too many centre halves around who are comfortable on the ball.
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Yes, I've heard good things about those two and a few others including Sid's son.
More immediately, I like the look of Carruthers (winger, attacking midfielder), Siegrist (goalkeeper) and Derrick Williams (defender). All very promising but my knowledge of that "batch" isnt as strong as the last few. Yet.
I havent seen much of this Johnson lad thats getting to the first team bench yet either.
me neither... of those you mentioned, only siegrist is the only one who looks like he has decent first team potential for me...
nothing, apart from gardner, really stands out from this particular batch to me though...
be difficult for me to keep tabs from now on too, as i now live in devon...
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I'm not sure why people seem the think Fonz will end up like Luke Moore. Whether it's because he dose'nt seem like the happiest chap in the world when he scores i don't know, but bearing in mind he seems to score whener he put's on a first team shirt (and reserve one for that matter) i think he may well be the one to blossom out of all the others. Bannan, it's a bit too early to say, as with Clark, but there's no reason why Albrighton can't go on to be a very good footballer.
Well I remember Luke had a pretty outstanding scoring rate too, in fairness. Not that I think this means the Fonz will go the same way, just that it is still too early to tell either way. Only time and, Nathan continuing to score AND impress up front will mean that he makes it, not a bunch of Hurlers on the Ditch arguing the toss about his career. I think he has all the ingredients, it will just depend on whether he wants it enough...
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Clark looks very composed to me, very impressive. I'd say Albrighton has made the greater impact and is the more eye-catching player and he has got a real future ahead of him. But Clark... a bit more of a slow burner but he looks to have all the tools to be a top-class footballing centre-back - or defensive midfielder, as he's taken to that role surprisingly easy.
I think there are similarities with Gareth Southgate and Gareth Barry with Clark, though he's physically stronger than Southgate and a bit more mobile than Barry.
Bannan has surprised me so far; it'll be interesting to see how he fares given a run of games. Fonz? Very promising but it's always that bit harder for strikers to truly make it in the PL.
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i get the feeling that the work that has been done with the academy since randy lerner took over, will bear some serious fruit within the next 5-10 years...
Can you expand on this? What has Randy done that was not done previously?
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I'm curious as to that myself?
OK, they would have benefitted from the improved facilities at Bodymoor Heath, but I'm sure all those currently emerging would have been on our books before Randy bought the club.
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improved facilities will most certainly improve the quality of the youngsters coming through...
if the question is loaded, then i wouldnt bother probing further... the passing remark is only about the facilities that the youngsters now have and can use from an earlier age, and nothing more...
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I'd guess that there will have been a whole number of intangible improvements around the place but I'd be interested to know whether there have been any structural changes that Randy and/or the management have introduced.
As an aside does anyone have the games/goal record for Vassell, L. Moore, Gabby and The Fonz?
Who was the most prolific and is it necessarily a decent gauge to their actual ability?
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I voted Bannan because he's shown that he is capable of, amongst his other attributes, vision, which is a rare gift. I don't worry about his size as some do, I really don't think it's so relevant in his position, it's not as if he's playing centre forward or centre half. Besides, Sid had the physique of a stick insect when he was a kid.
Having said that I think all four could make the big time so long as they continue to work hard and keep their feet on the ground (metaphorically speaking)
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Sorry pablo - I typed that whilst you were replying. Not a loaded question, far from it, just curious thats all.
...and I agree that the improved facilities can only benefit the youngsters. I'd imagine that the relative stability around the club can only help too. Whilst the manager can change at the top of the pyramid the youth system - in my opinion - needs to be consistent - which it has been for a number of years now.
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Gary Gardner will be better than all of them, can't wait for the Bannan-Gardner-Delph midfield ;)
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Clark reminds me of a younger John Terry. Minus the wanker part
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Sorry pablo - I typed that whilst you were replying. Not a loaded question, far from it, just curious thats all.
...and I agree that the improved facilities can only benefit the youngsters. I'd imagine that the relative stability around the club can only help too. Whilst the manager can change at the top of the pyramid the youth system - in my opinion - needs to be consistent - which it has been for a number of years now.
no problem.. i think i spent too much time over at vt and have become suspicious when people question certain things.. apologies for the suspicion...
i think the beauty of improved facilities for players of the age of grealish, graham, etc, and those below them, is that their improvement will happen quicker for them in terms of their 'technical development', which will then mean that they will have a great starting base as standard... thats when the intelligent and strong players will stand out as the best of the best, and they will be the ones to flourish...
and i think that over the next five to ten years, we will see those coming through...
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I think Albrighton and Delfouneso look like they both have a hell of a chance. Clark too, although obviously as a defensive player he is less eye catching. Bannan hasn't convinced me as much as he obviously has some other fans. The Scotland call up will be interesting, I hope it doesn't end up being a negative thing because of the poor state of their team at international level at the moment. Weimann looks like he's got a chance too.
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I reckon for me it's Albrighton. He seems like a really down-to-earth lad and I haven't been this optimistic about a youngster at the club probably since Lee Hendrie. I know that sounds like damning with faint praise now but it's meant as a big compliment.
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I liked this tweet from Henry Winter:
There's quiet buzz at Bodymoor Heath. #avfc kids will have good principles as players/people drummed into them by Houllier/McAllister/Cowans
The kids are alright.
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I liked this tweet from Henry Winter:
There's quiet buzz at Bodymoor Heath. #avfc kids will have good principles as players/people drummed into them by Houllier/McAllister/Cowans
The kids are alright.
Good to see. Winter is a bit of a "big clubs and nothing else" polemicist sometimes, but it's good to see him taking an interest. I suppose he's in the area for tomorrow's game.
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I will go with Barry Bannan. I reckon he has been the best player in 75% of the reserve games I have seen over the last three years and is the major reason we have won the reserve league the last three years.
I have seen him get the better of players like Micheal Essein and Jack Willshire in the ressies and even this season he scored an unbeleavably good hat trick at United and tore wolves reserves apart in the second half a couple of weeks ago.
We have some great kids coming through the youth team but this 15 year old winger Jordan Graham looks like he could be the real deal.
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Voted Albrighton, already made a great impact on the team in a handful of games. Can go past players with ease, pops up in goal scoring positions and has a great cross on him that he will still have if his pace goes.
Having said that they all look handy, The Fonz gets stick but everytime he pulls on that shits he gets chances to score and more often than not does, thats a great trait to have for someone so young.
Bannan always wants the ball and is always looking to thread a ball through and Clark has been at ease even in an unfamiliar position so bodes well when he gets a game in defence.
What's the score with Gardner with regards to his contract? I read that it was ending soon and he hadn't been tied down to a long term deal, is that correct?
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I think people are being a bit harsh on Nathan. He's only 19, and his scoring record is extremely good for us already. Hesalready done enough to show he's way above Stefan Moore. I agree Luke had a similar start to his career though.
I really don't yet know if he'll make it, but writing off a 19 year old who must have scored in something like 60% of the games he's started seems harsh!
Have always had a nagging doubt that Albrighton will get found out as other direct young wingers do, but I'm feeling more positive all the time. His quality on the ball including crossing is very good.
Would love Bannan to make it, but I think there's probably still a high chance he won't. If he's going to play centre mid, he's going to have to be absolutely outstanding technically and tactically.
I'd still say Delph is possibly going to be the best of the lot, but I voted for Clark based on his assurance, reputation, and a feeling I have that defenders have a higher 'conversion rate' from promising youngster to established pro than other positoins. Not sure if that's in any way backed up by the evidence
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Here is an article (from the guardian) on Chelsea's academy where Arnesen claims that Chelsea's academy is in the world's top ten and also that they are already breaking even based on fees received and loan payments.
How do you think we compare?
I'd say we're not far behind them but our "scholars" will have more chance of playing for villa than theirs will for Chelsea. I also think we have received more in transfer fees than Chelsea have in recent year for youth players which must mean that we're in the black.
The article can be found here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/12/chelsea-academy-frank-arnesen
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Gary Gardner.
But from the list Ciarán Clarke. His versatility will come in handy. A cultured central defender, like Barry before him he will more than show his worth in midfield too.
The other three have a lot going for them but Clark is the one with fewest flaws. He also seems a dedicated, down-to-earth lad with a great attitude. Thank fook we're not gonna swap him for Michael Owen and 5.3m.
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Henry Winter's full blog here: http://tgr.ph/9QZzW2
Worth a read.
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Great thread this.
Clark for me is a good bit ahead of the rest. With teams moving to lone strikers more and more, centre halves will have to be comfortable on the ball. He is left sided too which will aid his development. He needs to bulk up though and be more commanding in the air if he is to be a top centre half. He really impressed me at Fulham in midfield though and I feel this is where his best position may be in future.
Next up - Id put Delfouneso. The kid just has something. He wasnt even great the last two games but could well have had 5 goals. I thought he showed great character midweek too, other young players would have dropped their heads with the chances missed against Fulham. Yet he comes out and never looked like missing that chance against Blackpool - opened his body up superbly and nailed it. Nice header too that was stupidly disallowed. He isnt a lone centre forward but his first touch is superb. I think he has a host of attributes.
Albrighton is progressing nicely, just hope he has more than one trick.
Bannan was superb at Fulham but has a long way to go too.
It has been a good time at the Villa academy - even if players dont make it here they are going on to have good EPL careers. Ridgewell, Gardner, Cahill, Hitzelsberger - even Davis at Rangers who I rate highly and Whittingham at Cardiff.
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funny thing is, nathan baker was probably ahead of clark in terms of development a couple years ago... another left footed centre back, while not as composed on the ball, he is a monster of a man, has good pace, and a looked to have a good mental attitude to not let mistakes faze him...
but somewhere along the line, baker hasnt progressed as he could, and clark has surpassed my expectations...
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Henry Winter's full blog here: http://tgr.ph/9QZzW2
Worth a read.
Good article and some wise words by Gezza.
However, it was noticable that he mentioned Albrighton, Clark and Bannan by name, but not Delfouneso.
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yea, i thought that.. he has mentioned delfouneso recently elsewhere though...
he also mentioned a while back that delfouneso was about a year away, and i think he hinted at him going on loan... cant remember exactly what he said, but it was along those lines.. if the injury crisis hadnt happened, i would imagine he would have gone out on loan somewhere in the championship...
personally, injuries and players coming in permitting, i would send him out on loan to leeds, leicester or derby in january, and get him used to playing in front of big crowds, in reasonable sides... worked wonders for barry bananaman and helped toughen him up..
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Clark will be the pick of them imo. He looks a cultured footballer and very classy on the ball, he's one of those players that never looks rushed on the ball.
I'm not a massive Delfouneso fan i have to say, i think he'll end up in the Championship or something like that.
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clark .. I think 3 will make it..
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Fonz will be fine. He's popped up in more goalscoring positions in two games than Carew and Heskey have managed in the last two years.
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How assured did the kids look against one of the best teams in the world today! Alrbrighton made a mug of Evra and Bannan ran the show in the middle. Hogg was awesome considering it was his debut!
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Thought Hogg looked lost in fairness, short of a few moments where the game came too him.
Bannan though. Christ, he can pick a ball through a defence or down the side of one that with the whole pitch before me I don't see until he has hit it, which is impressive. Both he, ALbrighton and Clark will all be full international footballers, which will be a big achievement for the club.
The fonz I love to watch for the movement, so much better than Gabby in that respect, but strength and maybe the workrate side need to be brought up before he can become a regular. Loan at a good side with a good manager in the championship would be ideal for him.
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Bannans ball in the first half to Downing was so so clever, he certainly has a bloody good football head on him, not to sure about Hogg, he looked a bit lost, infact if i did'nt know any better I would've thought it was Sidwell out there instead
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I think all four have a very good chance of becoming more than decent players for us. I still have some doubts over Bannan and Delfouneso but reckon Clark and Albrighton will almost definitely make it.
We have seen too many false dawns however, so I shouldn't make such strong predictions.
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I Voted Albrighton but I really can't make up my mind, I thought he & Bannan were excellent but I just don't know
Oh its so nice to have choices like this :)
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Henry Winter's full blog here: http://tgr.ph/9QZzW2
Worth a read.
I read this. Notice how Houllier seems to spot the same things as the fans - Albrighton needs to get his head up more for example - whereas MON always seemed to live in this over complicated world that us mortals could not understand.
Today the babies took another big step forward. How long till the media begin to take note?
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Henry Winter's full blog here: http://tgr.ph/9QZzW2
Worth a read.
I read this. Notice how Houllier seems to spot the same things as the fans - Albrighton needs to get his head up more for example - whereas MON always seemed to live in this over complicated world that us mortals could not understand.
Today the babies took another big step forward. How long till the media begin to take note?
I don't think I want them to take note, I hope they stay under the radar for now
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I think the media are beginning to take note. That article by Henry Winter is a very interesting read.
Houllier mentions his rationale behind signing Gary Mac for Liverpool and it is making me wonder whether the rumours that I've read about him being interested in bringing Robert Pires to Villa just might be true? In Pires we'd be recruiting a top class veteran for the youngsters to learn from. It could be a very shrewd move.
The other thing I glean from the article is just how thoughtful and intelligent Houllier is as a football man. His experience and know-how shines through in this piece.
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After today, Bannan. I would hate to be a midfielder playing against him, tenacious, annoying, skillful little bastard!
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The fonz I love to watch for the movement, so much better than Gabby in that respect, but strength and maybe the workrate side need to be brought up before he can become a regular. Loan at a good side with a good manager in the championship would be ideal for him.
I agree. Someone like Swansea, or (dare I say it) even Coventry could be worth a go. Top end of the Championship, let him get 15-20 goals and see where we go from there.
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that little angled through ball in the first half by Bannan to Downing was fantastic,
i've been waiting ages for a Villa midfielder to look to play those sort of attack minded potentialy match winning balls, hopefully we got one in Bannan
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Clark. Just really liked the look of him ever since his debut against Fulham.
Albrighton has been the biggest revelation of this season and Bannan has pleasently surprised me composing play in central midfield. Fonz is the question mark as he's not a lone striker for a start. I'd like to see him upfront with Gabby if we move back to two up front.
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I've not seen much of Clark but he's been impressive whenever I have. My vote would be for Allbrighton, he's only played a handful of games and we already miss him when he's not available, I just love his enthusiasm.
I saw an old mate of mine today who has connections to the training ground, he was telling me that Sid rates Bannan as not just the pick of this crop but the best player at the club bar none. I'm not so sure about him, hes a lovely footballer but the game seems to be dominated by athletes these days.
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think we have excellent youth and what happening with Nathan Baker
and who is Daniel Johnson as he is on the bench few times and I haven't got a clue what he is like or what he look like or what position he play.
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and who is Daniel Johnson as he is on the bench few times and I haven't got a clue what he is like or what he look like or what position he play
I was asking that yesterday, I'd wasn't even familiar with his and Herd's name.
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I saw an old mate of mine today who has connections to the training ground, he was telling me that Sid rates Bannan as not just the pick of this crop but the best player at the club bar none. I'm not so sure about him, hes a lovely footballer but the game seems to be dominated by athletes these days.
I thought the same, but yesterday convinced me that Bananaman can make it, he just seems to make time when he has the ball, he spots a pass better than anyone I've seen (that first half reverse ball to Downing was erection making!), and he is a niggly annoying little bastard when the opposition has the ball.
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marc
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I think wee Barry Brainer is gonna be spraying balls around Villa park for many years to come.... or Eastlands.
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Hopefully by the time he has fully established himself the Mansours will have long gone..
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Hopefully by the time he has fully established himself the Oil barrens will have long gone..
Hopefully, as I would be really pissed off if those fuckers raid our midfield for anymore of our gems....Super Marc included.
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When Peter Whittingham burst onto the scene I bet my friend £250 that he would be in the Euro 2004 squad.
Never again will I comment on which player I think will make it!
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When Fabian Delph returns to the side, if he can get back to his best performances that he was showing at Leeds and started to show at Villa Park, then he will be a great player for the club.
Hopefully this knee injury won't be too much of a set-back for the lad and he can impress Gerard Houllier when he returns to fitness.
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I think wee Barry Brainer is gonna be spraying balls around Villa park for many years to come.... or Eastlands.
His weighted ball in the first half to Downing the weekend against manure was first class
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When Fabian Delph returns to the side, if he can get back to his best performances that he was showing at Leeds and started to show at Villa Park, then he will be a great player for the club.
Hopefully this knee injury won't be too much of a set-back for the lad and he can impress Gerard Houllier when he returns to fitness.
Any word on when this return to fitness might be? Thought i remembered hearing something about christmas but may have imagined it.
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Extended piece from Neil Moxley in the Daily Hate today on the 'kids', includes a mention for Johnson who I thought was a striker but he has him as a midfielder. Alos includes an interesting graphic showing the ground Bannan covered on Saturday - there's not much green left!
But please don't in any way take this as a reason to buy the paper.
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...more from David Pleat at the Guardian (on Albrighton in particular):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/nov/15/marc-albrighton-villa-david-beckham
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interestingly, that mirrors what i mentioned in the match thread about his movement towards goal when not on the ball...
i also mentioned to my devon red mate on saturday during the game how similar his crossing is to david beckhams...
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Nathan has somewhat surprisingly been nominated for the prestigious Tuttosport Golden Boy award. Past winners include Rooney, Messi and Fabregas.
Tuttosport - Golden Boy (http://www.tuttosport.com/sondaggi/calcio/vota-979/Vota+il+Golden+Boy+2010+di+Tuttosport)
I also spotted this Italian article entitled "The boy wonder of Tyseley", which according to google translate concludes with...
"The future, in short, seems to really be in his hands and if they can care for a few time to talk about Nathan not end up as a possible star of the future but as one of the best players in the world on the square."
Stars of the future - Nathan Delfouneso (http://sciabolatamorbida.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/stars-of-the-future-nathan-delfouneso-il-ragazzo-prodigio-di-tyseley/)
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...more from David Pleat at the Guardian (on Albrighton in particular):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/nov/15/marc-albrighton-villa-david-beckham
Nice to see them getting some recognition. If Marc had done what he has done for us this season at a London club he'd be in the England squad now.
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I'd be surprised if Marc, Bannan and Clark are not all regular features in their international teams by Euro 2012. Jury is still open on the Fonz, a few more pitch minutes will do him no harm.
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see Barry has his own thread on RAWK
RAWK (http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=266422.0)
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Daniel Johnson looks like Edgar Davids.
Herd has done the rounds on loan at the lower leagues, think his time might have passed with us but nice game to make a debut in for us.
I was just thinking, isn't this one of the enduring things we love about football? For all the money and players leaving us, there's always a knowledge that there's some young players bubbling under the surface that could lead us to great glory.
We've had false dawns before the 2002 youth cup winning crop but this lot look to me like they have the mentality to achieve and prosper at a top 6 club.
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I have watched 2 of the latest under 21's where super Marc came on as sub and immediately looked the star player on the pitch. Crossing, shooting, scoring, tackling back he has it all. Will become more difficult for him when teams try and mark him out of the game. How he comes through that will show if he will be a PL star. Bannan is Sid reincarnated and just as good I hope.
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Just googled Danial Johnson. Apparently we got him from Crystal Palace when he impressed against us. Did he play for them in the cup match?
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Daniel Johnson looks like Edgar Davids.
He looks more like Gail Devers at the moment.
(http://www.avfc.co.uk/javaImages/28/47/0,,10265~9127720,00.jpg)
Gail Devers
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1165000/images/_1166576_devers300.jpg)
Daniel Johnson
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Don't do it, Mazrim. You're scaring the kids.
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I was thinking much the same, he looks like a lesbian.
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So, does Bannan's debut for Scotland propel him up the list at all or is it a case of not being significant given how poor they are right now and only playing the Faroe Islands?
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I was thinking much the same, he looks like a lesbian.
[/quote
Wow you must know some feminine looking lesbians ....
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Happy Birthday Marc Albrighton 21 today