So in reverse order:
10: Kieran Gibbs - Arsenal (LB)
If it wasn't for a number of injuries I believe Gibbs would be much higher up my list. I first saw Kieran Gibbs during Arsenal's Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford. I thought apart from some early nerves and a costly slip he played a fantastic game and managed to keep a certain Cristiano Ronaldo quiet. When he hasn't been injured he has looked a good player and even earned himself an England call-up in Fabio Capello's new look side. However, having only played one full game this season, Gibbs will be hoping that he can regain his fitness and show everybody how much of a good player he really is.
9: Chris Smalling - Manchester United (CB)
Chris Smalling must be doing something right. After a move to Fulham from non-leauge Maidstone United, Sir Alex Ferguson took a gamble and bought him to Manchester United. During his time at Fulham he made 13 premier league appearances, his first start against Chelsea which shows the management at Fulham obviously had some faith in him. After joining Man Utd for a reported £12,000,000 he had to bide his time. With the form of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic he has found it hard to stake a regular first team place. However, the inconsistent form of Jonny Evans has helped and Smalling started his first Premier League game for Man Utd against Stoke. If Evans can regain his form, Manchester United look to have a sturdy defensive pairing after Ferdinand and Vidic decide to call it a day.
8: Phil Jones - Blackburn Rovers (CB)
Phil Jones exploded onto the Premier League scene with a resilient display against Chelsea and looked more than comfortable as Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and co. tried to find gaps in his defence. He almost instantly became a regular in Blackburn's side and had started every single game of the 2010/11 season until a knee injury has unfortunately sidelined him for the next five months. Jones has been a regular in the England U-21 side and has already begun to attract the attention of leading Premier League clubs.
7: Marc Albrighton - Aston Villa(RM)
Aston Villa haven't had much to be happy about this season. With the departures to James Milner and then Martin O'Neill, the impressive form of Marc Albrighton has been a blessing. He has confidence to run at defenders and his crossing ability is also difficult for them to deal with. Having begun his career at Villa at the age of 8, it is refreshing to see players turning out for their boyhood teams. Despite the above mentioned departures, Albrighton, along with fellow academy products Ciaran Clark, Nathan Delfouneso and Barry Bannan, Aston Villa do have some exciting prospects in their ranks.
6: Séamus Coleman - Everton (RB/RM)
While on loan at Blackpool last season, Séamus Coleman was instrumental in helping them to secure promotion into the Premier League last season. Now back at Everton he has secured a place at either right back or a more attacking right midfield position that has seen him produce three goals already this season, his first coming against his old loan club Blackpool. I have been impressed by his consistency and while he hasn't started every match this season he has made appearances from the bench in all but three games. While he may never show superstar flair he seems very dependable and consistent and the young Irishman looks set to have a bright career.
Check back tomorrow when I reveal who I feel are the top 5 young British footballers in the premier league this season.
Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment