Did this young man make the cut? (yes he did)
It’s already been quite a season for youngsters, so coming up with a team of the things was a trickier-than-expected process. The rule was – keeper aside – to only use players who are 20-years-old or younger. That immediately brought the axe down on the likes of Jonny Evans, Seamus Coleman, and Micah Richards. And those unlucky to miss the final cut included Vladimir Weiss David N’Gog, and Danny Welbeck.
Hence, The Spoiler’s younglings XI ended up looking like this… Leave your thoughts in the form of a comment.
Goalkeeper, Vito Mannone, 21 – Arsenal
Of course, goalkeepers don’t tend to reach their prime until they’re in their late-30s, so Mannone is a foetus in keeping terms. Hence why he makes the team, even though he’s a shade over 20.
Right Back, Rafael da Silva, 19 – Man United
After years of watching Gary Neville pounding up and down the flank like a shire horse, what joy for the Man United faithful to see this zippy Brazilian adding a bit of skill to the right hand side. One with a long future at United, along with his mirror-image, Fabio.
Centre Back, Jack Rodwell, 18 – Everton
Primarily used as a midfielder at Everton, the word on the street is that Rodwell might one day take a step back, and become yet another one in a long list of great ball-playing centre backs.
Centre Back, Jeffrey Bruma, 18 – Chelsea
Already a member of the Chelsea Champions League squad, this young Dutchman is rumoured to be very fast and strong. John Terry only really has one of those attributes.
Left Back, Kieran Gibbs, 20 – Arsenal
It’s such a bummer that Gibbs’ metatarsal has been causing him so much jip, because, with Wayne Bridge on a massive downward curve, there could be a spot for him as Ashely Cole’s understudy in the England World Cup squad. Still time.
Right Midfield, Theo Walcott, 20 – Arsenal
It’s amazing that Theo Walcott is still only 20. He’s superfast, he put three past Croatia for England, and should his body be up to it, he could force his way back into the England starting line up. A hunch suggests that he might yet become a brilliant centre forward.
Centre Midfield, Jack Wilshere, 17 – Arsenal
The youngest player in the team, and quite possibly the brightest prospect. Something about him reminds The Spoiler of Joe Cole at a similar age, only Wilshere looks even better. Could become an England great.
Centre Midfield, Aaron Ramsey, 18 – Arsenal
It must surely have been one of Wenger’s shrewdest business deals when he managed to snaffle Ramsey for around £4.8 million from Cardiff City. Already a Wales international, he’s making a strong case for a regular spot in the Arsenal first team. No mean feat.
Left Midfield, Gabriel Obertan, 20 – Man United
Similar to Arjen Robben, in that they both look as though they should be working in telesales, France’s Under-21 might just be the man to solve Ferguson’s post-Giggs Man United nightmare. He’s starting to look better with each game.
Forward, Gael Kakuta, 18 – Chelsea
A controversial little chap, Gael Kakuta has caused the Chelsea suits all manner of problems off the pitch. On it, however, he looks like a very exciting prospect indeed. Fast, tricky, confident. That said, he did bugger up an important penalty against Blackburn.
Forward, Federico Macheda, 18 – Man United
After his wonderful cameo roles at the end of last season, there has been less exciting Macheda action this time around. Even still, when he plays, he looks like a great player for the future. Still only 18, he has the face of a much older man.
Tagged With : Aaron Ramsey • Arsenal • Chelsea • Everton • Gael Kakuta • Jack Rodwell • Jack Wilshere • Liverpool • Macheda • man united • Rafael • Theo Walcott