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The English Premier League is known for its huge transfer fees, and has a seemingly indifferent attitude towards youth, but there are still a few players who have managed to defy convention and make themselves be known in England’s top flight. Here are the top 5 of those prospects:
Gary Gardner
Young Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner may not be the best known name in English football, and he may not be one of the Premier League’s best players, but with the right coaching, he could be. Often dubbed the next Frank Lampard for his bursting runs into the opposition box and a venomous strike from distance, it is unlikely he will ever match up to the Chelsea legend, but there is no reason why he can’t come close.
Ross Barkley
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley was never really given a chance when David Moyes was in charge of the Toffees, but with Roberto Martinez’s tutelage he has become one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents. Although Everton fans aren’t happy with it, Barkley is often called the next Steven Gerrard, and in most part it is a compliment. Sure the Liverpool midfielder may be average at best now, but from 2002 to 2008, if it wasn’t for Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia, the Reds may have faded away into mid table obscurity.
Saido Berahino
Young Burundian striker Saido Berahino has the potential to become the perfect Premier League striker. He’s big, fast and possesses good ball control, three crucial traits if you want to make it in England. The young West Brom star is also eligible for England, should he wish to play for the three lions, but after a controversy surrounding Roy Hodgson’s pursuit of Adnan Januzaj, he may pick to play for the country of his birth.
Ravel Morrison
I have to say, I am one who is not convinced by the former Manchester United man, and probably never will be, but his reputation amongst a large group of Premier League fans gets him a place on the list. Morrison is a similar type of player and has a similar style to Joe Cole, a player who he can learn from at West Ham. Fast and skillful, Morrison could be a hit for the Hammers.
Luke Shaw
Often compared to Gareth Bale, I personally don’t see the similarities. Bale hasn’t played as awingback for around 4 years now, and when he was a defender, he wasn’t a very good one. However, Shaw seems to be full of promise, and has gained the interest of teams like Chelsea and Arsenal, which means that he could be around the top of the Premier League for the most of his career.
