Kids to watch out for in your league 2008-09

Name the 5 best prospects who could leave a big impression next season in your domestic league....

For Serie A:
1. Mario Balotelli (17) - Inter and Italy: Already shown glimpses of what he can do, next season could well be Balotelli's year. The only question is whether he will manage to get enough games to play, competing with the likes of Adriano, Ibra, Suazo & Crespo for starting positions.
2. Fabiano Santacroce (21) - Napoli and Italy: The "new Nesta", as the Napoli fans call him, next season he may be rushed into a starting role. Question is whether he is ready for it? I think he is.
3. Pablo Osvaldo (22) - Fiorentina and Italy: Not Pazzini, its Osvaldo who is the bright striking prospect in the future for la viola. Even tho Mutu and Gila are likely to hog the starting roles, I expect Osvaldo to shine in cameo roles. This lad has a bright future.
4. Sebastian Giovinco (21) - Juventus and Italy: The star of the Azzurini, he showed that he can do well inspite of his light frame in Serie A, but could not save his club Empoli from relegation. Now back in Juve, he should get a few opportunities to show his stuff at the highest level - make or break season for the "new zola".
5. Luca Cigarini (22) - Parma and Italy: I know Parma have been relegated, but this kid is too good for Serie B. I expect a Serie A club to buy him, Torino and Fiorentina have been linked, and this season could prove to be his year of reckoning.

We'll have to be careful with the word 'prospect' here I guess.

For instance, does Theo Walcott still count as a prospect?

I wouldn't call Cigarini a prospect from your list either Bluey.

janmaat janmaat janmaat janmaat janmaat

From us (as in City) although i expect Hart, Johnson, Richards to keep improving and all three will be clalayers the ones to watch out for could be either Ched Evans or Danny Sturridge if they get enough games.

More from Wheater..more from Johnson..more from Taylor..

I dont think any others really matter.

Kids at age 22?

Serie A is defo "No country for young men"

ANTUNES

He will solve all of Portugal's Left Back problems in 2010.

Tweedle wrote:We'll have to be careful with the word 'prospect' here I guess.

For instance, does Theo Walcott still count as a prospect?

I wouldn't call Cigarini a prospect from your list either Bluey.

Cigarini is a prospect, he has proved nothing yet except that he has potential. Just like Giovinco.

Theo, maybe not. He has played at the top level for a while now, so his potential has been "realised" to some extent. Its a thin line, I agree. I just stopped short of including Pato in this list, only did that coz he was a starter for a top club last season, so in a way he has already arrived.

Zizinhohakker wrote:Kids at age 22?

Serie A is defo "No country for young men"

All these guys are eligible to play for the Azzurini next summer. Yeah, they are kids.

Another good thread might be for 'players to watch out for in your league 2008-2009'

There are always players that come of age during a new season, perhaps a player that is well known but has never fullfilled their promise?

Luca Toni was a late bloomer for example, Klose likewise.

Perhaps a player who has had now a season or two to settle and are more familiar with his team mates and opponents.

Or perhaps someone who has shown glimpses of talent but blown hot and cold.

EPL suggestions.
Kalou (has often looked an end product away from being a top player)

Bullard (lets not forget this guy has been out of action, will be hungry and is definately a good footballer)

Joe Hart (hopefully gets his chance at City)

Noble (i can see this lad getting England call ups and rightly so next season)

Whats your thoughts?!

Hmmm, I wonder.

Downing?

Zizinhohakker wrote:Kids at age 22?

Serie A is defo "No country for young men"

Look at the age of the players for Italy.

Jonathan Pereira (21) [Villareal/Spain] - Due to the quality of their squad he'll probably end up going on loan again to a Primera division side. He's a small nippy winger who loves to take defenders on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NiAxXZXSNQ&feature=related

IF Manco continues with his ascending curve, he will take the Eredivisie by storm this season. The future is so bright for him.

Puro wrote:IF Manco continues with his ascending curve, he will take the Eredivisie by storm this season. The future is so bright for him.

Manke Manco..you just know that will be his nickname! But we shall see how he will develop himself, if he is that good, perhaps he can make the top 10 of young talents of the Eredivisie!

Well No-one will care but what the hey

1. Morgan Schneiderlin <18> Southampton - £1.2 Million purchase from Strasbourg, the former France U-18s captain attracted interest from Portsmouth, Chelsea and Arsenal but came to Southampton for first team football. Able to dictate the play in midfield and with a belter of a free kick on him, much is expected from the young Frenchman.

2. Sam Vokes <18> Wolves - Scored 12 goals for struggling Bournemouth as a 17 year old and attracted interest from a host of Premiership clubs including Portsmouth and Newcastle before eventually being signed by Wolves, another hot prospect who could light up the c/ship and prove that this league doesn't just have room for 28+ year old bullies.

3. Giles Barnes <19> Derby - Scored 7 goals from midfield two seasons ago and was one of the main factors in Derby's promotion but unfortunately, injury cut short his only season in the Premiership. Having attracted bids of £5 million from the likes of West Ham and with a degree of experience for a player of his age, he could well prove to be among the best 4 or 5 players in this league next season.

4. Victor Moses <17> Crystal Palace - scored 3 goals towards the end of last season and proved to be a valuable asset to Palace's promotion push with speed, strength and skill. Can play either up front or on the wing and has such strength and a low centre of gravity that even the stronger defenders in this league struggle to shake him off the ball. Expect at a good 15+ goals from the young man next season.

5. John-Joe O'Toole <18> Watford - despite Watfords eventual collapse towards the end of last season, O'Toole proved himself in the first team with a good degree of skill, technique, passing and composure and adds that little bit extra to Watford's midfield. Again, this is another teenager capable of popping up with the odd goal here and there.

A few omissions would include Lallana, Surman, Scannell, Hills, Balanta and Paterson and there are probably others that i've forgotten. Looking through the championship, theres actually a decent amount of young talent in the league.