Your Leagues XI to look out for in 07/08

List and provide an explanation of the players in your league that you think will be making a big splash next season - through either progression towards becoming world class, breaking into the first team or just a signing you think will achieve a lot more than expected.

My XI

Andreas Isaksson (Man City) - Didn't really get much of an opportunitiy last season through injury, but has shown his class internationally and I see him progressing under Sven.

Gareth Bale (Spurs) - Has proved himsefl in the championship and for Wales, now he;s set for a step up to the EPL - good attacking and solid defensively with a superb free kick on him

Stephen Taylor (NUFC)- He's developing season in season and under Big Sam I expect him to continue - needs to improve his concentration, but aside from that has the attributes to be a top class defender

Daniel Agger (Liverpool) - Big things are expected of Agger and in the new improved Liverpool squad I think he's set to shine out as a potential world class player for the future

Gerard Piqué (Man Utd)- I don't know too much about him but he's done very well at Zaragoza on loan and if he can carry that form into the EPL, he'll be a valued extra string to Utd's bow

Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) - Often flatters to deceive, he needs to improve his end product a bit but I think he may come on leaps and bounds

Mark Noble (WH Utd) - Showed towards th end of last season what he is capable of - a free thinking goalscoring midfielder that looks set to continue his development

Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) - With Gerrard and Alonso ahead of him, his job will be made a lot easier, but this guy has the potential to be the best DM on the planet and hopefully we'll see more of this in the coming season

Anderson (Man Utd) - at a crossroads in his career, he now needs to show a bit more of his potential, gain some consistency and improve his decision making

Rolando Bianchi (Man City) - I'm a big fan of Rolando - I think he has the potential to be a great player for Citeh based on his previous season, problem is previous to this season, his record was shockingly poor - hopefully his recent form is a sign of his development rather than a blip

Darren Bent (Spurs) - thefee that spurs' paid has been criticised but I personally think he'll be a very good buy for them. I'd agree that the money could have been better spent of a left winger or keeper but this guy has the potential to be a 20 a season striker IMO



Honorary mention to Stephen Ireland but I didn't want to have too many Citeh players

My XI

Lukasz Fabianski
Probably the only keeper signing of the summer who stands a chance of establishing himself in a premiership clubs first team. It'll be interesting to see if he can displace Lehmann and become Arsenals number one.

Micah Richards
This is probably the season where we'll see if Richards will really make the grade. I was impressed by him last season, but he was hardly incredible, and was over-hyped massively by a few. Hopefully he will become one of the leagues best defenders

Steven Taylor
Impressed my at the under 21s with a few solid performances, and he was also pretty good last season. The Newcastle defence is/was shaky, but hopefully Taylor will prove to be good enough to solve Newcastles porblems.

Jonathan Woodgate
Like Newcastle, Middlesbrough haven't been renowned for their defensive strengths. Woodgate is an awesome defender, and I'll be interested to see if he can push his way into the England team and improve Borough.

Gareth Bale
Lots of hype, but a very decent prospect. I went to see Wales against Paraguay at the Millennium stadium last year, and he was one of the best players on the pitch. Hopefully he'll be a big success

Tuncay Sanli
Was linked with AC and Inter last summer, and is Turkeys best player. I haven't seen much of him, and it'll be interesting to see how he fares this season.

Danny Guthrie
On loan at Bolton from Liverpool, after an impressive season for Southampton. I hope he does well!!!

Tim Cahill
Simply because I think he's a fantastic player with lots of guile and energy. He can change games, and he's very important to Everton. He isn't really recognised as much as he should be imo.

Florent Malouda
French player of the year, and with an impressive tally of goals from midfiled, I'll be interested to see if he can take over from Robben, Joe Cole, SWP and any of the other attacking midfielders Chelsea posses.

Eduardo Da Silva
He's awesome on football manager, and his scoring record is brilliant in real life too! I'll be interested to see if he can take over from Henry.

Ashley Young
i thought he was fantastic at the under 21s. I really hope he continues developing this season, because he could become a class player.

Eredivisie

Luciona da Silva (FC Groningen) - he apparantly was one of the better keepers from Belgium. I am told he makes spectacular saves but can f@ck up also big time. Maybe they got the new Barthez, in his peak a great keeper.

Sepp de Roover (Sparta Rotterdam) - last year he was our best player and he had a good U21 Championship aswell. It's only a matter of time since the topclubs are gonna look at him. He can go for about 20M euro.

Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam) - call me biased but this one has every attribute to be a future WC defender. If only his raw aggressive play can be a bit tempered I see him as the surprise of the season. Example of his class, on his debut last year he kept Farfan and Kone in his pocket and dealt with Alex easily with set pieces

Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord) - last year the defence of Feyenoord were shambles. Now with Hofland and de Cler Vlaar finally got some decent defenders around him. I think this can be his breaktrough season if I may call it that.

Erik Pieters (FC Utrecht) - played a pretty decent U21 championship. Good defender although have to improve on the ball. If he sorts that out he could be a future LB for Oranje. Still only 18/19(?)

Jan Vertonghen (AFC Ajax) - after a personally succesful spell at RKC Waalwijk he is ready to break in to the 'Godenzonen' first team. Solid defensivly and nicely composed on the ball. A predict a very good season for him.

Kai Michalke (Heracles Almelo) - The man with huge experience. He already played over 150 bundesliga matches and is regarded as a great player by Heracles fans. I don't know that much about him but surely a man with so much experience must be a stand out in such a poor team as Heracles.

Dominique Kivuvu (NEC Nijmegen) - He already made an impact last year but this year should be the season were he will show his class to the Netherlands. Strong and big he is compared to Vieira already and could surprise a lot of people this season.

Sergio Zijler (FC Twente) - he made an exciting debute last year but with Touma, Kennedy and N'Kufo he just couldn't break into the first squad. Now with Kennedy gone and Touma likely to leave he is expected to have a X1 spot. He is a fast and nippy winger who can past players easily. Surely a player to watch out for.

Roy Makaay (Feyenoord) - with his experience and never ending goal threat he should provide great work for this new Feyenoord. And let's be honest, it shouldn't be too much of a problem to be better than Charisteas. I really hope he does well, he is one of the more underrated players of Europe.

Jonathon Reis (PSV Eindhoven) - he showed real talent in the youth levels already and he is regarded highly be the tecnical staff of PSV. He is unknown quality but with Kone being very unproductive Koeman might opt for the possibly more productive Reis.

No Drenthe?

Isn't Mascherano already world class?? IMO he was even before he came to england....

Tweedle wrote:List and provide an explanation of the players in your league that you think will be making a big splash next season - through either progression towards becoming world class, breaking into the first team or just a signing you think will achieve a lot more than expected.

My XI

Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) - With Gerrard and Alonso ahead of him, his job will be made a lot easier, but this guy has the potential to be the best DM on the planet and hopefully we'll see more of this in the coming season

TM wrote:No Drenthe?

Too obvious

Maybe internationally he is, but he hasn't really proved it yet in the EPL. He played very well when at Liverpool; if he does it again for all of this season then I'd put him up in the top rung

Where's your Serie A team bluey?

bluenine wrote:Isn't Mascherano already world class?? IMO he was even before he came to england....

At Feyenoord I expect most improvement from Nuri Sahin & De Guzman (who will shine with better players aroudn him)

Tim Howard (everton) - was pretty good last season for Everton, could improve on that and establish himself as a great Premiership keeper

Gareth Bale (Spurs) - What Tweedle said pretty much.

Joleon Lescott (Everton) - Had a fantastic season and maybe didn't get the credit he deserves, if he maintains that level then maybe he could break into the England set up if there is injuries to Rio or Terry.

Daniel Agger (Liverpool)- one of the best defenders in the league? he has the potential to be, he's had a year of Premiership football and can only learn from that, if he improves on last year then he'll be quite some defender

Wayne Bridge (Chelsea) - For me Bridge is England's best left back at the moment, better than Cashley and should be guaranteed a first team spot at both Chelsea and England IMO

Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool) - The views are mixed on him, the jury's still out, can he up his game and prove the critics wrong?

Mark Noble (West Ham) - he has the passion and he's a good player with a great shot on him, I think he could be the next big thing.

Joey Barton (Newcastle) - He's had trouble in his past, can he put that behind him and just concentrate on his football, he's a good player, if he can sort his attitude out he may be a key player for Newcastle

Florent Malouda (Chelsea) - Has the potential to be the best winger in the Premiership IMO, if he can maintain his form at Lyon and for France then he'll be some player for Chelsea

Eduardo Da Silva (Arsenal) - Slightly unknown with a good goal record, can he make Arsenal a title challenging force and be a hit in the Premiership?

Darren Bent (Spurs) - A huge price tag, some under-rate him, some over-rate him, can he score the goals for Spurs and help them break into the top 4?

Some kids who will impress and cement their place in Serie A:

Amelia (Livorno) - already a world champion, he is buffon's heir.

Bovo (Genoa) - A coupla bad seasons, I think Bovo will be reborn at Genoa where he will finally become a starter. His few performaqnces for Torino this year were encouraging.
Vanden Borre (Fiorentina) - has all the characteristic to make an immediate impact in Serie A
Chiellini (Juventus) - the azzurini captain has cemented his place for the bianconeri

Paro (Genoa) - finally proved his potential for Juve in Serie B last season... now he needs to confirm it for Genoa in A
Aquilani (Roma): Injury last season hampered his progress... this season he will forge a strong partnership with De Rossi!
Foggia (Cagliari) - Talented, did well for Reggina last season, and I think this will be his season like last season was Rosina's.
Jankovic (Palermo) - Impressed in the U21s... I can't wait to watch him play for Palermo.
Rosina (Torino) - Revelation of last season (as I predicted before) he is going to become the next Italian great.

Cavani (Palermo) - I really really rate this kid, and from what I hear, he is doing well in the U20 WC. I hope he gets playing time, will be difficult with Amauri & Miccoli in the team.
Quagliarella (Udinese) - His goals are already legendary. We need more, Quag!

Other kids to look out for:
Aquafresca (Cagliari), Giovinco (Empoli), Lavezzi (Napoli), Ribas (Livorno), Nocerino (Juventus), Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Molinaro (Juventus).

Great thread.

1888, I like the sounds of Jan Vertonghen and Adeleye. I like players with a little poise, so I’ll definitely keep my eye out for JV.

I can’t recall Noble, but he sounds promising too.

Rosina and Chiellini impressed me recently.

@ The Bulk

Are there any Scottish talents that we need to keep a look out for?

Scott Brown is head and shoulders above everyone else in Scotland at the moment. As much as I hate him going to Celtic, I expect him to shine. He has all the attributes to be world class, and he wouldn't look out of place in a top 4 EPL club.

Tough to do a Spain one, I'll do it later.

Raul Garcia should be in it mybe Aguero as well from Atletico.

Gago maybe for Real Madrid?

Maybe Torres or Soldado.

The Bulk wrote:Great thread.

1888, I like the sounds of Jan Vertonghen and Adeleye. I like players with a little poise, so I’ll definitely keep my eye out for JV.

I can’t recall Noble, but he sounds promising too.

Rosina and Chiellini impressed me recently.

It will be interesting to see if Vertonghen can get a X1 spot.

Adeleye is a great player, very atheletic. He needs to work on his concentration though. Also he picks up cards way to easy because he is such a hard defender.

La Liga is tough to do.

Even just looking at Valencia - they have the likes of Silva, Gavilan, Sunny, Mata, Arizmendi, Alexis, Albiol & Hildebrand that will be looking to make big impacts.

That's not to say they will all be regulars, but you'd expect even the likes of Mata & Sunny to get quite a bit of playing time, probably not enough to merit a place in any XI (associated with the topic), but just goes to show that it is difficult.

I definitely think Matias Fernandez of Villa Real will have a good season.

Hopefully Mata has a awful season

Robert Green (West Ham United)-A big mention to him for our Premiership survival, I'm confident this is the season he'll show McClaren that he is better than Robinson

Micah Richards (Manchester City)-Showed what he is capable of in a mediocre City side...plenty of positive changes for them should see him progress further.

Nicky Shorey (Reading)-Had a great last season and broke into the England squad. Looks a very promising player and will be interesting to see if he is more than a one season wonder.

Younes Kaboul (Tottenham Hotspur)-Spurs have paid big money out for a young defender. Has grabbed the attention of many with some fine performances. Will play alot for Spurs and is one to watch.

Alex (Chelsea)-Should his imminent move to Chelsea get sorted, he'll be another centre back to watch out for. Shown what he is capable of in Holland and The Champions League, interesting to see if he's similar at Chelsea.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Mark Noble (West Ham United)-In a few games for West Ham he has looked superb. Someone who plays with such passion and determination. With a full season for him...hopefully he'll prove to be another class product of the West Ham academy.

Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United)-The England man who was often booed. Proved his critics wrong when played in the riht position. The best signing Man Utd have made this transfer window. Interesting to see if he is the signing to make them even stronger.

Florent Malouda (Chelsea)-Arrives with a big reputation. Chelsea are determined to get their title back. Malouda is Chelsea's big signing of the window and with his ability could be the signing to help them win it back.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)-A massive priced signing. The big name striker that Liverpool fans wanted. Seems to have a mixed repuation though and will have a lot to prove this season.

Eduardo Da Silva (Arsenal)-Watching Arsenal without Thierry Henry will be a little bit odd. Eduardo is the man who has come in to replace him. Has a great goal record for both club and country which makes it very interesting to see if he can carry thsi on with Arsenal.

Fabianski - Only went for him because I couldn't really think of any goalkeeper worth looking out for. It could be interesting to see him challenge Lehmann's position.

Richards - Lots of hype and speculation, and with an international tournament at the end of the season it will be worth watching how he progresses.

Alex - A very good central defender, and it will be intruiging to see if he can force his way into the first team at Chelsea.

Gallas - A fairly disappointing first season at Arsenal. With Henry gone the pressure will be on the likes of Gallas to step up and show leadership to a young side.

Bale - Highly rated left back, it will be worth watching how he copes with the step up from the Championship.

Steven Davis - A good player who had a poor season last year. Has moved to Fulham and it will be worth seeing whether he can find the form that caught attention when he was at Villa.

Barton - Left Man City under a bit of a cloud. Can Allardyce sort out his discipline. Could be a good signing for Newcastle, but could just as easily bring his problems with him.

Anderson - A big price tag and lots of potential. Looking forward to seeing how he adapts to the Premiership. Between him and Nani it will be worth seeing if either can replace Giggs in the first team by the end of the season.

Malouda - For the same reasons as everyone else has stated. A big name signing, it will be intruiging to see how he settles into the Chelsea team.

Torres - Big money move and lots of pressure to succeed. Lots of talent, but a risky signing nonetheless.

Eduardo/Van Persie - Couldn't really separate these two, they hold the responsibility for replacing Henry. Eduardo is the direct replacement and how he copes will be interesting. RVP is worth watching in his own right. If he stays fit he could have a stunning season.

Rafael Nadal wrote:
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Most notably his passing, shooting, and crossing - all quite handy weapons for a winger.

I agree with Deano... very talented and promising winger, he is da man for england now, becks time is getting over...

Kimbo wrote:

Rafael Nadal wrote:
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Most notably his passing, shooting, and crossing - all quite handy weapons for a winger.

bluenine wrote:I agree with Deano... very talented and promising winger, he is da man for england now, becks time is getting over...

Kimbo wrote:

Rafael Nadal wrote:
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Most notably his passing, shooting, and crossing - all quite handy weapons for a winger.

How is Lennon "da man" for England? He's done nothing in an England shirt. Currently Wright-Phillips, Beckham, Milner, and Young should all be ahead of him IMO.

I think he means the man for the RM position. Which i would agree he is, he's much better than Milner, Young etc.

TM wrote:I think he means the man for the RM position. Which i would agree he is, he's much better than Milner, Young etc.

What is he better at exactly? Enlighten me. Passing? Shooting? Better football brain?

He's more flashy Kimbo , easy on the eye.

And Milner has done much more than Lennon in an England shirt?? Oh wait, Milner has not played for england yet!

Milner is a talented kid, but Lennon impresses me more... brilliant on the ball, good dribbling, he can run at defences...

Kimbo wrote:

bluenine wrote:I agree with Deano... very talented and promising winger, he is da man for england now, becks time is getting over...

Kimbo wrote:

Rafael Nadal wrote:
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Most notably his passing, shooting, and crossing - all quite handy weapons for a winger.

How is Lennon "da man" for England? He's done nothing in an England shirt. Currently Wright-Phillips, Beckham, Milner, and Young should all be ahead of him IMO.

bluenine wrote:And Milner has done much more than Lennon in an England shirt?? Oh wait, Milner has not played for england yet!

Milner is a talented kid, but Lennon impresses me more... brilliant on the ball, good dribbling, he can run at defences...

...and do nothing.

Milner isn't being called "da man" for England.

"brilliant on the ball, good dribbling, he can run at defences"

These are all the same thing, saying it in 3 different ways doesn't give him 3 outstanding attributes. At the moment he is a quick player with good control, that's it.

bluenine wrote:And Milner has done much more than Lennon in an England shirt?? Oh wait, Milner has not played for england yet!

Milner is a talented kid, but Lennon impresses me more... brilliant on the ball, good dribbling, he can run at defences...

Kimbo wrote:

bluenine wrote:I agree with Deano... very talented and promising winger, he is da man for england now, becks time is getting over...

Kimbo wrote:

Rafael Nadal wrote:
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)-Already shown the talent he has. Has a few parts of his game to improve, should he do this in the coming season...he'll be the man for the England right midfield space.

Most notably his passing, shooting, and crossing - all quite handy weapons for a winger.

How is Lennon "da man" for England? He's done nothing in an England shirt. Currently Wright-Phillips, Beckham, Milner, and Young should all be ahead of him IMO.