Top-level football is a logistical nightmare. Players are bought in from across the planet from the moment they hit their teenage years, leading to homegrown designations for stars from Mogadishu to Monterrey. And whilst scouting networks become ever more fragmented and diversified, perhaps there is a fantastic resource that the top clubs are missing out on – the lower leagues. So who’s next? Who could step up from the Football League?
In goal, the likes of Alex Smithies and Frankie Fielding are both young, gifted and capped by England Under 21’s and with the current death of top level English talent between the sticks, it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of possibility for Capello to at least look at them train with the stars and see their development first hand. Fielding had eight different loan spells before getting sick of being fourth choice and dropping to the Championship at Derby. That decision might be a regrettable one for Rovers as Fielding is already proving he can keep clean sheets.
In front of the keeper, Premier League clubs could do a lot worse than to examine defenders like Crystal Palace full-back Nat Clyne. A speedster who offers an accurate crossing threat as well as solid defence, the 20 year old has already logged 94 appearances for his club and this year, featured in every game. Playing this season in the third tier, Brighton’s Tommy Elphick is only 23, yet has appeared for the Seagulls over 150 times. His step up to the Championship should be monitored by Premier League teams who need a ball playing and commanding centre back.
Moving further up the field, there are some real gems. The highly sought-after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the standout prospect, but Swansea’s diminutive Joe Allen is worthy of contention. The West Wales born midfielder surprised many when making his debut at the Liberty, but quickly showed creativity and a first touch that simply removes any pressure from opposing players. While Allen probably wouldn’t be a box to box midfield general, he has shown he can fit into several different systems and would contribute in the Premiership.
Shrewsbury’s Jon Taylor is only 18 and is rumoured to be being watched by half the top flight. A previous winner of the Football Leagues’ Young Player of the Month award, Taylor dropped down from Wigan and made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his first start. The winger totalled six goals in 22 appearances and it remains to be seen whether he stays at Greenhous Meadow much longer.
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Dale Jennings of Tranmere Rovers. One of the outstanding players of League 1 last year. At 18 he has brought the attention of scouts from some of the biggest clubs in the premiership and even Byaern Munich. The Rovers turned down a £500K offer in January from a high profile English club. Future looks bright for the scouse left winger.