Norwich, Southampton, Everton, Swansea and Sunderland players make the list.
After assessing the top young players at the clubs who will be participating in Europe next season who are the ‘best of the rest’?
5. James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
Gifted young players haven’t been in short supply at Southampton recently; with the emergence of Gareth Bale as one of the best players in the world; Theo Walcott becoming a senior England international and their very own Adam Lallana looking forward to dazzling defences in the Premier League next season. But next on that long line of talents is 17 year old midfield man James Ward-Prowse. Despite originally being from Portsmouth James has already played 2 cup games for saints even scoring against Coventry last season and has been promoted to the first team for pre-season at the Saints.
4. Rory Donnelly – Swansea
Caused a transfer melee as teams scrambled for his signature earlier this year with Swansea winning the battle with a promise of more first team football. That hasn’t quite happened for the Belfastian but he has had a good pre-season under new boss Michael Laudrup. Time will tell if the 20 year old from Northern Ireland can make an impact this season.
3. Jacob Butterfield – Norwich
What a pinch this one is as the Yorkshiremen makes the move to Norfolk for a compensation package deal that will be worth a lot less then the quality this lad brings. An England Under-21 international he has captained Barnsley as they continue to defy critics and survive in the Championship. That might change now that Norwich have bought in the energetic midfield man, and despite an injury at the tailend of last season, he will undoubtedly be a major feature in Norwich’s second stint in the Premiership.
2. Ross Barkley – Everton
Goes into this season in a much similar way to last. Big things are expected and Moyes is believed to be keen on giving the England youth international another crack at the first team this season. He struggled after an impressive start last term but now a year older brings with it more experience and natural strength. Could be playing second fiddle to Jack Rodwell in the exciting youngsters bracket at Goodison but 2012-13 will be his breakout season.
1. Connor Wickham – Sunderland
After a dogged year on the sidelines with injury the former Ipswich starlet has got himself back to full fitness and is raring to go at The Stadium of Light this season. Part of England’s youth setup from under 16 level he helped guide the national team to the European Under-17 title in 2010. He showed real glimpses of the work rate, skill and power that have made him such a tipped future star during his fleeting appearances at Sunderland and should be one of the bright young stars on show in the Premier League next season.
Here are the top two both involved in England’ winning goal in that Under 17 triumph over Spain in 2010. Barkley plays the initial long ball and Wickham finishes it all off.
What do you think of these youngsters and any others who might make an impact over the course of 2012-13?
image: © vagueonthehow
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