Nick Powell may still be a teenager, but it appears he has everything in his game to replicate the form of Frank Lampard in his pomp.
When Nick Powell scored a series of superb strikes for Crewe Alexandra before his 18th birthday, it was clear he was a very special talent indeed.
That his last for his former side was an absolute beauty in the League Two play-off final meant he burst into the collective conscience of football fans across England. While the fact that he almost immediately followed up that Wembley wonder-strike with a move to Manchester United cemented his place as the next big thing.
And as if that was not enough, the fact that he scored on his Old Trafford debut suggested the phrase “taking it slow” did not apply to this particular prodigy.
But then it all went quiet, with Powell having to wait 12 months for another shot to strike the back of the net in a senior game.
In the interim he spent the majority of his time in United’s reserves, with minor injuries also playing their part in his absence from Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-team plans.
And so it was no surprise – even with a new manager in post – when Powell followed the path of Tom Cleverley before him and headed on loan to Wigan Athletic.
It was a move that proved to be a master-stroke, with Powell already netting five goals for the Latics – including three in the Europa League.
His form, both domestically and abroad, is reemphasising what many suspected when he first arrived at United. He may be young, but he is also ready; perhaps not for a regular place in the starting line-up, but certainly for more than the fleeting fairy-tale he enjoyed when his long-range shot made it 4-0 against Wigan on his debut back in September 2012.
Many have compared Powell with David Beckham, but in fact his style and ability is more akin to Frank Lampard – an attack-minded midfielder with the ability to both create and to score.
For a time United were linked with an audacious move for the Chelsea man, but it appears they may now possess his heir apparent.
5 chances to win: 1 FIFA 14 or Football Manager 2014 game of your choice
Still a teenager, Powell has the ability to be as good as he wants to be. He is supremely talented and could form an outstanding midfield partnership with the Paul Scholes-esque Ben Pearson in years to come.
But that is the future, a time Powell should not need to wait for. Instead when he finally gets there he should already have appearances and goals aplenty for the current champions.
Some players need time to develop, but Powell is ready now, and the sooner David Moyes brings him back from Wigan, the better.
If not before – and his current season-long loan deal would suggest not – next season he will surely be given the chance to show what he can do at the highest level. After all, he has excelled everywhere else.
image: © eirikref
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
