Yeah, we are STACKED in midfield at youth level. Even after losing Musah incredibly. Only thing I'd say about our midfield is that our biggest talents lack power+height a little, although looking at Bandeira, he's a big lad.Matt Smith is an interesting prospect. Really glad we have some talented midfielders coming up. Azeez, Smith, Patino and Bandeira.
Hope Smith can get some action in the 20/21 pre-season. To me Balogun has more talent than Nketiah.
I know we have to give all the young forwards chances, but Balogun and Sam Greenwood have the biggest upside imo.
Although I do like John Jules too. Do you think Coyle can still make it here?
Smith should be in the same conversation as our bigger talents. He moves the ball incredibly well, and positions himself extremely well compared to other players. Really progresses play very well. I reckon he will translate to first team football really well if he can hack it physically.
I agree on Balogun - Nketiah was an incredible scorer at youth level and really rounded his game out well when he was down there, but Balogun looks to be every inch the superstar forward in general play and in front of goal. He's everything I hoped Chuba Akpom would be.
As for Trae Coyle, I think he'll have a hard time but he's as talented as any of our youth and given his form of late, he could really take advantage of any opportunity. Needs a good loan for me, send him to League One or Championship for a bit and see how he fares.
Clarke was indeed skipper for the night and really commanded the backline for the majority of the match. He waned big time along with the rest of the team towards the end but overall he was one of the stronger performers. Him and Swanson have been excellent for the U23s this season and Clarke in particular could actually be the CB we're looking for from the academy. Not particularly that tall, but combative, good in possession and reads the game well.I really hope Clarke one day plays for the first team. I'm longing for at least one defender to get in. I had really high hopes for Ballard but he's got injured at the wrong time. I assume Clarke was the captain of the night as I like his vocalness on the pitch and passing ability with both feet.
+1 on Taylor-Hart. He's an excellent technician - shades of Coyle though with the big injury. I hope his development hasn't been harmed. I really like Taylor-Hart though, probably the best winger from this current intake.Coyle needs a lot of Iwobi like dominos to fall in place to make it. When this 01 group was a bit younger he was the standout talent but injuries have slowed his progress as he lost a lot of confidence. Good to hear he's regaining it. He was really good and had everything technique power pace flair . On pure technique, he might be the best youngster followed by Azeez and Taylor-Hart . He needs a very good loan.