Recent performances by young players in the English Premier League suggest that there is a hub of talent on the rise. With footballers such as Arsenal’s Chamakh scoring the fastest Premier League goal ever recorded and Gareth Bale attracting a lot of praise
for his game, critics may argue that the days of ‘buying your squad’ rather than ‘growing your squad’ are on the decline.
Some may say that Chamakh is not a young player, but at the age of 26, the Frenchman has only been in one previous club, Bordeaux before joining the Gunners this summer. His famous goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers was a header in the 37th
second of the game.
The Gunners’ local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, have their own arsenal in the form of Welshman Gareth Bale who at the remarkable age of 21 has already attracted a host of admirers and won over Spurs fans. Among his throng of observers it is rumoured, lies Real
Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho but Tottenham boss, Redknapp has firmly warned off the Special One from trying to sign Bale.
The Welshman achieved applause from fans and neutrals for a fantastic performance against UEFA Champions League title defenders, Inter Milan, who Redknapp’s men demolished 3-1. His assists to Crouch and Pavlyuchenko, materialised into goals for the Spurs
during the game which must have left Benitez flabbergasted. Football legend, Figo paid tribute to Bale after the game, calling him
“amazing, just amazing.” The Spurs beat Blackburn at White Hart Lane on 13 November and after the game, Tottenham’s assistant coach, Joe Jordan praised Bale as a flexible and adaptable footballer, being able to
“provide the balls and score the goals” and for “being positive by going forward and making a shift” to defence when needed.
Another player to attract a lot of attention of late is Aston Villa midfielder, Marc Albrighton. The English international scored against Manchester United in a thrilling 2-1 draw and has been in the first team since the start of this season. It is clear
that the manager of Aston Villa, Gerard Houllier recognises the 20-year-old’s contribution to the team and has made him sign a new contract which will keep him at Villa Park until 2014. Houllier praised Albrighton by saying
"When you have the talent and the attitude, the commitment, looking after yourself, working hard in games...it means a lot. He enjoys playing."
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mathew Jarvis penned in a new deal earlier on in the season, to stay at the club for five more years. The midfielder has received much acclaim and many admirers have urged Capello to include him in the national team. Among those
singing his praises are team-mate Doyle, who earlier this month talked about Jarvis.
"Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch, he does everything right...it would be a just reward if he gets a call-up.” The Republic-of Ireland international, called his game-play “excellent” and commented on his regularity for making the squad
“week in and week out.” Doyle further went on to muse that he has never seen a Wolves star play for England. Manager McCarthy claimed that he was overly pleased with the youngster’s performance in big games this season.
Andy Carroll has been included in Fabio Capello’s England team for the match against France on Wednesday. Newcastle team-mate, Barton had spoken to the press about the 21-year-old striker, claiming him to be
“as good as anybody in the country.” Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand has also been in favour of the Toon player, claiming him to have
“real talent” and he talked about how Andy makes it “awkward for opponents to play against.” Carroll has scored 7 goals for Newcastle this season and looks to make his big English debut tomorrow.
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