For his overall prospect!!!
Like I said I think he’s the type of player who could start in League Two next year and has a ceiling of the Championship. I think that’s not unreasonable.
U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 4: West Ham United
Another famous academy that has underperformed in recent years. Declan Rice and Ben Johnson were the only U23s to play over one thousand minutes last season - with Aji Alese coming third clocking in at a meager ninety minutes across the season.
Both of their youth sides have similarly struggled, winning just twelve games between them in fourty-eight games. However, there are talented players in the system even if the general level of the academy is not at the standard expected.
The Hammers, despite a strong season in the Premier League, are light in squad depth and this could be the season that a range of youth prospects get the opportunity to move into the reckoning.
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Conor Coventry
- Position: CM
- Age: 21
- Nationality: Irish
Irish U21 international Conor Coventry was the standout performer for the U23s in 20/21 and has continued that fine run of form into West Ham’s pre-season. Coventry spent time on loan at Lincoln two seasons ago and the experience kicked him on to another level, dominating the U23 level with five goals and two assists in seventeen appearances from a defensive midfield position. Possessing a diverse passing range and a thunderbolt shot, the dynamic midfielder has made a strong case for himself to become a first team regular this season behind Pavel Soucek and Declan Rice, while a call up to the full Irish national side is surely just a matter of time.
Ademipo Odubeko
- Position: CF
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Irish
Odubeko is a natural goalscorer who scored twelve times in his first season at U23 level playing just 908 minutes to do so. The former Man City and Man Utd striker was often deployed from the left wing but he is a natural born striker and will expect to occupy that role this season. Tall and quick, Odubeko has a striking resemblance to Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and the physicality to cope with Premier League football should he earn the opportunity this season. Capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch - including a beautifully taken long range strike against Southampton - this Irish U21 international, much like his teammate Conor Coventry, can expect first team and international recognition this season with options limited for both club and country.
Jamal Baptiste
- Position: CB
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
England U17 international Jamal Baptiste is probably the best prospect at the academy and another in the long line of quality central defenders to be churned out by West Ham. Last season he turned in a string of high quality performances and earned himself a spot on the first team bench while aged just sixteen. In pre-season, Baptiste has continued the good form, impressing in his early outings and making a genuine case for himself to be a regular in David Moyes’ squad. He does have competition from the youth system; Frederik Alves and Aji Alese are both fine players themselves but Baptiste is the youngest and most polished of all three, his ceiling is almost limitless at this stage.
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Liverpool U18s vs Connah’s Quay
Involved: Davies, Mrozek, Jonas, Chambers, Bajcetic, Miles, Balagizi, McConnell, Frauendorf, Cannonier + U16 players
8-0 win. Against their U18s I should have mentioned so not a surprise
U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 5: Birmingham City
Birmingham City announced in December 2020 that they were planning on rebuilding their academy to reduce their financial investment on junior age groups and establish a B + C team system instead, citing a lack of competitive football in The Professional Development League. The Premier League responded by promoting them to a Category 1 Academy, meaning this is now their first season in Premier League 2 and the U18 Premier League.
Gathering information on the lower levels of youth football is a bit more difficult so I don’t have a full profile on them. However, Birmingham have indicated they are willing to sell any of their U18s with a few of them attracting interest across Europe including the intriguing prospect of Jobe Bellingham - the young brother of England international Jude.
Having already sold Amari Miller, who had just cracked the first team, to Leeds and Calum Scanlon last season to Liverpool the sales look set to continue at St Andrews with clubs sniffing around everyone with a bit of talent about them.
| U23 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Oliver Basey |
| CB | Mitchell Roberts |
| CB | Nico Gordon |
| RB | Marcel Oakley |
| LB | Kyle Hurst |
| CM | Oriol Soldevila |
| CM | Remi Walker |
| CM | Tate Campbell |
| RW | Caolan Boyd-Munce |
| LW | Josh Andrews |
| CF | Adan George |
| U18 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Alfie Brooks |
| CB | Conor Barrett |
| CB | Tom Fogarty |
| RB | Rico Browne |
| LB | Harley Hamilton |
| CM | Jordan James |
| CM | Harry Manton |
| CM | Cianole Nguepissi |
| RW | Rico Patterson |
| LW | Jobe Bellingham |
| CF | Kieran Wakefield |
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Jobe Bellingham
- Position: RW
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
Not just listed here for his familial links, Jobe is an England U15 international currently being linked with a move to Manchester United. Jude’s younger brother could be set for a similar meteoric rise through the ranks. Already a regular in the U18 set up (he made his debut at 14) Jobe is an offensively minded player often deployed on the right of midfield or as a central striker. Borussia Dortmund have expressed an interest in pairing the brothers again and although there is no guarantee he can replicate Jude’s success all indications seem to be that he is on a similar path. Watch this space.
Rico Browne
- Position: CB
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
Browne is another Birmingham prospect who has been playing well ahead of his age group. He appeared at just fifteen in the FA Youth Cup, quite literally doing his homework on the way to the game which he then dominated in a 4-1 win. He’s tall and excellent aerially, contributing consistently with set piece goals, but more impressive is his ability on the ball. The definition of a modern defender, Browne happily steps out into midfield and can play raking long range passes to really speed up attacks. Unusually for a CB he loves diving into a tackle, which is the habit that drew me to the Tyrone Mings comparison. Unsurprisingly, he has a host of Premier League teams trying to take him away from the Brummies - West Ham and Tottenham both had him on trial in March and Everton are also credited with an interest. If he chooses to stay at Birmingham, expect him to be accelerated into the first team fold.
Nico Gordon
- Position: CB
- Age: 19
- Nationality: English
Having broken into the Birmingham City team towards the end of the season, and being the only youth team player Birmingham took on their pre-season tour, Gordon looks set to increase his gametime in 2021/22. Similarly to Rico Browne, Gordon is a technically good CB with a strong passing range and ability to step into midfield. He is strong in the air and fairly quick, he is competent enough at nineteen for Championship football. Like his player comparison he has been utilised as a RB despite not looking totally comfortable there however that flexibility should allow him more first team opportunities. Gordon perhaps lacks the top-end potential of Browne but is more game-ready for Birmingham right now.
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Thanks @Sweeting for continuing to do these. Always fun to see the potential stars of tomorrow. Although, I can’t wait to see what you think of our squads this year.
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Reiterating Redfanman’s comments thank you for taking the time to do this. Your passion for this level of football is clear to see and informative to all of us.
I have mentioned this before, I live in Birmingham and there is a lot of talk that Bellingham’s younger brother has an equal/higher potential.
Birmingham’s owners literally have no care for the club, they have recently sold off the ground to a sister arm of their business in order to “appease” FFP. I know we got Scanlon from Birmingham and also signed players of similar potential ie Gordon, but Bellingham (younger) is a player we should be buying.
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That would likely help the elder Bellingham settle at Liverpool once he decides to up roots at Dortmund. 
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Dortmund and United are already making moves for the younger Bellingham apparently.
Crazy that the Birmingham owners have taken that stance with the youth teams when it’s produced so many players and money for that club.
U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 6: West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies gave thousands of minutes of football to U23 players last season with Dara O’Shea leading the way for academy graduates. The Irish international has emerged as a starting centre back for the midlands club. West Brom have a traditionally successful academy but it has struggled to replicate previous success in recent years. O’Shea’s development should provide hope that the route is not totally closed.
In terms of results, West Brom U23s struggled just as much as the first team did. They finished thirteenth in Division 2 while the U18s did not fare much better finishing eighth out of thirteen. Although results at this level are secondary, it does indicate that there is perhaps a lack of talent within the squads. Indeed it appears West Brom thought so - they allowed seventeen youth team players to walk this summer so both U23 and U18 sides will have completely new looks.
| U23 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Position | |
| GK | Ted Cann |
| CB | Zak Delaney |
| CB | Saul Shotton |
| RB | Taylor Gardner-Hickman |
| LB | Zac Ashworth |
| CM | Toby King |
| CM | Jamie Andrews |
| CM | Quevin |
| RW | Rayhaan Tulloch |
| LW | Rico Richards |
| CF | Owen Windsor |
| U18 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Position | |
| GK | Ronnie Hollingshead |
| CB | Daniel N’Goma |
| CB | Leon Machisa |
| RB | Reece Hall |
| LB | Lino Sousa |
| CM | MacKenzie Lamb |
| CM | Mark Chidi |
| CM | Josh Barrett |
| RW | Reyes Cleary |
| LW | Fenton Heard |
| CF | Samuel Okoka |
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Saul Shotton
- Position: CB
- Age: 20
- Nationality: English
Former Bury defender Saul Shotton signed for West Brom in 2019 and spent the first part of 2020 on loan with National league side Woking where he made fifteen starts before being recalled in January. The talented defender was the most sought after free agent following Bury’s dissolution and he committed his future to the club by signing a new deal in November. With a slight build and primarily ‘footballing’ based approach to the game, Shotton could potentially struggle with the physical aspects of Championship football but in an attacking system, as the Baggie should be at this level, his comfort in possession can open up further offensive opportunities.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman
- Position: RB
- Age: 19
- Nationality: English
Promoted to the first team by Sam Allardyce for West Brom’s trip to Arsenal in May, Gardner-Hickman has started pre-season with an intensity of a player who knows he has a real chance of becoming a first teamer under new boss, Valerian Ismael. With Darnell Furlong the only other right back in the squad, and Gardner-Hickman consistently impressing at U23 level, the wing back has every chance of competing for first team action. Despite not being the quickest full back in the world, he consistently gets himself high up the field and into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively he is fine, but certainly getting forward is his main focus.
Rico Richards
- Position: RW
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
Richards signed his first professional contract for West Brom in 2020 and has already seen himself burdened with the label of ‘wonderkid’. Already playing for England U19s, the forward is versatile and tricky but backs it up with strong technical ability which make him the designated free kick taker for West Brom U18s. Perhaps his most impressive performance was up against Liverpool’s Billy Koumetio - Richards consistently beat the French defender with speed and strength, turning him inside out at will and pinching the ball off his toes on numerous occasions causing mayhem within the Liverpool backline. The performance displayed everything great about his game; close control, strength, pace and a determination to win the ball back. Richards was prolific at U18 level but he projects as a slightly different forward at first team level, setting the press and winning possession to set off other goal scoring teammates.
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@Sweeting do you think some of these young players, specially those in their 20s, will get considerable minutes with the senior team?
Pep Lijnders confirms Ben Woodburn has a future at Liverpool:
“Again, what a performance from Ben, I’m so happy for him. Like many of the team it didn’t come easy for him, but he has an Anfield future.” [LFC]
Called it
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The Welsh Mbappé
Llbappé, perhaps? 
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Almost mate,it’s llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliombappembappembappe.
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They retired Jude Bellingham’s shirt number after the transfer. They have no grasp/understanding of Football. I actually fear for BCFC, having lost their ground and additionally (I believe) their training ground they have no assets and therefore no leverage with the banks.
My only optimism in terms of the ground, is that it is in the middle of a right sh*t hole and mainly commercial/industrial businesses. So i cant (touch wood) see them selling the land for residential property.
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The only Mbappe I want looks like a Teenage Turtle, puts the sh*tters up the opposition and in my opinion has the potential to take the best player in the world mantle off Harvey Elliot, sorry I mean Messi/Ronaldo.
On a serious note, I feel sorry for Woodburn to a certain degree.
When I first saw him play, I thought they would most likely try and develop him into a ‘Coutinho’ role/player. But our style of play has changed since then and not relied on a The false no.9.
I genuinely hope he builds on the positives of his recent performances and make
U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 7: Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn come into the season off the back of a strong year with both good results at U23 & U18 level combined with lots of first team gametime for young players such as Tyrhys Dolan, Joe Rankin-Costello and John Buckley.
The Lancashire club have developed a reputation for high quality junior coaching and an efficient system of picking up teenagers released from local clubs, for example Lewis Travis is a key central midfielder picked up for free after Liverpool released him from their U18 squad.
For a Championship club, Blackburn are running a smoothly operating academy providing plenty of players capable of contributing at first team level. They should be considered a model for other similarly sized clubs to follow.
| U23 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Jordan Eastham |
| CB | Sam Barnes |
| CB | Louie Annesley |
| RB | Dan Pike |
| LB | Lenni Cirino |
| CM | Isaac Whitehall |
| CM | Jalil Saadi |
| CM | Joe Nolan |
| RW | Connor McBride |
| LW | Sam Durrant |
| CF | Sam Burns |
| U18 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Felix Goddard |
| CB | George Pratt |
| CB | Ashley Famuyiwa |
| RB | Jay Haddow |
| LB | Georgie Gent |
| CM | Kristi Montgomery |
| CM | Charlie Weston |
| CM | Adam Wharton |
| RW | Harrison Wood |
| LW | Ben Fyles |
| CF | Evan Cunningham |
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Louie Annesley
- Position: CB
- Age: 21
- Nationality: Gibraltan
Annesley is one of those rare players who made an international appearance before playing a first team game (for Blackburn, at least). Capped nineteen times by the Gibraltar National team, the lanky central defender - previously on the books at Chelsea, Wimbledon, Cobham and Barnet - was picked up for next to nothing from Lincoln Red Imps in 2019. He possesses a calm temperament and a large physique, strong in the air but lacking athletically particularly when he gets turned thus leading to my comparison of Everton’s Michael Keane. Annesley is set for a loan move this year, having just signed a new contract, with League One clubs keen to take him. With Daniel Ayala struggling for fitness however, he may be kept around for the start of the season and possibly prove he can be trusted in the first team.
Connor McBride
- Position: AM
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Scottish
Currently more versatile than McNeil but it’s hard not to notice a striking resemblance between the two players. McBride takes every set piece and penalty for Blackburn while operating from the left wing, attacking midfield and sometimes the centre forward position. He isn’t the quickest player but he has excellent technical ability and quick feet, as well a strong build that allows him to consistently win in 1v1 situations at this level. McBride was both the top goal scorer and top assister in his first season after joining from Celtic, he could be set for a breakout year either on loan or at Blackburn.
Dan Pike
- Position: RB
- Age: 19
- Nationality: English
A real throwback of a full back. Despite starting his career as a winger, Pike has proven to be a solid defender in the traditional sense - late overlaps, tough tackling and good crosses from the byline. Pike began to make the push into Moybray’s reckoning at the end of last season, appearing on the substitutes bench three times. Blocking his path is the almost ever present Ryan Nyambe but Pike should be able to take up his place as the deputy right back this season. He may never be the most exciting wing back but Pike looks to be a very capable deputy and should see game time this season.
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U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 8: Tottenham Hotspur
Perhaps not surprisingly for a team that was led by Jose Mourinho last season Tottenham had a relatively low level of involvement from youth players, with only Steven Bergwijn breaking one thousand minutes. This time out Spurs have a much more youth friendly manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, at the helm and a talented group of players that could be pushing for meaningful minutes.
Having finished 3rd in the U23 Premier League last season there is obvious talent within the academy waiting to have their chance with the likes of J’Neil Bennett and Dilan Marakanday putting in impressive performances during this pre-season.
Another stand out performer has been sixteen year old Alfie Devine. Signed from Wigan in 2020 the midfielder went from an U18 to the first team squad in just a few months and will be a very important player for Tottenham U23s this coming season which promises another strong campaign at this level.
| U23 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Position | |
| GK | Joshua Oluwayemi |
| CB | Brooklyn Lyons-Foster |
| CB | Tobi Omole |
| RB | Marcel Lavinier |
| LB | Timothy Eyoma |
| CM | Nile John |
| CM | Alfie Devine |
| CM | Harvey White |
| RW | Dilan Markanday |
| LW | J’Neil Bennett |
| CF | Dane Scarlett |
| U18 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Position | |
| GK | Aaron Maguire |
| CB | Dermi Lusala |
| CB | Alfie Dorrington |
| RB | Dante Cassanova |
| LB | Jordan Hackett |
| CM | Jez Davies |
| CM | Khalon Haysman |
| CM | Oliver Turner |
| RW | Roshaun Mathurin |
| LW | Rio Kyerematen |
| CF | Jamie Donley |
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Oliver Skipp
- Position: DM
- Age: 20
- Nationality: English
Skipp joined Norwich on loan for the 20/21 season aged nineteen and immediately established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship. Starting fourty-four of Norwich’s fourty-six league games, the England U21 international proved to have a great passing range and a nose for the defensive side of the game. He has that knack of being in the right place at the right time, rarely needing to go to ground to win the ball back but instead being a terrier nipping at a player’s ankles. While he is not the quickest player he is more than capable of moving through midfield with the ball to get himself out of trouble. With Harry Winks failing to impress recently there is every chance that Oliver Skipp will beat him out for a regular role in the Spurs midfield.
Ryan Sessegnon
- Position: LB
- Age: 21
- Nationality: English
Let’s be honest, you forgot Sessegnon existed didn’t you? The England U21 international spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim, which proved to be a decent stint for the young man who has lost his way slightly since lighting up the Championship as a teenager. Acknowledging his previous struggles, Sessegnon said that his time in Germany has made him calmer in possession - a clear area for improvement - and if he can transition that back to the Premier League then he instantly becomes one of the most intriguing prospects in English football. The rampaging left back is lightning quick and has an incredible eye for goal for a player who is, on paper at least, a defender. Also capable of playing on the left wing, Sessegnon’s versatility makes him a prime candidate to force himself into Santo’s first team squad for the coming year.
Dane Scarlett
- Position: CF
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
If you were to ask any Tottenham supporter who the best player at their academy is right now then there is no doubt they would immediately respond “Dane Scarlett”. The London born centre forward has excelled at every level with an incredible scoring record catapulting him straight into first team contention at just seventeen-years-old. In pre-season, Scarlett has started well with a goal for the first team and Spurs management have reportedly ruled out a loan move as they see him staying in the first team squad as more important. A pure goal scorer, Scarlett has some strings to his bow but he is predominantly a finisher. A brief look at his youth career will show you every type of goal - headers, tap ins, penalties, long range strikes… he just loves scoring and there is nothing to suggest that will suddenly stop when he does indeed get more first team action.
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U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 9: Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are currently well underway in their youth team redevelopment project which has included bringing in some top rated talent from around the world. Moises Caicedo, Jakub Moder, Jeremy Sarmiento and Andi Zaqiri to name a few.
As well as those players, Brighton also have plenty of English talent trying to break through. Teddy Jenks and Jenson Weir are both England youth international midfielders who have been sent out on loan for the first time, while Haydon Roberts completed a spell at Rochdale last season and has set aims this pre-season as earning a chance to replace the outgoing Ben White.
Graham Potter is certainly not adverse to promoting youth team talent and this year will likely see lots of minutes for teenaged players.
| U23 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Tom McGill |
| CB | Lars Dendoncker |
| CB | Haydon Roberts |
| RB | Ayo Tanimowo |
| LB | James Furlong |
| CM | Marc Leonard |
| CM | Moises Caicedo |
| CM | Jack Spong |
| RW | Andy Moran |
| LW | Jeremy Sarmiento |
| CF | Cameron Peupion |
| U18 Projected Starters | |
|---|---|
| Pos | |
| GK | Tommy Reid |
| CB | Ben Jackson |
| CB | Leigh Kavanagh |
| RB | Casper Nilsson |
| LB | Zak Sturge |
| CM | Toby Collyer |
| CM | Samy Chouchane |
| CM | Jack Hinshelwood |
| RW | Jaami Qureshi |
| LW | Marcus Ifill |
| CF | Zak Emmerson |
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Jakub Moder
- Position: CM
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Polish
An example of Brighton’s excellent scouting system, Moder was plucked from Lech Poznan after half a season of senior football and immediately sent back to the Ekstraklasa club. However, due to his outstanding performances in Poland, Brighton recalled him in January and began to ease him into the grind of the Premier League. Immediately, Moder shone. Starting seven of Brighton’s last ten games, he received immediate plaudits for his all-action style and genuine two-footed ability despite often being used in an unfavoured left wing position. As rumours circulate that Bissouma could be leaving, Moder may well be transitioned back to his central role although the goal-scoring, box-to-box midfielder is a very different type of player. Note: The Athletic described Moder as “like Sergio Busquets”. He’s not.
Andy Moran
- Position: LW
- Age: 17
- Nationality: Irish
Moran was a top scorer for Brighton’s U18 team and began to step up to U23 level in 2021. The diminutive winger looks physically undersized, which may limit his first team chances this season, but he is lightning quick and his low-centre of gravity makes him difficult to knock off the ball. To supplement that he has a fearless attitude on the ball, constantly looking to drive at opposition players and confident in his ability to take on anyone. Now being linked with moves to Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal, Moran is one of the best prospects in the Irish national system and if he can fill out his frame he could easily push for some first team action at both club and country this coming year.
Haydon Roberts
- Position: CB
- Age: 19
- Nationality: English
Roberts spent last season on loan at Rochdale, gaining a valuable two thousand minutes of football in a physically tough League One. As an England U19 international he has been a stand-out prospect for a number of years and his performances at Spotland have put him in a good position to fight for a first team place this coming year. Ben White leaving certainly helps his chances although Dan Burns, Leo Ostigard and any potential new signings are more senior and experienced options for him to overcome. Ostigard in particular is getting a lot of hype with Brighton fans after a good season at Coventry but he has expressed a desire to leave on a permanent basis unless he is given first team promises which are currently not forthcoming. Roberts is the ‘modern of the two’, a stylish and composed left footed centre back, he is confident stepping into midfield and using pace to beat opposition players. Runs right through the heart of the pitch are not uncommon and would be especially useful in Brighton’s three at the back system.
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