Football Friends Online – When 90 Mins Is Not EnoughOne for the future - Nathan Redmond? (Video) - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough One for the future - Nathan Redmond? (Video) - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough

One for the future – Nathan Redmond? (Video)

The desperate form of Birmingham City in the Championship so far this season under Lee Clark has perhaps ensured that one of the brightest young talents in England has slipped under the radar somewhat. While everyone is raving about the undoubted potential of Wilfred Zaha at Crystal Palace, Nathan Redmond continues to be one of the few bright sparks in what is shaping to be a dismal season at St Andrews.

As shown in the video below, Redmond is a true orthodox winger. He can receive the ball on either wing and his first thought is taking players on and getting past them, whether it be through his blistering pace or through the tricks and flicks the 18-year-old also has in his armoury.

The England Under-19 international only made his league debut for the club last season where he shone with 5 goals in 24 appearances as the Blues were defeated by Blackpool in the Championship play-offs. Redmond also shone on the European stage, scoring one of the club’s goals of the season in their Europa League tie with Portuguese side Nacional.

Following last season’s play-off disappointment and the department of Chris Hughton to Norwich, this campaign is proving to be a difficult one in the Midlands. New manager Lee Clark has seen his ageing squad stripped of its assets while being restricted financially in his attempts to pursue replacements.

However, Redmond, though goalless so far has at least offered Blues fans some imagination when he gets the ball at his feet. Indeed, in their last outing, a demoralising defeat at home to Huddersfield, Redmond looked the one player capable of rescuing a point for the home side and went close to doing so on several occasions.

As with all young English players who shine at this level, Redmond’s future is hardly dependent on his club’s fortunes. As long as his performances continue to shine then the big clubs will come calling and already at times last season, moves to Manchester City were mooted. At this early stage in his career, a big move would be disastrous. Redmond is in the perfect place to continue his development and judging by what we have seen so far, it could be a quite sensational one.

Adam Mazrani

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