Fictional wonderkids or the real deal – attacking midfielders
My series of Football Manager wonderkids progress reports inches ever closer to the opposition goal with a look at some of the budding young Kakas and Gazzas. We hope.
Oscar (21) Chelsea
The Brazilian was voted the 37th best footballer in the world by the Guardian last year, and lived up to this lofty tag with his spectacular full debut against Juventus in the Champions League, scoring twice. He was one of the bright sparks in a transitional year for the Blues.
Serge Gnabry (17) Arsenal
It is never a total surprise to see Arsene Wenger blooding promising youngsters, and this young German tasted both Premier League and Champions League action for the first time this season. He is yet to taste regular action, but can expect a continuation in his development next season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (19) Arsenal
A more familiar face to English readers, the man known as the ‘Ox’ had a season that didn’t quite live up to the promise of his debut, but nonetheless warranted a new long-term contract.
Denis Suarez (19) Man City
No relation to Luis, the Spaniard is being groomed as a potential long-term replacement for David Silva, and made his debut as a substitute in the 5-2 League Cup win against Wolves.
Raheem Stirling (18) Liverpool
The teenage sensation became a poster boy for Brendan Rogers’ reliance on youth in the early part of the season, with some stirring performances. His form tailed off somewhat in the latter stages, but under the tuition of the Northern Irish manager his future can only be bright.
Lucas Piazon (19) Chelsea
Piazon has attracted inevitable comparisons to fellow countryman Kaka, but his Premier League debut was a tad bittersweet, both assisting a goal and missing a penalty in the 8-0 win over Aston Villa. He was loaned out to Malaga for the second half of the season, and could yet see his stay there extended.
Kerim Frei (19) Fulham
The Turkish-Swiss youngster made no great waves this season, with a short loan spell at Cardiff followed by a swift recall after just three appearances.
Jonjo Shelvey (21) Liverpool
Shelvey has had an eventful year, signing a new contract, scoring four Europa League goals, and being sent off against bitter rivals Man United.
Davide Petrucci (21) Man United
The Italian is yet to make a debut at Old Trafford, and he could have missed his opportunity, even struggling to get a game at Championship strugglers Peterborough, where he spent the season’s second half on loan.
Haris Vuckic (20) Newcastle
The Slovenian international has overall had a season to forget, rupturing his cruciate ligament in October. However, before that he scored the goal that sent Newcastle into the Europa League group stages.
George Green (17) Everton
Green has attracted Rooney and Gazza comparisons since Everton signed him from Bradford. Yet to make a first-team debut, he is one to watch for the seasons ahead.
Next up will be the strikers, and we all love strikers!
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