SAINTS SETTING SHINING EXAMPLE TO THOSE LOOKING
TO GROOM HOME-GROWN TALENT
I take a look at the
Southampton model and select an XI of Football League players who could
replicate the path taken by some of Saints’ stars
Getting an England cap isn’t as hard as it used to be; David
Nugent, Jay Bothroyd and Joey Barton all have one, heck, Carlton Cole has
seven!
It’s well-documented that our national pool isn’t as
vast as our rivals’ and a run of good form for your club can often mean a
call-up for a pointless international friendly in November (by which point in
2013, 55% of English players to have started top-flight matches this season had
caps for their country, compared to just 14% in Spain). For those
aforementioned (Cole aside) that is usually as far as it goes; a reward for
your overachievements in the last few months, a present for the grandchildren.
For others, it can provide the platform for a blossoming
international career, a test of the water to see if you’re good enough for the
next qualifier in March, or in this season’s case, a World Cup Finals. For that
reason, it can be a good thing to experiment.
Much was made of the inclusion of Southampton trio Rickie
Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the
friendlies with Chile and Germany in November, but the fact that Saints were on
course for a Champions League spot at the time justified their selection. For
the doubters, there were concerns over Lambert’s age, Rodriguez’s lack of goals
and a combined lack of top flight experience. Lallana, at least, has one foot
in Hodgson’s 23 after impressing in both games.
Each of them has been instrumental in Southampton’s
transition from relegation candidates to European contenders over the last 18
months. But for both Lallana and Lambert, their influence began in the third
tier. The former, a graduate of an academy which has produced talents such as
Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years. The
latter, a million-pound signing from Bristol Rovers, aged 27.
The pair helped fire the Saints to back-to-back promotions
under Nigel Adkins and while other key members of that side – such as, Guly do
Prado, Billy Sharp and Danny Fox – have been phased out at St. Mary’s, Lallana
and Lambert have remained as key players.
Football League talents in the shape of Rodriguez (15 goals for Burnley in 2011/12) and Nathaniel Clyne were added to Saints’ side
upon promotion. Rodriguez has his cap; Clyne will no doubt get one sooner or
later. The same goes for home-grown stars Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse -
Southampton are the model which all newly-promoted teams should follow.
There are enough players out there to do it; the likes of
Wilfried Zaha, Nathan Redmond and Dwight Gayle were all handed top flight moves
following their performances in 2012/13 - the former has two caps already. Step
forward Englishmen of the Football League; your caps await you.
Lee Grant (Derby County)
Formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley, Grant has been
a consistent Championship performer for almost a decade now. Still only 30 - an
adolescent in goalkeeping terms - it may not be too late for him to make the
top flight. England is probably a stretch too far, though beyond Joe Hart there's little competition.
Kieran Trippier (Burnley)
A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, Trippier was named
in last season’s PFA Team of the Year and has continued his fine form in to
2012/13 as the Clarets ended the year in second. He’s been the source of many
of Danny Ings’ 15 goals so far.
Sam Byram (Leeds United)
Still only 20, the academy product has played over fifty
games for the Whites. His versatility allows him to play as either a
centre-half or right-winger as well as his natural position as a full-back.
Liam Moore (Leicester City)
The young defender was thrust in to the first-team in early 2013 following an injury to Wes Morgan, having recently completed a loan spell at Brentford. He has since made the position his own and was named
Football League Player of the Month in September.
Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich Town)
The former Tranmere full-back was linked with the top flight
over the summer but nothing materialised. Only 24, he has a reputation as a
set-piece specialist with an excellent left foot.
Tom Ince (Blackpool)
Blackpool have resisted attempts from several Premier League
sides to sign their prized asset in recent windows but may finally come unstuck
this month with his dad and manager, Paul, under pressure from the fans and his
contract set to expire in 2014.
Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City)
A former Manchester United starlet, Drinkwater has settled
well at Leicester since joining them in 2012, following a successful loan at Barnsley.
Drinkwater has contributed four goals for Nigel Pearson’s side in 2013/14, as
they top the standings heading in to the New Year.
Will Hughes (Derby County)
Constantly linked with a move to Liverpool, the 18-year-old
has put himself in the shop window with some accomplished performances in the
Derby engine room. The Anfield outfit have reportedly agreed a ‘first-option’
on the playmaker, who is valued at more than £10million.
Charlie Austin (Queen’s Park Rangers)
The former Burnley man has hit 11 goals since his £5million
move from Turf Moor in the summer and it’s surely only a matter of time before
the 24-year-old gets his chance in the top flight. Bricklayer to the Premier
League in five years would be some story.
Troy Deeney (Watford)
Deeney has been a revelation for the Hornets since his
release from prison in 2012. He’s registered 11 goals in 2013/14 despite his
side’s disappointing campaign. Released by Aston Villa as a youth, the
25-year-old will be hungry to prove them wrong in the top flight.
Danny Ings (Burnley)
Have I missed any? Let me know via @My_Big_Tackle on Twitter.
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