You see them step on the pitch for the first time. Whilst their mates are learning the ropes, they are ready to step up and take their chance. Instinctively, you know some the young players are very different from the others. That, boys and girls, is how we feel when we spot a wonder-kid.
Have we felt same this season in the Premier League? Absolutely. Three young lads have stood out like Tom Cleverley would in the Brazil squad.
Adnan Januzaj
Blessed with the grace of George Best, Januzaj seems destined to take his place in the list of United’s great No 7’s. Grabbing his chance when handed his first start against Sunderland, the attacking midfielder scored an amazing brace to hand his club all three points. Januzaj keeps reminding Old Trafford faithful of a young Cristiano Ronaldo and halfway into the season, the question is not if he can live up to the Real Madrid maestro, it is if he can surpass him.
Phillipe Coutinho
After many false starts at Inter Milan and Espanyol, Coutinho has found his feet at Anfield. His vision and quick feet make him a brilliant accomplice to the Luis Suarez act and while not chewing off defenders like the Uruguayan, he has steadily remained a defender’s nightmare.
Ross Barkley
It will be increasingly difficult for Ross Barkley, as he comes through the ranks at Everton, not be compared to Wayne Rooney. The two simply have too much in common. Just like Rooney, Barkley is punching above his weight and taking on defenders like a veteran. Just like Rooney, Barkley has nicked a few stunning goals in his debut season and just as Rooney once did, Barkley is looking like the future for England. The similarities are not endless though as Barkley does not look like he will ever need a hair transplant!
Januzaj, Coutinho and Barkley have so far given fans more reasons to enjoy the Premier League. Every football fan hopes these three continue to thrill and on the evidence of their talent, the chances that they will fade away are as slim as John Terry’s chances of getting handshake from Wayne Bridge!
Thanks for reading, The Clever Bets Team
