Players to look out for in 2006/07
Theo Walcott – Signed from Southampton during the transfer window in a £12 Million deal, Arsene Wenger is yet to unleash the potential ability of Theo Walcott onto the Premiership yet. Only signing professional forms in March when he turned 17, Walcott’s pace and short passing ability is liable to integrate him into the Arsenal set up almost straight away. Working on his game during his four months at Highbury, Wenger has been attempting to round of Walcott’s raw edges to ready him for another European and Premiership campaign next season. Much in the same light as Rooney, the young man is certain to have no fear when he makes his debut and having scored goals for the reserves already he has got Arsenal fans feeling that they possess another young star in the making.
Aaron Lennon –Nominated for a young player of the year award in 2006, outgoing England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has already claimed that the young Spurs midfielder could have been selected as part of the England World Cup squad if he possessed more experience. Working well as part of a successful Spurs team this season, he needs to add a couple of goals to his game if he is to become the finished article. Quick and pacey running from deep areas, Lennon’s speed is his major asset however his hard work has not gone unnoticed by many Spurs staff. Testing even the best of full backs, Lennon is looking something like the player which Leeds United believed their possessed when he was a 15 year old in their academy.
Michael Chopra – With the retirement of England legend Alan Shearer in 2006, there is now a massive void to be filled as a Geordie hero. No question that no one can man for man replace the former England captain but with a starting place within his grasp, Chopra could provide a different style of attack working off the aerial abilities of Shola Ameobi. Strong and aware of team mates around him Chopra could provide the goal boost which Newcastle need to yet again become the force they were under Keegan and Bobby Robson. With the services of Nolberto Solano and the creativity of Scott Parker, Chopra will have many chances to feed off and his cool head and calm finishing might just help him claim a place in the Newcastle starting line up after several loan moves which have shown just what he can bring to a team.
Harry Kewell – Finally settling into the Liverpool team at the right time, for the first while in a number of years the Australian winger is looking somewhat the player he was at Leeds in the late 90’s. Blessed with pace, awareness and a crossing ability he is an asset to Liverpool team when on his game. Adding hard work into the mix, Kewell potential can improve on his early career form in a talented Liverpool team challenging on all fronts in 2006/07 as they bid to regain their European crown. Playing well just off the front man or wide left, Kewell’s long range shooting ability has been demonstrated and warned defenders not to forget about the skills which he possess.
Nigel Reo Coker – Inspiring West Ham to the FA Cup final in 2006, midfielder Nigel Reo Coker showed exactly why he is captain of his team. Under the stewardship of Alan Pardew West Ham have enjoyed a highly successful season and will be looking to build on their foundations with another top eight finish next season. Working hard to win battles against the best players in the Premiership Reo-Coker has adapted to his first time in the top flight like a natural and has not looked out of place against the likes of Gerrard and Lampard. Providing a killer pass and also goals from midfield, the former Wimbledon player has the ability to make the England squad if he can once more inspire his team to over achieve next season.
Craig Bellamy – Free from his Newcastle nightmare under Souness, Bellemy has finally got his head down and started to play his game at Blackburn under the management of former Wales coach Mark Hughes who clearly knows how to get the best of his International collegue. Scoring goals and using his explosive pace, Bellamy has helped Blackburn to finish higher up the league this season that many expected. Working well with his team mates and for his manager Bellamy is a threat getting in behind defences and also working the wide areas. Scoring several spectacular goals in 2006, Bellamy just needs to add consistency to his game to be thought of as a feared striker in the English League.
Micah Richards – Announcing his arrival with a 92 minute equaliser in the FA Cup fifth round against Aston Villa, the tall Manchester City defender has not looked out of place in the top flight since being brought through by Stuart Pearce. A born defender himself, Pearce spotted the natural defending attributes of Richards during training and believed defensive qualities would help his struggling side have a solid base and he was correct. Adding an aerial threat from set pieces Richards does the simple things first in defensive situations and is not flustered by the big occasion. Challenging for a defensive role in the England set up with a bit more experience Richards brings a physicality which is similar to that of Ledley King.
Lee Cattermole – Joining a growing number of Middlesbrough youth players to make the first team Cattermole has played well since being called up by Steve Maclaren. Working alongside experienced defenders Southgate and Ehiogu, he is learning to play the game the right way. Part of the youth Cup winning side so famed at Middlesbrough he looks to have a big future ahead of him. With versatility one of his strengths he could win the affections of his manager by filling in, in several roles as Middlesbrough look to build on their recent domestic and European successes.
Aaron Lennon –Nominated for a young player of the year award in 2006, outgoing England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has already claimed that the young Spurs midfielder could have been selected as part of the England World Cup squad if he possessed more experience. Working well as part of a successful Spurs team this season, he needs to add a couple of goals to his game if he is to become the finished article. Quick and pacey running from deep areas, Lennon’s speed is his major asset however his hard work has not gone unnoticed by many Spurs staff. Testing even the best of full backs, Lennon is looking something like the player which Leeds United believed their possessed when he was a 15 year old in their academy.
Michael Chopra – With the retirement of England legend Alan Shearer in 2006, there is now a massive void to be filled as a Geordie hero. No question that no one can man for man replace the former England captain but with a starting place within his grasp, Chopra could provide a different style of attack working off the aerial abilities of Shola Ameobi. Strong and aware of team mates around him Chopra could provide the goal boost which Newcastle need to yet again become the force they were under Keegan and Bobby Robson. With the services of Nolberto Solano and the creativity of Scott Parker, Chopra will have many chances to feed off and his cool head and calm finishing might just help him claim a place in the Newcastle starting line up after several loan moves which have shown just what he can bring to a team.
Harry Kewell – Finally settling into the Liverpool team at the right time, for the first while in a number of years the Australian winger is looking somewhat the player he was at Leeds in the late 90’s. Blessed with pace, awareness and a crossing ability he is an asset to Liverpool team when on his game. Adding hard work into the mix, Kewell potential can improve on his early career form in a talented Liverpool team challenging on all fronts in 2006/07 as they bid to regain their European crown. Playing well just off the front man or wide left, Kewell’s long range shooting ability has been demonstrated and warned defenders not to forget about the skills which he possess.
Nigel Reo Coker – Inspiring West Ham to the FA Cup final in 2006, midfielder Nigel Reo Coker showed exactly why he is captain of his team. Under the stewardship of Alan Pardew West Ham have enjoyed a highly successful season and will be looking to build on their foundations with another top eight finish next season. Working hard to win battles against the best players in the Premiership Reo-Coker has adapted to his first time in the top flight like a natural and has not looked out of place against the likes of Gerrard and Lampard. Providing a killer pass and also goals from midfield, the former Wimbledon player has the ability to make the England squad if he can once more inspire his team to over achieve next season.
Craig Bellamy – Free from his Newcastle nightmare under Souness, Bellemy has finally got his head down and started to play his game at Blackburn under the management of former Wales coach Mark Hughes who clearly knows how to get the best of his International collegue. Scoring goals and using his explosive pace, Bellamy has helped Blackburn to finish higher up the league this season that many expected. Working well with his team mates and for his manager Bellamy is a threat getting in behind defences and also working the wide areas. Scoring several spectacular goals in 2006, Bellamy just needs to add consistency to his game to be thought of as a feared striker in the English League.
Micah Richards – Announcing his arrival with a 92 minute equaliser in the FA Cup fifth round against Aston Villa, the tall Manchester City defender has not looked out of place in the top flight since being brought through by Stuart Pearce. A born defender himself, Pearce spotted the natural defending attributes of Richards during training and believed defensive qualities would help his struggling side have a solid base and he was correct. Adding an aerial threat from set pieces Richards does the simple things first in defensive situations and is not flustered by the big occasion. Challenging for a defensive role in the England set up with a bit more experience Richards brings a physicality which is similar to that of Ledley King.
Lee Cattermole – Joining a growing number of Middlesbrough youth players to make the first team Cattermole has played well since being called up by Steve Maclaren. Working alongside experienced defenders Southgate and Ehiogu, he is learning to play the game the right way. Part of the youth Cup winning side so famed at Middlesbrough he looks to have a big future ahead of him. With versatility one of his strengths he could win the affections of his manager by filling in, in several roles as Middlesbrough look to build on their recent domestic and European successes.