Young Guns Blog by John Jones.
Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea)
Having
impressed playing for the Exeter City first team whilst still a
schoolboy, it was not surprising that Chelsea acquired his signature in
the summer of 2017. Initially considered as a youth team player, he was
quickly moved into the first team environment and made numerous
appearances before his season was prematurely ended by an injury. This
also prevented Ryan Giggs having him available for selection for his
first matches in charge but will almost certainly be in the squad for
the upcoming Nations Cup matches. It can also be anticipated that he
will have increased participation in Chelsea first team games, thereby
providing valuable experience which will be important for international
matches.
David Brooks (Bournemouth)
The challenge of
performing in the Premier League now becomes the next chapter in David’s
career. It may turn out to be the perfect move for both player and club
as they conspire together in improving fashion. Having only had a
limited amount of Championship experience it is certainly a big step
forward. Even so, he has already shown that he can potentially succeed
in such surroundings with his displays for the Wales senior side. Some
of Bournemouth’s rivals may well rue that they hesitated when evaluating
whether to bid for his services.
Chris Mepham (Brentford)
It
was quite a startling season for Chris as he stepped out from the
obscurity of playing development level football at its start and
finished it as a senior international player, catching the eye of many
with his assured performances against accomplished opponents. This has
prompted some comments that a move into the Premier League may well be a
possibility in the near term. His club have already allowed some of its
star players to move on this summer and there may be a reluctance to
allow a further depletion of their resources. Another season of getting
fully acclimatized in the demands of Championship football may also be
beneficial to Chris personally.
Matthew Smith (Manchester City – on loan at FCTwente)
During
the 2 years Matt was a youth player at City, he played relatively few
times for the club’s U-18 side. This was because he quickly progressed
into involvement with the U-23 team, quite an achievement and an
indication of the talent he possesses. This was further endorsed by his
introduction to senior international football when used by Ryan Giggs as
a substitute during the Mexico match. Not surprising that the powers
that be at the Etihad Stadium decided that he is ready for a move into
first team football. Another challenge that Matt is expected to thrive
on and Twente fans will hope he can help drive the team back to
promotion into the Eredivise.
George Thomas (Leicester City)
George
was another who gained his first senior international cap when
appearing in the second half of the Mexico game. It culminated a season
of steady progress at Leicester after his move there from Coventry, a
Premier League bench assignment for the season’s final game a reward for
his endeavours. Hopefully, he can consolidate his reputation further
this coming season. Whether that culminates in a first team appearance
for the club is uncertain, a period of gaining first team experience at
Championship level may be what provides the greatest benefit to his
career at this time.
Harry Wilson (Liverpool – on loan at Derby County)
It
was a lengthy period between the time of Harry gaining his first and
second caps as he was seemingly coveted at Liverpool and yet some
distance from getting moved into the first team squad. As we know, it
quickly changed when the loan period at Hull was agreed. His first goals
at senior international level soon followed and he continued showing
his capability in the cauldron of Championship football was more than
adequate. Now comes a further opportunity to shine as he joins the Derby
squad. Competition for a place in the team will be fierce, as the Rams
intent is on securing promotion and have acquired the players they
believe can deliver.
Ben Woodburn (Liverpool – on loan Sheffield United)
What
lies in store for Ben is still a mystery at present. With Liverpool
including him in their pre-season squad, they are obviously in no rush
to discount him from continuing in it during the season. Rumours and
speculation that a loan assignment is a strong possibility has been
almost as hot a topic as the summer weather and it may be the eventual
outcome. Little utilized in first team games by the club last season, it
may well have been a correct decision as he continued to develop
physically. Now may be the time where an increased physical intensity of
games is the best way forward. Liverpool have a strong and deep squad
and have added more to it in the transfer window. No matter what, Ben
will very likely feature prominently in the Wales senior team matches
and fans will be anticipating his ability to excite them, as he did last
season. Just before going to print came the news of the loan agreement.
It seems a perfect fit for everybody. More to come in the weeks ahead.
Seven
young guns who will surely be important in determining how the future
fortunes of the Wales senior team develops. It certainly places Ryan
Giggs in a stronger position than his predecessors, as they started
their tenure as Wales team managers. A talented, experienced group of
players forming the basis of the team and an exciting number of
youngsters that are ready to bolster the strength of the squad further
as required. How much better of a team we can expect over the next few
years only time will tell, but the prospect of it being something
special is certainly one that I feel has a realistic chance to become
fact. Undoubtedly, I am jumping the gun by making a statement in such
fashion. Things have looked promising in the past and have for the most
part not ended in producing, this time I do feel that there is good
reason to be very optimistic. It is not a small window of opportunity
that I am forecasting, but the beginning of what may be an exciting few
years for the Wales football team. It is the fruition of a process that
has been developing over many years and so tribute needs to be given to
those who perceived it, refined it and continued to carry it forward to
the point we are at present. It could well be that when this present
group of young men are well established, others will be following in
their footsteps in climbing that ladder of success. That is what it does
seem to be in my estimation and I guess that I have to offer an apology
in advance if my enthusiastic narrative creates a disappointing
consequence in the future.
A high amount of very deserved praise
heaped upon these young men. It certainly has been earned, as it takes a
good deal of determination and dedication as well as talent to reach
the heights they have achieved. I am sure that they have been mentored
to realize that in many ways the hard work has only just begun. Much
more diligent effort will be required if they are to maintain their
position of outperforming the vast majority of their peers. Doing so
will garner the admiration and adulation of Wales fans as well as many
others.
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