It's not easy to assess who is the best talent within the academy. The real test of the young lads is when they play at the higher levels and really the first team. Would it be the one who scores the most goals , or is the best passer of the ball or what?
Brandon Barker is an interesting one to consider. A year or 18 months ago his name was on everyone's lips as he put in some amazing performances. He was skinning full backs with skill and real pace and setting up and scoring goals and it seemed obvious he would get a look at the first team and " make it". Now it's all calmed down about him after an unsuccessful loan to Rotherham where I think he was messed about a bit but also I fear he didn't make the most of the chance even though in game one he started so well. He is back with us and still one of the better players in the EDS but the headlines are not there although he did have a special game away at Liverpool not long ago.
Brandon for me does have the talent to make it but I worry that there is a key ingredient missing which might mean he doesnt succeed at the top level , the City level as we are now.
Then look at Brahim Diaz. Such a wonderful talent and worth going to watch our 18's team just for him. He doesn't always have great games and he makes wrong decisions in the games but when he gets on the ball you definitely get on the edge of your seat in anticipation. When he gets the ball like in that short video and runs at defences it's just a fantastic sight. That one came to nothing as he got the final decision wrong I think but not long ago against Chelsea he got it all right and left players on the ground as he scored his goal. He was unreal in the second half of that game when we came from 3.1 down to win 4.3.
Compared to Brandon he does have more trickery in his game but I think he has that extra something which is a big heart. He doesnt give up. Great energy and determination and can be a threat to the opposition when they have the ball as he has a habit of nicking it off them. He takes stick but gets up and goes again. I do think he stands out and would be the best I have seen coming through but make no mistake there are a lot of others shining at the moment.
I think WW has one in Kean Bryan. Totally different of course to Diaz as he plays either center back or defensive midfield and I am also surprised he hasnt had a look in on the bench for the first team or gone on loan somewhere. That might be down to getting injuries at bad times but he is one to look out for. We have had others in central midfield like Ntcham , Byrne ( doing very well in Holland) Evans (now at Reading) Fofana but I have a feel that Bryan could make it with us.
Then we have some more of the current under 18's and the 16's who are ripping teams apart week after week. Included in there is Jadon Sancho another wizard of a player on the ball and like Diaz can run at teams and just kill them. Also with an eye for goals so the test for him was I see it will be as he steps up to see if he has the heart for the man's game when the going starts to get tough.
I suggest you all get along to as many of the youth team games as you can cos the future is wonderfully bright and blue.
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