Odd thread this. ATM JWP is an important squad player and has played an important part, although hasn't set the world on fire like some predicted. I think he may well become indispensable, bit early to tell. Pochy seems to rate chambers highly, I still prefer clyne but there's not that much in it. Good that he played most of the season though eh? Now we have 2 good rb's we can depend on. Had he not been played Clyne may have had a fantastic season, got poached and we would be facing next season with only an untested 18yo. Gallagher was played more because Osvaldo is a twat and Rodders knacked his cruciate. But it was good we had him there, couldn't re-call mayuka and he was sent on loan for a reason (not what we want). Too early to tell with him too but given the options I'm glad he played.
This thread seems to be as much about youth as JWP. I managed to decipher some criticism of Chambers from rabbitspectrum's post. He had a fantastic season and is a great back up for Clyne imo. But did anyone go to the last game at St Mary's vs Man U? The 20 odd minutes that Chambers played, that was one of the worst performances I've ever seen. He was obviously having a bad day.
As Mauricio says, sometimes you have to let young players fail in order for them to learn. Not many clubs risk that in the EPL..and judging by the last few matches, even MP doesn't want to. He said he would give the kids a chance, but didn't really. Chambers had a fantastic period when he kept Clyne out...can't begrudge him a bad day. I thought JWP was talented but lacked a certain spark, then he looked the real deal for a while...good at free kicks, corners etc...then MP went off him a bit and became more a squad player. Again, young enough to improve even more. England seem to play him defensively...few chances to get forward, probably related to other good attacking talent in the team.
Little late with that one, DTLW. I had announced that at least 9 minutes earlier. He also got 2nd in best goals of the tournament, which you didn't mention at all.
Undoubtedly going to be a massive season for JWP. He can cement his place & really become an integral part. Blimey, almost looking on a bright side there.
That's the only positive thing right now. If we sell our older established star players. The younger players would then hand a chance to shine. Maybe we will become the modern day Ajax of the premier league with the ability to achieve anything if we can keep our best youngsters for a few seasons before they leave for the more wealthy clubs.
Actually, it's not true. Really, a club has some power to cash in on a player when he really starts to develop true potential. JWP has a long way to go [as does Shaw]. I'll post this article about football's glass ceiling once again: http://fourfourtweet.co.uk/league-riches-make-southampton-latest-club-prevented-from-progressing/
