I think all Saints fans appreciate how good Clyne is for us. And he's definitely one of the best RB's in the league. But RB in particular is seen as a much more attacking role by most pundits now and that's an area that Clyne could improve I think.
I think he already is improving in that area, he has consistently got past the opposing LB this season. The only reason I didn't pick him in the poll is that I wanted to highlight the current graduates of our own academy. It's true that in Clyne we have taken a good young Championship player and moved him to the next level but in terms if what we as a club have produced that isn't such an achievement as what we have done with the likes of Shaw or JWP.
In order of very best to best - 1 Morgan 2 JWP 3 Wanyama 4 Clyne 5 shaw But I'm always going to get more excited by academy graduates.
I agree with you, Chilco. JWP has come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months or so, just as Shaw did slightly before him. It may be that Shaw has another leap in class. These things tend to go like this. Footballer don't slow progress, but suddenly make the jump to another level, once all the new data has been taken in [I nearly said assimilated, but felt that was a little too Star Trek ] Like Fran, I can't quite count Morgan as a kid, even though he is still a relative youngster. What is also exciting me is that we have Harrison Reed waiting in the wings, who by the look of him is another starlet almost ready to come off the conveyor belt.
There is not a lot of difference between Shaw and JWP. Going on recent performances I have to say JWP just about edges it. Although if it comes to it and Shaw gets the vote there would be no disagreement from me as it really is that close. Those two youngsters have taken the bull by the horns and deserve the accolades they are getting. We are fortunate that the core of youngsters we have in the first team squad have all started to come really good from Lallana down. The afore mentioned though have to be regarded as the cream of the crop.
The great thing right now for me with Ward-Prowse, is that when he has the ball wide in an advanced position, I'm beginning to get that feeling of "expecting" something to happen that you get with the very best players. Used to get it with Tiss all the time, even on a bad game. It's different with JWP of course, in terms of his play, but I now expect a great attacking cross to come in. Must be lovely being Rickie/Dani right now, knowing that kind of service is coming.
A lot of fuss was/is being made about George mells in the U18s. Stole him from Chelsea and is still 16 I think. Currently though ward prowse just seems to have the best technique in our team to be honest, his deliveries are class and it's been a while since we've had someone with that dead ball crossing quality. Shaw and clyne are arguably the best full back pairing in the league. Something I would like to see is either a keeper or a striker come through the ranks and do well as we've never really done that and that would signal a genuine step forward In the class of our academy ( if that was possible!)
From an outsiders view (Hull fan), I see Shaw as a more complete player out of the two, but both have the potential to lead your team. Your team/youth academy really is a special thing and many clubs are envious!
I voted Chambers because I felt bad for him. Really though, any of them. I think Wanyama has probably the most potential as he could be truly dominant, he needs to work out his on-ball stuff though. As good as Morgan is, I don't really see him improving from here, but that's completely fine. Clyne is very exciting, he's brilliant and has definitely been among the best at his position this season. However the big debate is obviously Shaw or Ward-Prowse... I'd have to say Shaw because we've seen his standard of production for long enough to know it's not just a flash in the pan. I'm not saying JWP is that, I'm sure he's not, but I want to take the slightly safer bet!
Chambers has huge potential. To fit in so smoothly when called upon was fantastic....if he wasn't standing in for Clyne he would have kept his place. Great experience for him...hope he plays Wednesday (although in my heart of hearts I'd like to play the strongest side in order to progress).
Got be brave Fran and show faith in these players Chambers has a fantastic 1st touch and control and looks like he can become a very good full back. JWP has gone from neat and tidy midfielder last year to all action pressing set piece marvel now, but I think Shaw has another level in him but I'd want him to try and put a similar effort into his crossing technique
Clyne was in Garth Crooks team of the week twice in the last 3 weeks so I wouldn't say he's under the radar. I think when you have a poll on which kid are you excited by, people are gonna opt for the youngest players, the ones who aren't even close to their potential yet, players like Morgan and Clyne are already top of their game(apart from international recognition). Shaw, JWP etc still have a long way to go so as they are already Premier league regulars, they will excite more. Oh and I've voted for Prowsie.
What's really exciting is that there are players like Turnbull. Targett etc that aren't really on our radar yet. Exciting times ahead.
Yeah, I would. He's consistently putting in super performances and gets over-looked. He ought to have pundits talking, he's that good. Luke Shaw, for example, will have several paragraphs written about him, but it's his opposite FB that has often been the more all-round performer. Besides, Crooks' TOTW isn't the most high profile of accolades, so Clyne can appear in that line-up and yet still be under the radar. I think it's fair to say that he even gets slightly over-looked by a few Saints fans too, unless I have grossly misjudged posters. I wouldn't change him for any other RB in the PL.
