After the raving reviews of
Championship starlets Wilfred Zaha and Charlie Austin we look at another 5 players hidden in the shadows
the Premier League.
1. Thomas Ince (Blackpool )
The
son of former England captain Paul Ince has the qualities every winger should
have, comfortable on the ball, good with both feet and also having the ability
and confidence to beat their opposite number in a one v one situation. “Tom”
was signed by Blackpool from Liverpool in the
summer of last year in the hope of having more chance of holding down a
starting eleven position. Tom didn't waste any chances and repaid Ian
Holloway’s faith in him scoring 8 goals from 41 appearances in all competitions
which included a goal in the play-off final against West Ham. However it was
not until this season that Ince’s merits are starting to really make Premier
League clubs sit up and notice, 11 goals in 17 appearances has seen Liverpool
try to sign back their ex youth prospect for a sum of 5 million along with the red
side of Manchester also battling for his signature.
2. Peter Whittingham (Cardiff
The
Cardiff midfielder has been on the radar of West Brom and Fulham over the last couple of months with
Fulham having a 2.5 million pound bid rejected. Whittingham is central to the
way in which Cardiff
3. Sam Byram (Leeds
United)
In
what for far has been a hit and miss season for Leeds United fans Byram has
been the shining light amongst hoof after hoof ball and takeover drama. One of
the few players who always looks to take the ball forward and attack the
opposition, both working an opening for a shot and beating his full back and
getting a cross into the box. Comfortable at both full back and wide midfield
his stamina and pace causes most teams to double up on him to try and contain
his quality. Along with immense attacking virtues he also backs the skills of a
steady and reliable defender, marking England
international Matt Jarvis out of the game in a Leeds
victory over Wolves. His goal against Oxford City is a perfect example of the
skills this kid possesses, weaving in and out of defenders and finishing it off
with a delightful dink over the oncoming keeper has left premier league clubs
like Everton showing an interest.
4. Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City
Having
a surname like Schmeichel was always going to bring pressure onto Kasper who
would always be compared to his father whenever he plays. However the Dane has
shown he is not just living off his father’s name. Although small in stature
his presence fills the back four in front of him with valuable confidence
especially when defending set pieces where he commands his area well barking
instructions at his defenders. His ability of being able to ever accurate with
kicking both from hand and off the ground gives his team Leicester City
5. Matthew Connolly (Cardiff
A
summer signing for Cardiff from Queens Park
Rangers has made a brilliant start to his career in Wales
