Premier League Under-21 Team of Season 2010/11

[Mike.]

Premier League Under-21 Team of Season 2010/11

Premier League Under-21 Team of Season 2010/11 - WhoScored.com
by Paul McKinnon at Wednesday, Jul 20 2011 10:55

In a new series of articles focusing on each of the top five leagues in Europe, we take a look at the best young performers of last season. With only players who started the previous campaign aged 21 years old or under up for consideration, we use WhoScored.com’s match rankings as the starting point and moulded them into the most suitable formation available in order to create a balanced starting XI. First up is the Premier League:

Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal. Age 21. 15 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.62

The young Pole grabbed his first start in December and over the next couple of months, began to establish himself as the Gunners’ new number one. Szczesny picked up 6 clean sheets over his 15 games, making an average of 2.86 saves per match. Growing in confidence as the campaign progressed, he looks to have solved Arsene Wenger’s problematic goalkeeping position and seems set to be their long-term number one.

Full-Backs
Rafael, Man United. Age 21. 16 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 7.02
Ciaran Clark, Aston Villa. Age 21. 19 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.71

Man United’s Rafael takes the right-back slot, with Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa filling in at left-back. Both players bring different aspects of their game to the role and offer a nice balance on the flanks- Rafael has more of an attacking edge to his play, while Clark’s superior physical game is more solid at the back having played at centre-back for much of his early career. The versatile defender is also a threat from set-pieces.

Rafael’s ability to beat an opponent is highlighted by his 0.9 successful dribbles to Clark’s 0.3, and he also averaged 0.8 crosses, with Clark a minimal 0.1. Rafael’s quality in possession sees an 80% pass accuracy and 1 key pass per game, compared to Clark’s 77% and 0.3 respectively.

Clark’s threat from set-pieces helped him make 0.6 shots per game scoring 3 goals in the process, while Rafael had 0.4 shots per game but failed to find the net. Defensively, Rafael averaged more tackles - 3.6 to Clark’s 2.8 - but the Villa man impressed elsewhere, with 2.3 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game; Rafael made 2 and 2.3 respectively, a clear indication of Clark’s defensive superiority. The Villa man also managed 0.5 blocked shots per game, while Rafael failed to make any.

Centre-Halves
Chris Smalling, Man United. Age 21. 16 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.83
Phil Jones, Blackburn Rovers. Age 19. 26 appearances. Who Scored.com Rating 6.71

Alex Ferguson’s recent transfer policy of targeting young, English players with plenty potential is vindicated here. Smalling, having joined United from Fulham last summer, went on to exceed expectations with some sterling performances in the heart of defence as cover for the injured Rio Ferdinand. Jones’ performances for Blackburn, both in central defence and the centre of midfield, subsequently earned him a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the pair seen as the long-term successors to Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

The pair’s stats already suggest they should complement each other’s game naturally; Smalling is far superior in the air (75% to 50%) and more assured in distribution, with a 77% pass accuracy compared to Jones’ 62%. Jones proved the better of the two in challenges, though- he made 2.9 tackles and 2.9 interceptions to Smalling’s 1.4 and 1.3, though Smalling has better timing in the challenge, making 0.8 fouls per game to Jones’ 1.

Smalling’s reading of the game meant he made 6.5 clearances, with Jones on 4.6 and
both players were identical for blocked shots, with 0.6 per game. As goal threats, Smalling averaged 0.4 and Jones 0.5 shots but neither scored nor assisted last season.

Double Pivot
James McCarthy, Wigan. Age 20. 24 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.80.
Jordan Henderson, Sunderland. Age 21. 37 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.96

As a youngster at Hamilton, McCarthy caught the eye of many Premier League sides and a move to Wigan has afforded him the first-team experience he may not have gained at a bigger club. Consistently impressive in both possession and in the challenge, it won’t be long before a side snaps him up much further up the table. Henderson’s season saw him emerge as a key creative presence in the Sunderland team and his displays for the Black Cats have subsequently seen him move to Liverpool for £20m this summer.

McCarthy’s 2.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions saw him break up play time and again, and he takes on the role of the enforcer in our central midfield. Henderson, on 1.7 tackles and 1.7 interceptions, still shows an energy to battle in the challenge. McCarthy’s tough tackling approach sees him make almost double the number of fouls as Henderson, with 1.3 to 0.7 per game.

A look at the pair’s distribution shows McCarthy has a fantastic 84% pass accuracy, with Henderson not too far behind on 81%. Both have a variety to their passing, with McCarthy making 2.2 long balls and Henderson 3.5 long balls per game. Henderson’s role as our deep-lying creator is highlighted by his eye for a killer pass, with a fantastic average of 2.2 key passes per game, with McCarthy’s safer approach leading to just 0.8 key passes. Again, this represents a better balance in our double pivot’s partnership.

As attacking threats, McCarthy managed 0.7 shots per game and scored 3 goals in his 24 appearances, proving to be a better finisher than Henderson. The new Liverpool man also scored 3 goals, but with 0.9 shots per game over 37 appearances, took 33 shots to McCarthy’s 17. Both are comfortable taking on an opponent, too- McCarthy made 0.7 successful dribbles per game, edging ahead of Henderson on 0.6.

Attacking Midfield Three
Theo Walcott, Arsenal. Age 22. 28 appearances.WhoScored.com Rating 6.88
Jack Wilshere, Arsenal. Age 19. 35 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 6.95
Gareth Bale, Tottenham. Age 21. 30 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 7.19

North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs supply all three of our attacking midfield trio. Jack Wilshere, so often used in defensive central midfield last season, plays just behind the front man, while Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott offer blistering speed and trickery out wide.

Wilshere’s ability to take a man on and find space in his deep-lying position last season is shown by his 1.7 successful dribbles- an exceptional figure for a central midfielder, and greater than Walcott’s 1.2, though Bale’s brilliance on the flank saw him make 2.1 on average.

Wilshere also made the most key passes of the three, with 1.7 per game just ahead of Bale (1.6) and more than double Walcott’s 0.8, and Wilshere also has the best pass accuracy, with 86%. Walcott impresses on 83%, with Bale back on 74%. Bale averaged 2 successful crosses per game, offering fantastic delivery from out wide, though Walcott’s more advanced role on the Arsenal right saw him make only 0.4.

When it comes to goal threat, Walcott’s more attacking role means he made 2 shots per game, with Bale on 1.6 and he edges it here for goals, with 9 compared to 7 from Bale. Walcott also grabbed the most assists, picking up 7, with Wilshere making 3 and Bale, surprisingly, only managing 1 assist. The stats show there is plenty of variety amongst the midfield trio, with skill, creativity and goal threat shared amongst them.

Forward
Andy Carroll, Liverpool. Age 22. 19 appearances. WhoScored.com Rating 7.23

Carroll earns his place as our lone front in the 4-2-3-1 with his barnstorming performances for Newcastle last season prior to his January switch to Anfield. His 19 appearances saw Carroll average 3.2 shots per game, finding the net 11 times. The big hit man also averaged 1.2 key passes, picking up 3 assists. With just 0.5 successful dribbles per game, it’s clear his game is not about agility on the ground- instead; Carroll’s brilliant 62% aerial duel success rate shows just where his strengths are.

 

[Mike]

That's a pretty good team, using the same formation I'd have probably said the same. Nice to see the majority of the team British.

 

[*Jones*]

Pretty neat article. Nice to have 2 players in there

Be interesting if someone made this an FM team - just to be off topic..

 

[Calum]

That's a pretty good team, using the same formation I'd have probably said the same. Nice to see the majority of the team British.

I agree with Mike, not a bad team there

 

[Joss]

Good side...

Henderson/Wilshere combination is interesting. They seem - at the most basic level - to have fairly similar games in that they both prefer to drive from deep, taking it past opponents (Henderson made more dribbles - 0.6 - than Kieran Richardson last season, although admittedly gets nowhere near Wilshere in that respect).

Considering their respective kppg statistics, I would be far more inclined to swap those two players (they could always swap positions during the match, and that would help McCarthy in a 'destroyer' role - his attacking duties reduced, he could cover Henderson's runs, or we could switch to a 4-3-3 and drop him back to DMC.

Except that if we're going 4-3-3, then surely Jay Spearing has to come in? 2.5 tackles/game, 1.5 interceptions, 0.5 fouls. If we're going for versatile players, he also made 0.5 dribbles/game, and had an 80% pass accuracy (2.7 long-balls/game, comfortably more than McCarthy).

Couple of things I wasn't sure about:

With just 0.5 successful dribbles per game, it’s clear his game is not about agility on the ground

Admittedly, most of Carroll's goals came via his head, but this seems to downplay his ability on the ground somewhat. He's more than just a target-man - happy to hold up the ball and get on the end of crosses - he can shoot from range, and does a great job of starting attacks (shown by his solid 1.2 kppg, although he only made 0.2 through balls/game at NC).

Jack Wilshere, so often used in defensive central midfield

I think I know what he means, but it's not really true... It was a hybrid role - if that - but it certainly wasn't DMC.

 

[GodCubed]

Interesting article. Boo at no Albrighton though.

Admittedly, most of Carroll's goals came via his head, but this seems to downplay his ability on the ground somewhat. He's more than just a target-man - happy to hold up the ball and get on the end of crosses - he can shoot from range, and does a great job of starting attacks (shown by his solid 1.2 kppg, although he only made 0.2 through balls/game at NC).

Well yes, but it doesn't say he was **** on the ground. It said his game is not about agility on the ground, which is entirely true.

 

[Joss]

On a related note..

-------------------


Young Guns of 2011/12? Five Premier League Rising Stars for Next Season

Young Guns of 2011/12? Five Premier League Rising Stars for Next Season - WhoScored.com
by Paul McKinnon at Tuesday, Jul 19 2011 11:11

Last season saw the rise to prominence of several young stars in England’s top flight as youth was given more of a chance throughout the Premier League. The likes of Jack Wilshere cemented his place alongside Alex Song in Arsenal’s central midfield, while at champions Man United, Javier Hernandez took the division by storm, with the Mexican’s clinical finishing demoting Dimitar Berbatov to role of bench-warmer.

Further north, Andy Carroll’s towering performances for Newcastle saw Liverpool snap him up in the hit man for £35m in January and, on Wearside, Jordan Henderson’s displays at Sunderland have subsequently earned him a summer move to Anfield.

With this in mind, what youngsters can we expect to follow suit and establish themselves as real presences in the Premier League this upcoming season? We look at five players, all 21 or under, who could follow the lead of Hernandez and co and considerably raise their profiles in 2011/12:


David “Junior” Hoilett

The Canadian grabbed his first Blackburn start in November last season and ultimately played 24 times for Blackburn, with 17 of those appearances coming from the start. Having just turned 21 last month, Hoilett can play on the wing, behind the strikers or as a forward, with his skill on the ball and ability to beat a man a particular stand-out.

He was joint-top scorer for Rovers, with 5 goals; averaging 1 shot per game, this works out at 1 goal per 4.8 shots, an impressive level of finishing. Hoilett’s made 2.1 successful dribbles per game- put into perspective, Carlos Tevez made 2, and the likes of Florent Malouda and Antonio Valencia made 1.5 each, despite playing in far more attacking sides.

Hoilett’s distribution was 76%, the second-highest in Steve Kean’s side, behind Brett Emerton (78%), and his work rate was also impressive- 1.6 tackles per game was even higher than Rovers’ centre-half Chris Samba. Hoilett also made 1.2 interceptions per game and picked up 3 WhoScored.com man of the match awards for his displays. Only Samba (7.10) had a higher match average, with his fellow centre-half Ryan Nelsen tying Hoilett for second with 6.80 per match. If Hoilett gets more starts up front, he should be the man to watch for the Ewood Park outfit.

Martin Kelly

The 21 year-old played twice under Roy Hodgson but the Anfield return of Kenny Dalglish saw Kelly immediately installed in the right-back slot. Kelly started the first eight games of Dalglish’s regime -with the club chalking up four clean sheets- before a hamstring injury at West Ham in late February put paid to his season.

Dalglish has yet to address his problematic left-back area and it may well be that Glen Johnson will play there, with a fit-again Kelly on the opposite flank. A look at Kelly’s stats highlight just how strong he is at the back; he made 3.5 tackles per game, second only to Lucas (5.2).

Johnson beats Kelly by 1.7 interceptions to 0.8, but made only 2.5 tackles in comparison. Kelly was also far superior when it came to clearances, with 5.5 to Johnson’s 2.9. Although he made far more challenges per game, Kelly only made 0.5 fouls per game to Johnson’s 0.9.

Going forward, Kelly was almost on a par with Johnson (0.8 to 0.9) for key passes and delivered more crosses on average, 0.7 to 0.5.

Kyle Walker

Another right-back on our list, 21-year-old Walker excelled during a loan spell at Aston Villa. Back at parent club Tottenham this season, the signs are looking good for Walker to nail down a first-team slot at White Hart Lane. He made 15 appearances for Villa last season, picking up 1 goal and 3 assists and is more of an attack-minded player than Kelly.

Solid at the back, he made 2.7 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game- compare this to Alan Hutton, Spurs most-used right-back, with 2.3, 1.4 and 3.2 respectively, Walker is the better in all three key defensive categories. He’s also great in the air, winning 60% of aerial duels.

Going forward, Walker was equally impressive- he made 1.7 successful dribbles per game, more than any Villa player and more than the likes of Aaron Lennon at Spurs, on 1.6. He also made 1 key pass and 0.7 crosses per game, adding plenty of impetus to the Villa attacks and with 77% pass accuracy, also proved comfortable in possession.

Marc Albrighton

The right winger had a great start for Aston Villa last season but found himself sidelined as the season progressed as Gerard Houllier turned to more experienced heads with the club struggling to get points on the board. With Ashley Young and Stewart Downing both leaving this summer, however, Albrighton looks set to make the position his own this season under new boss Alex McLeish.

Albrighton offered Villa much more defensive graft than both Young and Downing last term- he made 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, compared to Downing (1 & 1.7) and Young, with 0.9 and 1 respectively, his number of challenges were considerably higher. McLeish likes his wide men to offer plenty of industry and Albrighton’s stats definitely fit the bill.

With 1.3 successful dribbles on average, his ability to beat an opponent was also greater than the other two wide men combined- Downing managed 0.7 and Young 0.5. Albrighton grabbed 5 goals and 4 assists in total, averaging 1.1 shots and 1.2 key passes per game. His 1.2 crosses and 72% pass accuracy (the latter identical to Young) saw Albrighton’s game impress across all areas and, given the chance by Big Eck, the 21 year old should become a mainstay in the Villa first XI.

Victor Moses

With Charles N’Zogbia linked to the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Sunderland, a move away from Wigan seems inevitable for the left winger. In the shape of 20-year-old Victor Moses, Roberto Martinez has a ready-made replacement. Moses has been gradually introduced into first-team matters since his move from Crystal Palace a couple of years ago, with last season seeing 13 of his 21 appearances coming as a sub.

An adaptable wide man, Moses’ 8 starts saw him play 4 games as a left winger and 4 on the right. While N’Zogbia made 32 starts, he only made 2 assists more than Moses, with 5 to the youngster’s 3. Moses will need to step up a gear to replicate the stats of N’Zogbia and a comparison with the Frenchman is perhaps unfair here.

Moses’s ability to taken a man on is his main strength- he made 1.3 successful dribbles per game and if N’Zogbia leaves, he’d be the second top here, behind Mohamed Diame on 1.6. With 0.8 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, much of his stats are skewed by the many sub appearances he made but it’s clear Moses has the ability. Defensively, he also made 0.7 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, but that side of his game is not his strong point.

Moses has also been rumoured to be the subject of a bid from QPR if Adel Taarabt leaves Loftus Road, with old Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock a strong admirer. N’Zogbia’s departure, though, looks like giving Moses a stage for his talents to shine at Wigan and the season ahead looks likely to provide his big breakthrough.

Other to consider…

Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs looks like being Arsenals’ first-choice left-back this season in light of Gael Clichy’s move to Man City but with just 4 starts last season, the 21-year-old’s stats are too minimal to fairly analyse for the purpose of our article. Man United’s 20-year-old keeper David de Gea will play a major part in their season, but similar to 20-year-old Mario Balotelli, his higher profile excludes him from consideration here.

A move for Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona would perhaps offer 20-year-old Aaron Ramsey an opportunity in the Arsenal midfield, though Arsene Wenger has vowed to hold on to his skipper and may even splash the cash in the event of his leaving. Man United’s versatile full-back Fabio should come into the equation more at Old Trafford- the 21-year-old should see more game time following John O’Shea’s transfer to Sunderland and offers cover on both flanks, though he is likely to provide back-up to twin brother, Rafael, and Patrice Evra.

Daniel Sturridge, subject of yesterday’s WhoScored.com Blog, will also play a major part if he earns a loan move but having already come under the microscope, the 21-year-old needs no further analysis here.

---------- Post added at 06:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 PM ----------

Interesting article. Boo at no Albrighton though.



Well yes, but it doesn't say he was **** on the ground. It said his game is not about agility on the ground, which is entirely true.

Yeah I know, but it still neglects his ability on the ground IMO. Not a major thing, just a little simple to call him a "hit man" and point out his aerial success-rate when they go into more detail for all of the other players.

Where would Albrighton fit in? Ahead of Walcott?

 

[GodCubed]

Yeah I know, but it still neglects his ability on the ground IMO. Not a major thing, just a little simple to call him a "hit man" and point out his aerial success-rate when they go into more detail for all of the other players.

Where would Albrighton fit in? Ahead of Walcott?

Yeah, since I have problems with fitting 22 year olds into under-21 teams. yes I understand Walcott was 21 when the season started fuckoff

In all seriousness he shouldn't really. I'm happy enough with Clark being in there. Interesting points raised about his ability at set-pieces, shades of Laursen in him in that respect.

 

[Joss]

Yeah, since I have problems with fitting 22 year olds into under-21 teams. yes I understand Walcott was 21 when the season started fuckoff

In all seriousness he shouldn't really. I'm happy enough with Clark being in there. Interesting points raised about his ability at set-pieces, shades of Laursen in him in that respect.

He's a very good prospect, I think. Coped well with the step up - partly perhaps because of McAllister's short reign? Just a pity he had to be Irish.

 

[Nil Satis Nisi Optimum]

Did Bale only get 1 assist all season!? Woahh!

I also would have had Seamus Coleman in their but hey.. im biased.

 

[GodCubed]

He's a very good prospect, I think. Coped well with the step up - partly perhaps because of McAllister's short reign? Just a pity he had to be Irish.

It was to do with *mentally sorts through all managers we've had recently* Kevin MacDonald, who I assume you mean. He knew Clark from the reserves and brought him up. He's coped extremely well in central defence, at left-back and even in defensive midfield: the wonderful long-ranger he scored against you was from midfield.

Funny you should say that, actually. He was born in London and captained England at U-18 and U-19 levels, but cause Pearce didn't pull his finger out he opted for Ireland. Shame.

 

[Nil Satis Nisi Optimum]

It was to do with *mentally sorts through all managers we've had recently* Kevin MacDonald, who I assume you mean. He knew Clark from the reserves and brought him up. He's coped extremely well in central defence, at left-back and even in defensive midfield: the wonderful long-ranger he scored against you was from midfield.

Funny you should say that, actually. He was born in London and captained England at U-18 and U-19 levels, but cause Pearce didn't pull his finger out he opted for Ireland. Shame.

Is Clarke the lad who scored 2 goals against Arsenal or Liverpool i think it was?

 

[Joss]

It was to do with *mentally sorts through all managers we've had recently* Kevin MacDonald, who I assume you mean. He knew Clark from the reserves and brought him up. He's coped extremely well in central defence, at left-back and even in defensive midfield: the wonderful long-ranger he scored against you was from midfield.

Funny you should say that, actually. He was born in London and captained England at U-18 and U-19 levels, but cause Pearce didn't pull his finger out he opted for Ireland. Shame.

MacDonald, McAlister - what's the difference?

You mean the "wonderful long-ranger" from the edge of the box that wouldn't have gone in and John Carew not stood in front of Fabianski in an offside position?

Pearce is a bell-end. Yay! We have Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Bertrand as our U21 LBs. Or... We could have SOME defensive solidity. Jheez.

 

[Sam]

Subs:

(Insert a Keeper)
Fabio
Rodwell
Alrbrighton
Coleman
Sturridge
Macheda

Not sure if some a 22 there

 

[Joss]

Is Clarke the lad who scored 2 goals against Arsenal or Liverpool i think it was?

He scored 2 dodgy goals against us

---------- Post added at 06:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------

Subs:

(Insert a Keeper)
Fabio
Rodwell
Alrbrighton
Coleman
Sturridge
Macheda

Not sure if some a 22 there

Wtf has Macheda done to merit a place anywhere near the side? He scored a brilliant goal 2 years ago ago and has done sweet FA since. Coleman's 22.

Keeper - since I don't know of anyone else, Frankie Fielding?

 

[GodCubed]

MacDonald, McAlister - what's the difference?

You mean the "wonderful long-ranger" from the edge of the box that wouldn't have gone in and John Carew not stood in front of Fabianski in an offside position?

Still sore that you couldn't beat Aston Villa reserves without conceding two, eh? And yeah, my memory seems to have added another 10 yards but weirdly subtracted the fact that it was a volley.

Pearce is a bell-end. Yay! We have Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Bertrand as our U21 LBs. Or... We could have SOME defensive solidity. Jheez.

Don't think Clark's future is at left-back, but hey. Hopefully Pearce learns from his mistakes and courts Nathan Baker (again a centre-back/occasional left back, again part Irish but born in England, but apart from that completely different to Clark) a little better.