100 best young players to watch-out for in 2014 - Part 1

22) Eric Dier

Who is he? Eric Dier is somewhat of a rare commodity in present day football; an England youth International playing football outside England. The 19 year old centre-back plays for Sporting Lisbon.

Back in 2013: Having come through the ranks at Sporting, Dier has progressed to the senior side in Portugal. Dier’s versatility has come of good use as he’s capable at right-back, centre-back and central midfield, the last of which he portrayed in a run of games near the end of the 2012-13 campaign. Opportunities haven’t been that free flowing this season, with Dier starting 5 times this season and making a further 2 appearances off the bench despite being in the squad for all 14 of the games thus far.

He was a part of the England squad for the U-20 World Cup in the summer and played every minute of the admittedly short campaign. He’s part of the U-21 set up and started the qualifier against San Marino in a 4-0 win.

Looking at 2014: The Primeira Liga is wonderfully poised heading into the new year and Dier will be hoping to play a role in the second half of the campaign. As for his international career, he has to first and foremost force his way into Southgate’s first team before aiming for anything higher.

21) Ben Davies

Who is he? Ben Davies is a 20 year old left back who plays for Swansea City. He’s already a full Welsh International.

Back in 2013: 2012-13 turned out to be the breakthrough season for Davies as he more than ably filled in at both club and country level for the injured Neil Taylor. Davies established himself as first choice left back and even scored his first goal for the club against Stoke. Taylor hasn’t managed to displace Davies from the starting line-up as he’s started 17 of the 18 league games thus far in the campaign scoring twice to add to his credentials as a developing full back.

He made his senior debut against Scotland in 2012 and continued to start at left back for Wales in 2013.

Looking at 2014: He’s done well to keep Neil Taylor out of the starting line-up thus far and there’s no reason he cannot continue to do so in 2014, both for club and country. There’s bound to be speculation linking him to bigger teams.

You can read the other two parts here: Part 2, Part 3