100 Best Young Players to watch out for in 2014 - Part 3

16) Hakan Calhanoglu

Who is he?: Calhanoglu is a 19 year old who plays for Hamburg. The young midfielder has already been capped for Turkey after appearing in various age levels.

Back in 2013: He started the year on loan to former side Karlsruher in the third division of Germany. He enjoyed a successful season at the club scoring 17 goals and 12 appearances in 36 starts. He scored his first goals for the side with a brace against Braunshweig in a 4-0 win. He’s started 13 times this season and 3 appearances off the bench. He’s scored a total of 5 goals and 2 assists while predominantly featuring on the left hand side.

He started in all 4 games for Turkey in the U-20 World Cup scoring a goal and making another in the final group stage game against Australia. He’s played in a number 0f games for the U-21 side. He was on the bench for 4 of Turkey’s World Cup qualifiers coming on in the game against Andorra.

Looking to 2014: Calhanoglu has made the step up to Bundesliga admirably and has performed quite well for Hamburg. He’s adapted and will be looking to continue the good work come the second half of the campaign. Internationally, Turkey have failed to make the cut for Brazil 2014 so Calhanoglu will be looking forward to the qualifiers for the upcoming Euros.

15) Ravel Morrison

Who is he?: Morrison is a 20 year old midfielder who plays for West Ham. The youngster has appeared for the England U-21 squad.

Back in 2013: Morrison spent the first half of the year playing for Birmingham City in the Championship on loan. It was in 2013 that he featured in a more attacking role. Morrison started 23 games for Birmingham and made 4 appearances off the bench. He scored 3 goals and 3 assists in the season and by all accounts, the loan spell was a constructive one. After 2 appearances off the bench, he got his first start of the season in the 0-0 draw against Southampton. He scored his first league goal of the season in the next game against Everton. He’s added a further 2 goals (including 1 in a 3-0 win against Spurs) and 3 assists in the league. He’s also scored twice in the Capital One Cup.

His good run of form this season has led to him breaking into the U-21 squad for England. He’s made 3 appearances for them thus far and scored a brace against Lithuania.

Looking to 2014: It’s always been a question of temperament rather than talent for Morrison and it looks like he’s finally got his head straight. Building on the first half of the season is vital for his career and indeed for West Ham’s prospects. As for World Cup ambitions, making the 23 is a big ask but a great run of form towards the end of the season certainly wouldn’t hamper his chances.