Young English blood in the Premier League in 2012: a definitive guide

As the New Year edges ever closer, I thought I’d make a quick list of some young English players (under 22) to watch out for in the Barclays Premier League next year.

So here goes, in no particular order:

Connor Wickham (18)

The former Ipswich man has made the big jump to the Premier League this year without much success. At 6 ft 3 in striker, Connor Wickham is widely regarded as the future of England. His height and build enable managers to deploy him as a lone striker and he has great balance for a big man. He’s a great finisher too as he’s shown for the England U17 and U19 teams. With O’ Neill showing faith in him, look out for this lad to get on the goal trail next year.

Jack Rodwell (20)

Jack Rodwell has been regarded as the future of the English midfield for a couple of years now. Come 2012, with him getting a regular run in the Everton first team, he should really be one to make his mark. He’s strong, energetic, good in the air, agile and has got two good feet, something you don’t see in the best of midfielders. Like Phil Jones, his runs from midfield are almost always full of belief and cause the opposition defence loads of problems. Big year for the boy.

Jordon Henderson (21)

Jordon Henderson has had quite a year with his big money move from Sunderland to Liverpool. A real quality passer of the ball, he has great feet and can put in a good cross with that right boot. He can go box-to-box quite easily because he has great engine on him and with the experience of about a hundred games at Sunderland and a regular for Pool, at just 21, he is a Liverpool legend in the making.

Phil Jones (19)

Phil ‘superman’ Jones, as I call him, is THE signing of the season without a shadow of a doubt. Where do I start with this lad? What can’t he do, really? He can play anywhere across the defence or midfield (and I don’t mean like John O’ Shea) always putting in a solid shift. He has fabulous energy, great pace, and plays a great pass too, making him a great CDM. He’s equally good at the back. He’s wonderfully aggressive, makes a deadly tackle and is brilliant in the air. A definite future Three Lions captain, watch out for superman Jones next year! (And the year after that and the year after that…)

Tom Cleverley (22)

Tom Cleverley seems to be the answer to United’s midfield problems. He’s been quite influential in the Red Devils’ midfield engine so far this season but has been unlucky with injuries. He has the close-control, the off the ball movement and the energy to be a modern central midfielder. He has proved to be a midfielder that likes playing it simple, which he does to great effect. Always available for a pass even in tight areas and has a great eye for a one-two, it is this modern style to his play that makes him stand out among others. He is potentially the heart of the United and England midfield for years to come.

Chris Smalling (22)

United’s most improved player of 2011, Chris Smalling has been immense for United this season. A rock at the back, he has proved himself to be a great learner and a versatile defender. Playing wing back, right back and centre back, taking all these roles in his stride, Chris Smalling has established himself as a regular in the United first team. With captain Vidic out for another 5-6 months, Smalling stands a great chance of playing week in, week out. Having won his first England cap this year, I expect he will challenge Rio for the CB spot at the Euros.

Danny Welbeck (21)

After a successful loan spell at Sunderland, Danny Welbeck has been fantastic this season for Manchester United. He’s a striker with guile, energy, speed, deft touch and great finishing. His performances have kept Berbatov to just a handful of appearances this season and even kept Hernandez on the bench. He can play wide on the wings as well as through the middle on his own as well. 2012 promises to be a big year for the Mancunian.

Ross Barkley (18)

I personally rank Ross Barkley as the best thing England has seen since a young Wayne Rooney. He hasn’t been given too many opportunities this campaign by David Moyes, but Moyes has made it clear that he fully expects Barkley and Rodwell to run the Everton midfield for years to come. I find no reason to think differently. Barkley has a rocket of a left foot; he loves drifting into pockets of space and has a great eye for a pass. With a little experience under his belt he could easily break his way into getting an England call up and I believe that will come next year. Watch out for this Merseyside lad.

Josh McEachran (18)

Easily one of the best talents England has produced in a while. McEachran makes a great pass, has a great shot on him and is so wonderfully composed on the ball that it seems like he’s been playing for an eternity! With Lampard seemingly relegated to a bench role and AVB’s reluctance to buy another CM, it could be McEachran’s turn to shine. I hope he gets a run out because it’s a real joy to watch this lad play.

“Alex” Oxlade-Chamberlain (18)

He was dubbed the new Theo Walcott when in reality, he is much, much better than that. His strengths are obviously his pace and direct running but what really sets him apart is the maturity in his play. His final ball is almost always quality and he’s got a bazooka of a shot on him. Unmarkable at times with his trickery and craftiness, his talent promises wonderful things.

Jack Wilshere (20)

Jack Wilshere has had a year to forget, missing almost the entire 2011-2012 campaign so far with an injury he picked up in pre-season. Wilshere continues to be one of the best passers of the football with exceptional vision and with experience in playing in the Champions League and the national team. With a return to action scheduled for mid Feb, Jack Wilshere will be itching to get out there and continue from where he left off.

Daniel Sturridge (22)

Chelsea’s leading scorer so far this season tells you the whole story. In a team that boasts of the likes of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba, Sturridge has come out all guns blazing this campaign. Buoyed by his loan spell at the Reebok last year, Sturridge has been ruthless in front of goal, netting 9 times for the Stamford Bridge outfit so far this season. He takes defenders on at will with his pace, quick feet and wonderful change of direction. After earning his first England cap this year, Sturridge looks set to take his form into 2012.

Kyle walker (21)

What a year Kyle Walker has had, going from the Spurs reserves to earning his first England appearance. Walker made his full debut for England in a MotM performance against Sweden in 2011 and was also in the U21 European Championship’s ‘Team of the Tournament’ of 2011. He is very strong physically and is lightning quick, getting his team up the pitch in seconds. He has had a fantastic season for spurs so far, starting 16 out of 17 BPL matches. Naturally attack minded, he will give glen Johnson a run for his money for that RB spot in the Euros.

Jonjo Shelvey (19)

The 19-year-old returned to Anfield recently due to Lucas’ injury after scoring six goals in 10 games for the Tangerines. He won the Young Player of the Month award in November after a series of good performances at loan club Blackpool. He is tipped to be the long term replacement for Steve G and has a similar game as well. He’s had his problems with his attitude and injuries, but this lad has some real talent. He got his first start last week meaning 2012 couldn’t come sooner for him.

John Flanagan (18)

He made his debut against Manchester City in a 3-0 win early this year for Pool and what a debut it was. Earning plaudits for his aerial ability and composure on the ball, Flanagan made a big impression on the fans and the manager. A great prospect for the national side as well, Flanagan has a huge future ahead of him.

Martin Kelly (21)

A versatile young defender who can play RB or Centre Half. Tipped to succeed at club and national level, Kelly has made several eye-catching appearances for the Liverpool side as RB, putting in solid shifts. He has the shape and physique to be a central defender as well and is seen as Jamie Carragher’s long term replacement. The England U21 man has been scoring goals for the Three Lions, showing his prowess going forward as well. He’s been incredibly consistent when called upon and I could easily see him keeping Glen Johnson or even Dan Agger on the bench.