Saturday 25 July 2015 07:42, UK
Pre-season is in full flow and the 20 Premier League teams have enjoyed mixed fortunes at home and abroad.
The summer friendlies are a chance for the managers to work out their strongest XI, build up their players’ fitness and introduce new signings to their new style of play.
It’s also an opportunity for some of the clubs’ younger players to try and force their way into the first-team set-up for the season ahead.
Several English youngsters have been given a run-out so far this summer – but who has impressed? We take a look at a handful of players who have caught the eye…
Chuba Akpom – Arsenal
The 19-year-old has yet to score a competitive goal for Arsenal, but he showed his potential threat with a hat-trick against the Singapore Select XI in the Barclays Asia Trophy. Although against lesser opposition, the goals will have done no harm to Akpom’s confidence and if he continues to impress in pre-season, he could force his way into Arsene Wenger’s thoughts heading into the Premier League’s kick-off.
Jerell Sellars – Aston Villa
Christian Benteke’s departure to Liverpool means Tim Sherwood has money to invest in a new striker, but goals for Sellars and Scott Sinclair against Swindon have shown the Aston Villa boss it won’t be all doom and gloom without their Belgian talisman. Sellars then bagged a double against Forest Green Rovers in an even more impressive display, and the 19-year-old is clearly one to look out for.
Tyias Browning – Everton
With John Stones coveted by Chelsea, Roberto Martinez will have been pleased with what he saw in Browning, who looked calm and assured at centre-back in Singapore. The defender could be loaned out for a regular run of first-team football, but Sylvain Distin’s exit and a possible departure for Stones means there may well be a gap to fill in Martinez’s squad, and Browning – who made his debut as a sub in the Merseyside derby last season – could fit the bill.
Brendan Galloway – Everton
Deployed at left-back against Stoke in Singapore, Galloway showed some real promise with a good display both in attack and defence for Everton. Martinez has admitted the 19-year-old has improved much quicker than expected since joining from MK Dons 12 months ago. Also a more than capable centre-back, Galloway could also be another to feature in the Toffees’ squad more often this season.
Joe Gomez – Liverpool
Nathaniel Clyne may be the marquee full-back signing for Brendan Rodgers this summer, but the £3.5m capture of Joe Gomez looks to be a good investment for the future after the former Charlton man impressed against the Thai All Stars at right-back. He was then switched to the left against Brisbane and Adelaide where he looked equally comfortable, and the 18-year-old could be set for a big season at Anfield.
Jordon Ibe – Liverpool
Ibe has already made an impression on the first team, returning early from a loan spell at Derby last season to come into Rodgers’ plans and impress in the second half of the season. He signed a new long-term deal in May, and produced an outstanding display in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Adelaide United. Ibe has already spoken of how Raheem Sterling’s departure could be good news for him, and Rodgers has already given the 19-year-old a vote of confidence, saying he has bags of potential.
Brandon Barker – Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini is clearly keen on snapping up English talent, with the purchases of Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph a clear statement of intent, while they have invested heavily in Fulham youngster Patrick Roberts. Academy player Barker, however, has shown real promise in pre-season, netting in a behind-closed-doors win over Adelaide before impressing with a solid 45 minutes when he replaced Sterling against Roma, also showing some excellent footwork with a Zidane-style piece of skill to wow the crowd.
Jesse Lingard – Manchester United
England’s hero against Sweden in the European U21 Championship, Lingard’s next mission is to break into the first team at Manchester United. Competition will be fierce after a host of top signings, and the likes of Andreas Pereira and Memphis Depay getting on the scoresheet against San Jose won’t help him. He spent the second half of the season on loan at Derby and another spell away from Old Trafford could be on the cards, but he set up Pereira’s goal with a fine cross and enjoyed a solid 45 minutes in the Avaya Stadium.
Ollie Shenton – Stoke
We only saw him for 45 minutes in the Asia Trophy, but Shenton looked at home in midfield against Everton alongside Steve Sidwell in a holding role. The 17-year-old has admitted he would love to emulate Harry Kane – not in terms of goals, but in terms of his rise in stature to become an indispensable member of the first team. Mark Hughes has a host of midfielders at his disposal so a lengthy first-team run may not be forthcoming this season, but the Potters boss knows he has a talented player to bring through in case of injury, although he may be keen to send the youngster out on loan.
Matt Grimes – Swansea
Since signing for £1.75m from Exeter in January, Grimes has been limited to three appearances off the bench towards the back end of the season. But the 20-year-old has impressed in pre-season, and opened his Swans account with a cool finish to secure a draw against Borussia Monchengladbach. He faces stiff competition with the more established members of Garry Monk’s midfield, but scoring against the side that finished third in the Bundesliga will do his cause no harm at all.
