Top 10 - Players To Watch

By James Pearson   Last updated: 11th August 2008

Nicky Maynard Crewe

Maynard: One to watch

Related links

News

With the start of the new Football League season underway, skysports.com has a look at which players have what it takes to play in the Premier League (and haven't been there before!).

Nicky Maynard

At just 21, Nicky Maynard is skysports.com's pick to one day make it big in England's top-flight. Although the former Crewe man has recently joining Bristol City for a fee in excess of £2million - a club record fee - it is surely just a matter of time before he is playing in the Premier League. The Robins were just 90 minutes from the promised land last season and you would not get many betting against Maynard scoring the goals that could see Gary Johnson's side join the elite.

Michael Kightly

Had the one-time Spurs trainee been available more for manager Mick McCarthy then Wolves may have secured a place in the Championship play-offs. Kightly impressed for Grays Athletic after leaving White Hart Lane, form that saw him dubbed "The Ryan Giggs of non-league football". Although the 22-year-old is not a regular scorer for Wolves, when he finds the back of the net the Midlands club tend to win. It could well be Kightly and Wolves' season this year.

Jermaine Beckford

The former Chelsea and Wealdstone striker took his time before making an impact at Elland Road, but he more than made up for lost time last season. Beckford helped himself to 20 League One goals last term, a return that nearly saw Leeds promoted back to the Championship while also reportedly catching the eye of Derby County. Beckford's pace is undoubted and if he can improve his all-around game then Premier League clubs are sure be knocking on Ken Bates' door in the not too distant future.

Albert Adomah

Little is known about the promising winger, although Barnet are sure they have a player of real potential on their books. The 20-year-old played as a semi-pro for Harrow, before being bought by the Bees in January. Such has been Adomah's form since turning professional several Premier League sides are reportedly monitoring his displays. A good start to the new campaign could see the bids coming thick and fast by the New Year.

Lee Trundle

Although age is against the 31-year-old striker he is arguably the most gifted player in this top 10. While his move to Bristol City failed to bring about the level of goals The Robins hoped for, on his day he can win a game on his own. In his time at Swansea, Trundle became a minor celebrity in the game, with his extrovert displays of showboating bringing him to national attention.

Brian Howard

Howard will undoubtedly be remembered for the one defining moment of his career - the goal that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield. The 25-year-old began his career at Southampton but never made a first-team appearance before moving on to Swindon. He has not looked back since joining The Tykes in the summer of 2005 and was made club captain in earlier this year. Barnsley's current £10million valuation is preventing Howard joining a Premier League side.

Ferrie Bodde

One could not fail to have been impressed with this no-nonsense midfielder. Although he picked up two reds cards in his first season his midfield displays helped Roberto Martinez's side finish top of the League One ladder. Derby made three bids for the Dutch midfielder in the summer, but failed to get their hands on the 26-year-old, who penned a new contract with the Liberty Stadium outfit.

Dani Parejo

QPR pulled off quite a coup this summer in landing the Real Madrid youngster on a two-year loan deal. The 19-year-old had been training with Real's first-team before Rs chairman Flavio Briatore brokered a deal with Real supremo Ramon Calderon to allow the youngster to further his career at Loftus Road. With big things expected of Iain Dowie's side this season, Parejo could be the final piece of the jigsaw as the West Londoners seek their long-awaited return to the top-flight.

Akos Buzsaky

Expected to be another key man in QPR's promotion bid, former Plymouth man Buzsaky has all the attributes to hold his own at Premier League level. The Hungary international joined the Rs on loan from Argyle last summer before the move was made a permanent deal in the January transfer window. His consistent goal-scoring displays made him a firm fans' favourite in his debut season at Loftus Road. Next stop, the Premier League?

Jason Scotland

Jason Scotland's impact at Swansea City cannot be underestimated. Not only did he help himself to an impressive 24-goal haul, but his all-around displays and team-work were key to Roberto Martinez's side securing promotion as League One champions. Although there are the likes of Birmingham and Reading in the Championship this season, underestimate Scotland and Swansea at your peril. Scotland is equally adept with both feet and thrives on finding the back of the net.

Comments

John Smith (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...

Defenders often get overlooked when voting for favourite players. Just watch out for Richard Stearman at Wolves. Strong, Pacey, reads the game brilliantly. Already spotted by Stuart Pearce - any better receomendation??

Posted 16:19 17th September 2008

Shaun Ganley (Leeds United fan) says...

Fabian Delph, the next star to come out of the Leeds youth academy. He is just 18 years of age and is making regular appearances in the Leeds first team this season. He has great pace and great confidence to travel with the ball at his feet. Surely going to the top.

Posted 20:48 16th September 2008

Jack Bentley (Leicester City fan) says...

Max Gradell is gonna rip League One apart! Everytime he gets the ball it's exciting, just hope we can keep the lad!

Posted 00:42 13th August 2008

Callum Guest (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Watch Danny Haynes this season for Ipswich town. He really is going to make an impact on Ipswichs promotion hopes.

Posted 16:34 12th August 2008

Ben Wilkinson (Plymouth Argyle fan) says...

I Believe Lewis Mcgugan for Forest can be a shock this year in the championship and also look out for argyle's young winger Jason Puncheon, he was named in the League Two team of the season and hes only just turned 22, and we bought him for only £250,000, good business Sturrock!

Posted 12:51 12th August 2008

Colm Collins (Nottingham Forest fan) says...

I'm going to add to the hype surrounding Guy Moussi. Unfortunately I've only had the pleasure of watching him on Sky Sports once, but you can tell he's got a lot going for him: Great technique, very athletic, good vision for a pass and get's stuck in, all excellent qualities for a centre midfielder. Could be a revelation at the City Ground, well spotted David Friio! Honourable mention to Lewis McGugan, that kid is going to be huge.

Posted 11:55 12th August 2008

Gareth Pugh (Preston North End fan) says...

Jason Scotland player to watch please give the Championship some credit. Every fan froma club is going to think there player/s should be in the top 10. However what about Richard Chaplow, Billy Jones, Neil Mellor has got to be better than Scotland!

Posted 11:00 12th August 2008

Matthew Green (Watford fan) says...

Cannopt believe Lloyd Doyley is not there; definitely the best right back outside the premiership. Has been consistently good for 3-4 years now, equally adept with both feet, makes excellent overlapping runs, comfortable on the ball and a fantastic one v one defender. Kept Victor Moses very quiet on saturday

Posted 10:34 12th August 2008

Simon Miles (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...

Michael Kightly is the best thing since sliced bread, no doubt about it, if he keeps fit Wolves WILL be promoted this season, he WILL be our player of the season & he WILL be the championships top player. We would already be a premier league side if he had remained injury free last year but for some burk down at Sandwell Town!! Up the Wolves.

Posted 10:15 12th August 2008

Richard Hickerman (Sheffield Wednesday fan) says...

Mark Beevers should surely be up there, touted by a few premiership sides back end of last season and over the summer. He will be a rock for the Owls this season. Also, Tommy Spurr, Frankie Simek, Richard Wood, Jermaine Johnson and a fully fit Akpo Sodje (2 goals and an assist inside 19 minutes against Burnley before being stretchered off), all ones to watch this year as the Owls will finish well in the top half after last seasons dissapointing start.

Posted 08:17 12th August 2008

Matt Edkins (Leicester City fan) says...

After enquiries/bids from West Ham, Everton and Villa surely Joe Mattock from Leicester has to be up there....2nd youngest U21 player to play for England behind Walcott

Posted 16:21 11th August 2008

Noddy (Crystal Palace fan) says...

Victor Moses (17), Sean Scannell (17) and Nick Carle (26) will all have a massive influence on our promotion bid. All top players in my opinion. The rest of the Championship fans will see them in action and then you will understand what I'm taking about on why they are all so highly rated.

Posted 15:51 11th August 2008

Jasper Williamson (Darlington fan) says...

Jason Kennedy will once again ply his trade in the premier league! He is going to be the reason Darlington win promotion this season! I have no doubts about this!

Posted 15:42 11th August 2008

Marc Stimpson (Manchester United fan) says...

I have to admit to being a massive fan of Guy Moussi too. I follow nottingham forest as my local side although i support united and I couldnt help but be impressed by his commanding performances yesterday and throughout preseason. All that worry's me is that a premiership side like blackburn or spurs are sure to try and poach him after one good season with Forest. Lets hope the reds go up and Guy Moussi becomes a legend!

Posted 15:39 11th August 2008

Shaun Williams (Swansea City fan) says...

its nice to see Bodde, Scotland, and Trundle in the top 10. No Cardiff players theres a shame, hahaha , come on swansea !

Posted 15:38 11th August 2008

Oliver Jones (Leicester City fan) says...

Matty Fryatt is the player to be watched, he has always been a consistent performer but not enough goals, however after his brace on Saturday he will grow in conidence and rip league 1 apart....

Posted 15:33 11th August 2008

Elliott Bell (Derby County fan) says...

I think there are a few silly suggestions on there. Akos Buzaky and Jason Scotland? I strongly think Kris Commons will be excellent for Derby this season, he was brilliant against Doncaster Rovers, shame we couldn't get a result.

Posted 14:36 11th August 2008

Kirsty Tilley (Bristol City fan) says...

Nicky Maynard is an excellent player and should become a legend at Bristol City given time.

Posted 14:10 11th August 2008

Terry Cole (Bristol City fan) says...

Bristol City are being over looked again for a top 6 finish by all the experts. Yet according to the top ten players to watch on here we have Trundle and Maynard in the ten......My view is we have a strong squad.....keep watching over your backs lads the City will be up there again come May!

Posted 13:54 11th August 2008

Keith Maynard (Sunderland fan) says...

Martyn Waghorn will be the Young Player of the Season so look out for him! Last season he was amazing for the youth team I think he can be just as good for the first team.

Posted 13:48 11th August 2008

Page 1 of 2

Add Comment*

All fields are required

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

Character Count : 0/1950

Please tick here if you wish to receive emails relating to Sky Sports.com or any other companies, services or products related to Sky Sports.com

Please send me the weekly Sky Sportszine - exclusive content, features and competitions to my inbox every Friday.

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private