Can anyone who watches the U21 regularly give an opinion on how these players are developing and whether any of them look anything like getting near the first team within the next year? The only one I've seen first hand is Clarke who although technically gifted I do feel his stature greatly hampers his game.
Yes i can. First i will say that barnsley don't have any players that aren't good on the ball at u21 level. From Goalkeeper to centre back all the way through to striker. All good on the ball. Jones, Looks ok. Decent on the ball and can play centre back or right back. Will go in for a tackle. Not a small footballer. Rooney. improved a lot since first playing for the 21's. Got a decent pass on him and can hit a shot from range. Captain today which i think says something about his development. Knight, again good on the ball. Not the biggest of players can could probably play out wide or in a attacking central role. Clarks a very talent player on the ball. He's got it all on the ball. smallish player who could play out wide or in a central attacking position. He took a player on three times today and then passed the ball. His size comes at an advantage when on the ball with that low centre of gravity he can twist and turn and get away from players. when he was with the u18's in his first year he could hit a shot very well. Rose, keeps improving. Didn't get chance today to score but when he does there isn't another player like him one on one at the club. Poacher.
Thanks for the insight Hemsworth. If these players can develop under Flickers guidance the way the likes of Golbourne, Stones, Mellis and Etuhu have then they're in for some future!
I would expect depending on division, two former academy players to be first 18 and 1 to be a first 11 player at least if we are a champ team next season. I hope most of the first year pro's are given contracts and we can build a u21 squad. I would like to see Jones in the first team for a game. Couple of years away but George Smith could be a player.
The most impressive of the bunch when I've seen them this season. Although I do like the lad Oates up top.
Should we be concerned that the U21 team is rock bottom of their division with only 2 wins from 19 games?
I wouldn't be. It's not about winning for me because you don't know the strength of the other teams. Barnsley played against Leicester earlier on this season and they played. 3 outfield over 21's and an over aged keeper. Also schlupp and Moore i think. Futács, Waghorn, Logan in goal, Whitbread. Now barnsley aren't going to win in that game with Steele RNL playing at left back, Rooney and all the others been first year pro's
What about the other 2nd year pro's who all came through the ranks together with Stones, Clark & Rose Kilburn Scott Steade Patterson
There all First year pro's as was Stones Clark and Rose. Kilburn. Looks ok. improving. good on the ball. Sometimes takes free kicks. Scott. improved a lot this season. went on loan and had a few games and as come back a different player. Steade, hardly seen him play all season. Patterson, improving. played in quite a few positions this season which might not have helped him look is best.
