If you’ve read Skills from Brazil, then you know that Jamie’s friend Rafael Da Cruz is quite simply a master when it comes to spotting football talent. So, we thought we’d put him to the test and ask him to do a regular feature where he predicts which young players will ultimately go on to become the world’s greatest, so this is the place where we peer into football’s future.
Normally Rafa gives us the low-down on the talent emerging from abroad, but, in this Tips For The Top Special, he has turned his attention to the hot young talent in the UK…
Welcome to this very special Tips For The Top. Here are six players coming out of London who could grow into household names very soon.
Sashon Aird-Munn – Tottenham Hotspur
A Jamaican born winger, Spurs are lucky to have Aird-Munn. He is extremely hard working with good stamina.
He’s already been picked for Spurs’ U17 team, travelling with them to Qatar. He said that playing with them was a great challenge.
“I learned that the pace of the game was different out there; you had to move the ball quicker, but it was a superb experience for me.”
‘Sash’ is a solid, skilful winger. He can pace to cut inside and is composed in one-on-one situations.
He says that his primary strength is his determined work ethic, similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.
A winger who classifies himself different to most players, there is no reason why he can’t break through the Tottenham first team ranks in the next few years.
He’s the next: Raheem Sterling
Zanda Siziba – Tottenham Hotspur
Zanda Siziba is already a year above his age group, for Tottenham’s Under-16 team. He was snapped up from Conference side Dagenham and Redbridge three seasons ago.
With strengths being lightning-quick pace, great skills and flair, comparisons will be made between him and Gareth Bale.
“I guess I am similar to him – we have the same sort of strengths and if I could join any club in the world, it would be Real Madrid! I would also compare myself to Nani.” (formerly of Man United)
With ambitions including breaking into the Tottenham first team at a young age and eventually being the best player in the world, Siziba certainly has the determination to go far.
He’s the next: Sadio Mané
Shay Cameron – Queens Park Rangers
One of the best young goalkeepers in the country, Shay Cameron is on the track to stardom in the near future. With his favourite goalkeepers being Manuel Neuer, Gianluigi Buffon and David de Gea, Cameron could be following in the footsteps of his idols. Like them, he is good with the ball at his feet.
Cameron is strong in all aspects of keeping but is better in some areas than others. “I think that my strong points are my throwing and shot stopping reflexes. However, I’d say that I needed to work on everything! Distribution and positioning in particular.”
With interest from English clubs almost certain in the future, Cameron says that he would join any Premier League team if given the opportunity. “I don’t have a favourite; I am neutral – I support every team!”
As a keeper who is also a great leader, we may not only be seeing Shay Cameron playing for a quality team, but also wearing the captain’s armband.
He’s the next: Hugo Lloris
Jaami Qureshi – Brighton and Hove Albion
A young striker who is scoring in virtually every game he plays, it is obvious to see why Jaami Qureshi would love to be the top scorer of the Premier League if he makes it to the big time.
“I just want to be successful! In the future, I can see myself starting in the Premier League, but I’d love to be top scorer.”
He is also the sixth quickest runner in the country for his age-group; thus, he should be able to get away from defenders, no problem.
Qureshi is also strong at finishing, ball control and skills; like his idol, Eden Hazard. “I like him at the moment. I also think that I am as ‘two-footed’ as him.”
Formerly of Chelsea, Qureshi could be starting for more top-quality clubs in the future.
Perhaps he could be playing in North London, for his favourite club, Arsenal?
He’s the next: Jamie Vardy
Max Robson – Tottenham Hotspur
A centre-midfielder with the ‘full package’, Max Robson is an extremely talented wonderkid, already playing for Spurs’ U17 team on a permanent basis.
Like Aird-Munn, Robson travelled to Qatar with the U17 squad for the Alkass U17 International Cup 2018 tournament. He scored one of Spurs’ two goals in an impressive victory over Guangzhou Evergrande.
He spoke of his time; “It was a wonderful experience for me; I enjoyed it a lot, and it was great to get onto the scoresheet!”
He is especially good with the ball meaning he can beat defenders with ease using his skill.
“I’d say that getting the ball into the box, my reactions and scoring are my strengths. I am also very hard working.”
Robson should make it as a professional footballer; the questions is, which club will he be playing for in the future?
He’s the next: Kevin De Bruyne
Marqes Muir – Tottenham Hotspur
Another player who travelled to Qatar with the Spurs U17s, Marqes Muir is an assured centre back and a strong tackler who is also confident with the ball. He has height too, so heading shouldn’t be a problem.
As well as defensive duties, Muir also has a powerful shot to him, one that could be compared to the likes of Aleksandar Kolarov and David Luiz.
He has built up a strong platform during his time at Spurs. “I’d just like to keep improving; by continuing to practice and working hard.”
Muir is almost certainly a player who could be emulating careers of youngsters such as Cameron Carter-Vickers of Ipswich. It should only be a matter of time before he is at the top.
He’s the next: Virgil Van Dijk
Watch the video below to see these six talented maestros in action.
We’ve seen some incredible wonderkids come through over the years; such as Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale and, more recently, the likes of Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford and Leroy Sane.
My prediction is that at least one of these players could follow in those guys’ footsteps…
Credit to Squad Media Group for the pictures and video.