Callum Chambers and other young players on the books

[benjii]

Following on from the thread about Gazzanigga and the U21s, I was wondering what those who watch the development teams regularly think about Callum Chambers and which of our players are most likely to push for the first team next season?

 

I saw Chambers a couple of time in pre-season last summer and he was deployed as a midfielder with a brief to get forward. Physically, he reminded me of a young Gerrard; he is a powerful runner and a strong looking lad with a rangey sort of style. He looked decent enough but was overshadowed by Ward-Prowse who looked proper class. Recently he seems to be turning out at right back. Have the coaches decided this is his best position? How's he doing there? Arguably you might think he has more chance of getting into first team contention as back-up right back than as a midfielder. Are England deploying him at the back as well now or is he still playing in midfield for them?

 

What about the others? Who is most likely to make an appearance next season? I've heard people say that Targett (left back) is a good prospect. Can he realistically challenge Shaw though? If he is good then you would think he would get a chance at some point as Fox still makes the squad and it is a bit much to expect a 17 or 18 year old to play every single game.

 

Omar Rowe? Looks like a fast, tricky winger with a decent left foot. He would have to displace Puncheon, Lallana, Rodriguez and Guly (plus any new signings in the wide positions) to get in the squad. Any chance of that soon? Could he be a viable "pace option" off the bench? Is he better than Mayuka?!

 

Isgrove? As above.

 

Jack Stephens? Is he good enough to compete with Jos and Fonte? Again, I saw him in pre-season and he looked decent enough, certainly had the potential to be a capable football league player but it is going to be so much harder for these guys to break into the team when we are in the Prem, keeping our best players and looking to sign better ones.

 

What about Turnbull or Mugabe, the other centre backs?

 

Is there anyone else who could do it? Sinclair? He always looks a bit too lightweight to me and maybe one of those players who is gradually caught up and taken over by his peers but then I didn't think Shaw would be ready physically this season and I have been proved wrong. Would Sinclair benefit from a loan spell somewhere?

 

Cheers!

[Saint-Reece]

Well I can form an opinion on the players after going to the Wolves game at the Silverlake, Chambers was the stand out player for me in the RB position, extremely solid in defending and had the ability to push up past the winger on his side Isgrove/Rowe with pace and trickery to go with it. I also know that England U19's Utilised him in the rB position against Turkey??? The other week where he scored, To be fair the whole defence of him, Stephens (very vocal) Turnbull (looked like he had a fair bit if pace on him) and targett were very solid on the whole, I think Targett also posted on Twitter yesterday that he's been called up to the Scotland U19's squad!

 

With Midfielders and Wingers I thought Isgrove looked like a cracking player, very nippy and skilful he took on their defence countless times and hit the post after a good run in the dying stages, Rowe and him swapped wings a fair bit, Rowe looked okay, but not as good as I've seen him play on streams this season. In the centre they had gape and reed who I think we're possibly making their first starts for the U21's. Both tracked back well, got stuck in and a good range of passing in them, Corby Moore played in the No. 10 role and looked okay, but most of our attacks came down the wings, and finally Sinclair looked a good prospect, a lot of pace on him with good finishing but looked a bit lightweight on the ball due to his size.

 

Overall I think the most likely we'll see in the first team anytime soon is Isgrove and Chambers, they really were very good.

[John Boy Saint]

I was amazed to see that Luke Shaw was 6' 1" when reading the article on him in Saturdays programme. Seems like he has his head screwed on too.

Hopefully with the likes of Shaw, JWP, and even Morgan having travelled the same route they are on, some of the nippers will be inspired to drive on for a first team place. Add to this a sprinkle of Jack Corks experience at Chelsea and hopefully those who do make the grade will realise the benefit of sticking around whilst they are young.

[Andre]

Calum Chambers is gonna be huge, he's already making waves on the international stage! Shame he's now being deployed in a defensive role though, as he's very good going forward.

 

Omar Rowe is a great winger, can deliver a ball like no one else and has the confidence to take shots too, he's worth a try next season. Sam Hoskins has always been known to be good, but it doesn't look as if he fits into the club's plans at the moment. Some of the U18s are good too, particularly Matt Targett.

 

There are good things ahead for us.

[Mowgli]

There's a few I've been impressed with this season. What makes it interesting is that they are trying them out in a variety of positions which could be that they are being redeployed or it is just part of their development (remember Dabvid Jones employed Wayne Bridge left midfield to start so that he understood what was expected from a left back). Stephens has similarly been moved between midfield and defence (if I remember rightly he started as a full back but has developed into a very effective centre back too).

 

They have some way to go to develop themselves physically and nature has its own way of determining the pace of that! That aside I think the real standout players, apart from Chambers are Targett (left back, maybe allowing Shaw to move left midfield), Sinclair, Rowe, Gape and Reed. On a personal level (and looking at a few wildcards) I've been impressed with Turnbull (he reminds me of Chris Nicholl - and not just the beard!) and I think Alberto Seidi is one to keep an eye on too. Seems to excel coming of the bench late in games but definately an awkward player to deal with.

[Tom28]

I was amazed to see that Luke Shaw was 6' 1" when reading the article on him in Saturdays programme. Seems like he has his head screwed on too.

Hopefully with the likes of Shaw, JWP, and even Morgan having travelled the same route they are on, some of the nippers will be inspired to drive on for a first team place. Add to this a sprinkle of Jack Corks experience at Chelsea and hopefully those who do make the grade will realise the benefit of sticking around whilst they are young.

 

 

He's not 6'1". When he hasn't been playing, he is often watching in block A with the other youth teamers and I was stood next to him in a queue for a coffee and he's a good couple of inches shorter than me and I'm 6'0".

[Pilchards]

Calum Chambers is gonna be huge, he's already making waves on the international stage! Shame he's now being deployed in a defensive role though, as he's very good going forward.

 

Omar Rowe is a great winger, can deliver a ball like no one else and has the confidence to take shots too, he's worth a try next season. Sam Hoskins has always been known to be good, but it doesn't look as if he fits into the club's plans at the moment. Some of the U18s are good too, particularly Matt Targett.

 

There are good things ahead for us.

 

Im not so sure on Chambers as I expect him to be knocking on the first teams squad right now. I reckon Isgrove will be the next big thing as fans love speed and excitement from the flanks.

A guess for the future is Dominic Gape, he has a real sporting brain and is the captain of the 18's.

A real cool head on his shoulders that reminds me of Tony Adams.

[ottery st mary]

As above...lots of talent developing.

 

Do not forget Gallagher and Seager......the Keegan and Toshack of Saints....Height/size comparison at this stage...

 

But...both potential top goalscorers..

 

COYS

Edited 3 April, 2013 by ottery st mary

[Saint Garrett]

When I watched the u21 game vs Liverpool on TV, I was impressed by the CM, Robinson. Thought he looked very Cork-esque. Sure there will be some more cracking youngsters to come out the academy, it's almost expected now!

[ottery st mary]

When I watched the u21 game vs Liverpool on TV, I was impressed by the CM, Robinson. Thought he looked very Cork-esque. Sure there will be some more cracking youngsters to come out the academy, it's almost expected now!

 

Robinson was very highly rated but then had a bad injury..

 

On his way back..if fully recovers all before..will certainly put himself in contention for first team squad next season.

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Southampton FC ‏@SouthamptonFC 16s

Young Saints defender Matt Targett has been named in Scotland's Under-19 squad for the first time: http://sfcne.ws/10yridZ #saintsfc

[SuperSAINT]

I'm surprised nobody's made a move for Isgrove on loan.

[Matthew Le God]

I'm surprised nobody's made a move for Isgrove on loan.

 

How do you know they haven't?

[Doctoroncall]

I'm surprised nobody's made a move for Isgrove on loan.

 

Sometimes it's a balance of learning and developing at Saints from the good coaches and playing with the group of lads he knows to gaining that first team experience. Timing is key as you don't want to do it too early to negate the development he's had. They shouldn't be rushed, Shaw is an exception but still needs to be developed in the right manner.

[ottery st mary]

I'm surprised nobody's made a move for Isgrove on loan.

 

 

Had been out injured when playing well...recently returned..?

[benjii]

Thanks all.

 

Perhaps Chambers can get above Frazer as back-up RB next season then. He'll have to go some to get in the first team!

[egg]

Robinson was very highly rated but then had a bad injury..

 

On his way back..if fully recovers all before..will certainly put himself in contention for first team squad next season.

 

Does anyone know if he was dropped for the Wolves game, or injured again? He's a very talented lad who could make it if he can stay free of injury.

[SuperSAINT]

How do you know they haven't?

 

I'll re-phrase. I'm surprised we haven't loaned him out.

[Saint Charlie]

Worth considering that Hoskins, the best U21 player in the first half of the season and someone who came on for the first team in the Cup has struggled to get in Stevenage's team in L1. They are on a dreadful run yet he is often an unused sub.

 

Plus Ben Reeves the U21 Captain is on loan at L2 Southend and has done quite well but nothing outstanding

[mikee]

Sometimes it's a balance of learning and developing at Saints from the good coaches and playing with the group of lads he knows to gaining that first team experience. Timing is key as you don't want to do it too early to negate the development he's had. They shouldn't be rushed, Shaw is an exception but still needs to be developed in the right manner.

 

The exception for Shaw was that he only had danny Fox in front of him.

 

If we had a better left back i am not sure that Shaw would be in the team now. It just shows that despite all of the talent you still need a break and then to be able to take it!

 

The best opportunities in the team at the moment are at CB or wide midfield so perhaps this is where the next breakthrough will come.

[Papa Shango]

Can definitely see Chambers being our 2nd choice right-back next season with Butterfield and Richardson set to go out of contract.

 

Omar Rowe has been our most impressive player at U18/U21 level this season IMO. Doesn't always make the right decisions (like most young players) but the ability is certainly there. Schneiderlin said he was very impressed when he joined in with 1st team training last week.

 

As for the rest, I think Matt Targett, Jake Flannigan and Ryan Seager have the best chance of making it with us.

 

I'm still a big fan of Ben Reeves, and would like to see us persist with him for a bit longer. He's nearly as gifted as Lallana - easily Championship standard right now IMO. Sam Hoskins probably won't quite make it for us, but I expect he will have a good career in the Football League.

 

Dom Gape and Harrison Reed are very good players, but play in a position where we are already very well stocked (CM). Ariybi and McQueen are decent wingers, who bring something different to the table.

 

Alberto Seidi might be as gifted as any of the youngsters, but he's still very raw. Jake Sinclair has a chance, but his size could count against him.

 

Robinson looks a bit too limited to me. I expect he will go in summer. Isgrove is very injury prone, which will probably prevent him from making it to the top

 

Jack Stephens is a natural leader and a big character. He's improved quite a bit recently, so I wouldn't completely write off his chances. Sam Gallagher - the giant U18 striker is highly rated at Staplewood, although personally I have some reservations about him.

 

Worth keeping an eye on Josh Sims in the next few years too. Still only 15, but he has already shone in the U18's this season. Looks a very talented player.

Edited 4 April, 2013 by Papa Shango

[david in sweden]

Thanks all.

 

Perhaps Chambers can get above Frazer as back-up RB next season then. He'll have to go some to get in the first team!

 

 

......maybe the sort of experiment for the last game if the season - if were safe by then.

[Andre]

......maybe the sort of experiment for the last game if the season - if were safe by then.

 

Good idea!

[Pilchards]

Can definitely see Chambers being our 2nd choice right-back next season with Butterfield and Richardson set to go out of contract.

 

Omar Rowe has been our most impressive player at U18/U21 level this season IMO. Doesn't always make the right decisions (like most young players) but the ability is certainly there. Schneiderlin said he was very impressed when he joined in with 1st team training last week.

 

As for the rest, I think Matt Targett, Jake Flannigan and Ryan Seager have the best chance of making it with us.

 

I'm still a big fan of Ben Reeves, and would like to see us persist with him for a bit longer. He's nearly as gifted as Lallana - easily Championship standard right now IMO. Sam Hoskins probably won't quite make it for us, but I expect he will have a good career in the Football League.

 

Dom Gape and Harrison Reed are very good players, but play in a position where we are already very well stocked (CM). Ariybi and McQueen are decent wingers, who bring something different to the table.

 

Alberto Seidi might be as gifted as any of the youngsters, but he's still very raw. Jake Sinclair has a chance, but his size could count against him.

 

Robinson looks a bit too limited to me. I expect he will go in summer. Isgrove is very injury prone, which will probably prevent him from making it to the top

 

Jack Stephens is a natural leader and a big character. He's improved quite a bit recently, so I wouldn't completely write off his chances. Sam Gallagher - the giant U18 striker is highly rated at Staplewood, although personally I have some reservations about him.

 

Worth keeping an eye on Josh Sims in the next few years too. Still only 15, but he has already shone in the U18's this season. Looks a very talented player.

 

Thats a fantastic report Papa, it's very interesting that we have so much talent in the youth academy and yes we do give them chances in the first team which helps the parents decide what's best for some of the kids.

I guess if we produce just two class players out of the 10 mentioned then its fantastic progress. The other 8 know they will have a chance elsewhere as we breed footballers FULL STOP.

I just hope one or two don't bite us on the bum if we turn away the wrong ones as we can't take them all.

Very exciting for the youth players and the supporters as this club is flying in the right direction.

Well done Southampton Football Club.

 

PS we beat Arsenal last night although they had two of there best young players missing it still had the Arsenal staff drooling over some of our play according to some comments after the match. The general conversation was how we can step up such young players to the Under 21 format.

[david in sweden]

I've been writing (since the L1 days), that the difference between the top of the Championship ...and the bottom of the Prem. is enormous ..and much more than 3 places in the League.

.....so too is the standard between a leading " starlet " from the Academy.....and any " regular " in the Prem.

 

Although, in the last few years things have looked with the like of Walcott, Bale and Ox-Chamberlain. Yes.....and we had to sell Dyer and Surman to stave off bankruptcy before the Liebherr deal was approved, but the actual number of good Academy prospects who make it to Prem. or even Championship standard is very few compared to the number that go through the " system".

 

Now it's Luke Shaw and JWP in the limelight, but it's going to be harder to find youngsters (at this age ) to replace the likes of Lambert, Cork, Schneiderlin or Lallana. Just when these lads need a lift, the best they will get is an occasional bench place.....and suddenly they're 21 /22 ......and the going really gets tough (see; Ben Reeves, Aaron Martin and Sam Hoskins).

 

YES.... we'd all like to see the Chambers', Stephens', Sinclairs' and Targett's get a chance.....but before "promoting them" ..to the first team ....say who they'd replace please.....an even tougher task

[Red]

I've been writing (since the L1 days), that the difference between the top of the Championship ...and the bottom of the Prem. is enormous ..and much more than 3 places in the League.

.....so too is the standard between a leading " starlet " from the Academy.....and any " regular " in the Prem.

 

Although, in the last few years things have looked with the like of Walcott, Bale and Ox-Chamberlain. Yes.....and we had to sell Dyer and Surman to stave off bankruptcy before the Liebherr deal was approved, but the actual number of good Academy prospects who make it to Prem. or even Championship standard is very few compared to the number that go through the " system".

 

Now it's Luke Shaw and JWP in the limelight, but it's going to be harder to find youngsters (at this age ) to replace the likes of Lambert, Cork, Schneiderlin or Lallana. Just when these lads need a lift, the best they will get is an occasional bench place.....and suddenly they're 21 /22 ......and the going really gets tough (see; Ben Reeves, Aaron Martin and Sam Hoskins).

 

YES.... we'd all like to see the Chambers', Stephens', Sinclairs' and Targett's get a chance.....but before "promoting them" ..to the first team ....say who they'd replace please.....an even tougher task

 

David - I don't think it's a case of "who they'd replace" as much as introducing them gradually. Unfortunately our main priority this year has been survival, and in this situation you cannot afford to take any risks (leaving aside other risks we may have taken), trying out promising youngsters was simply not an option in my view. As someone posted earlier we were effectively forced to try Shaw as the alternatives were woeful (and even then we kept trying the woeful alternatives for far too long).

 

IIRC we were under no pressure to introduce the likes of AL, Oxo, TW etc., who were given time towards the end of winning positions in games to get used the set up, pace etc. and as they excelled were given more game time. After that if they were better than the incumbent, then they were picked to start - simple as that. This is exactly what we should be doing with current crop of promising youngsters - the only sure way you can know if a prospect is better than the current player is to play them gradually and see if they progress. This of course is only possible if we are not fighting for our lives and can afford the "luxury" to do so. If we are safe with a few games to spare, I hope we try out some of our promising youngsters, and maybe next year we will be in a better position throughout the season?

[david in sweden]

David - I don't think it's a case of "who they'd replace" as much as introducing them gradually. Unfortunately our main priority this year has been survival, and in this situation you cannot afford to take any risks (leaving aside other risks we may have taken), trying out promising youngsters was simply not an option in my view. As someone posted earlier we were effectively forced to try Shaw as the alternatives were woeful (and even then we kept trying the woeful alternatives for far too long).

 

 

THX for the reply RED, and in principle ....I don't disagree with much of what you wrote ...

.BUT in reading some of the above it seems there are people who feel we should have new recruits straining at the leash to get into the side.

 

MY point was that (historically-speaking) few of the up-and-coming names in the Academy side are likely to have a Prem.career in front of them, as there is a huge skill gap between playing U21 football, and being good enough to go out against experienced Prem. sides every week. I am not against the idea of introducing new young players either..it's worked well with Shaw and JWP.....

but it's hardly likely that we will see many of the current crop forcing their way into the side, and I didn't suggest any of the current First team ought be replaced either, but where would "new faces" fit in?

 

Q: if Clyne were absent tomorrow...who would we put in...Richardson?...or the emerging Calum Chambers?

 

Most of the big names in the past who came through the ranks; Channon, Stokes, Moran, MLT, Shearer, Bridge and Baird......did so in small doses over a period of a couple of seasons playing odd games here and there - before becoming established.

 

I just don't think we can keep all these (named in the OP)..on the books until their 21 or 22 ... .or, wait until our star players are all past 30 ?...and then select them having played 10 games in 5 years?

 

Having talent at 16 /17 is one thing, but it rarely carries over to the top level overnight. We all quote Walcott and Bale whilst forgetting they both had a torrid time for a couple of seasons until they got into their respective sides. There is also a long list of former Saints youngsters who looked like future internationals when they played Eng. U17/18/19......but failed to make the move upto the first team.

 

It's one thing to enthusiastically " bandy around " these names as " one for the future ", but in truth half of them will probably end up in Conference League teams.

Edited 5 April, 2013 by david in sweden

[Red]

THX for the reply RED, and in principle ....I don't disagree with much of what you wrote ...

.BUT in reading some of the above it seems there are people who feel we should have new recruits straining at the leash to get into the side.

 

MY point was that (historically-speaking) few of the up-and-coming names in the Academy side are likely to have a Prem.career in front of them, as there is a huge skill gap between playing U21 football, and being good enough to go out against experienced Prem. sides every week. I am not against the idea of introducing new young players either..it's worked well with Shaw and JWP.....

but it's hardly likely that we will see many of the current crop forcing their way into the side, and I didn't suggest any of the current First team ought be replaced either, but where would "new faces" fit in?

 

Q: if Clyne were absent tomorrow...who would we put in...Richardson?...or the emerging Calum Chambers?

 

Most of the big names in the past who came through the ranks; Channon, Stokes, Moran, MLT, Shearer, Bridge and Baird......did so in small doses over a period of a couple of seasons playing odd games here and there - before becoming established.

 

I just don't think we can keep all these (named in the OP)..on the books until their 21 or 22 ... .or, wait until our star players are all past 30 ?...and then select them having played 10 games in 5 years?

 

Having talent at 16 /17 is one thing, but it rarely carries over to the top level overnight. We all quote Walcott and Bale whilst forgetting they both had a torrid time for a couple of seasons until they got into their respective sides. There is also a long list of former Saints youngsters who looked like future internationals when they played Eng. U17/18/19......but failed to make the move upto the first team.

 

It's one thing to enthusiastically " bandy around " these names as " one for the future ", but in truth half of them will probably end up in Conference League teams.

 

David, sorry misunderstood your original point slightly. I agree totally, we will be very lucky to have on average 1 to 2 regular first teamers out of every 10 exciting prospects for a number of reasons, including "step up" ability, opportunity and luck - and this will become even harder to achieve as we (hopefully) progress. Shame really, but nothing new - just look at the amount of promising youngsters at Man City / Utd, Chelsea, etc. that are not getting a look in and probably will not unless they move to lower leagues and restart their careers. It is not always about ability alone however - Cork is a great example - never got a chance at Chelsea but I bet they would love to have him now! He clearly had the talent but just not the chance at CFC.

 

Let's just hope those 1 or 2 are of the AL, Oxo, Shaw, Bale etc. etc. mold - I for one would be more than happy with that

[Over land and sea]

Does anyone on here know how long the contracts are for each of the Under 21s and Under 18s? We know that Jack Stephens and JWP have signed on until 2017 and Cody Cropper signed a 2 year deal last year so that takes him until June 2014. I belive that Ben Reeves and Sam Hoskins are out of contract this summer. Gape and Seager have just signed long-term professional deals but no details on length. Others have previousy signed pro deals (including Young, Curtis, Muagbi, Reed, Johns, Turnbull, Rowe, McQueen and Sinclair) but there's never much information about contract length.