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Five Youngsters who could be Premier League stars within 12 months.

Published by Ian John on January 8, 2010

Breaking into the first team of a Premier League side isn’t as easy these days as it used to be. The massive fees paid for players will often mean youngsters have to kick their heels in youth and reserve teams far longer than they would do in days gone by when squads were much smaller and, seemingly, youth given a far greater chance to thrive.

That said here are the names of five young players who could, in 12 months time, be on the lips of most fans of teams in the Premier League.

1. Jose Baxter (Everton) : If the Everton youngster can steer clear of off-field problems that have dogged him recently, then this lad looks to have a very bright future in the game. Blessed with excellent touch and control he reminds many of a young Paul Gascoigne, though at the minute he lacks some of the final ball artistry that so singled out the young Gazza. That said, Baxter is still only 17 years of age and is very highly regarded at Everton, where Academy manager Ray Hall has claimed that Baxter is a more complete player at the same age than Wayne Rooney. That fact alone, and the fact that manager David Moyes will, more than likely, give him a fair chance means Baxter is one to watch in the next 12 months.

2. Ritchie De Laet (Manchester United) : The young Belgian has a tough task to break into the United first team with Patrice Evra in front of him, but from the games that the youngster has played recently for Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team, he looks well set for a big career in the game. The Belgian was signed from Stoke City at the start of 2009 after failing to make a mark at the Britannia stadium but since coming to Old Trafford he has impressed with his tenacity, pace and technical abilities.

3. Gael Kakuta (Chelsea) : Kakuta was in the headlines for the wrong reasons this year over his transfer from Lens to Chelsea and still has the threat of a ban hanging over him. However if the ban is rescinded, then Kakuta could well begin to make a real name for him in the next 12 months. Already pushing for a first team spot, Kakuta has the ability to play wide left or as a striker, but many feel he may well become a traditional “number 10″ type midfielder like Platini or Zidane. He’s already impressed Carlo Ancelotti enough to earn a place on the bench and there is much more to come from this youngster.

4. Victor Moses (Crystal Palace) : Well, Victor is at Crystal Palace for now, but it seems almost certain, due to Palace’s crippling financial problems, that he is going to be sold to the highest bidder during the current transfer window. Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa have all been reported as being keen on a player who has great pace, power and excellent technical skills. Palace want £5m for him already and it seems unlikely that too many clubs are going to baulk at that price, even for a player who hasn’t played a Premier League game yet.

5. Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town) : He’s not 17 until March and when he turns it, Ipswich will be offering him a good, long contract. Wickham is a prodigious talent, already attracting keen interest from Manchester United and he has already played several times for the Ipswich Town first team and scored two goals. Earning his full debut after he had just turned 16, Wickham is a special player and as such is already being closely monitored. It isn’t a case of if Wickham joins a Premier League club, simply when.

Image Courtesy of ***Premierleagueinsider*** on flickr.com

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