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Approaching the year 2005, let's take a look at the young and talented players who have emerged this year and demonstrated good play, and who may shine even brighter and become true stars in the future.
The Magical Forward
If this article had been written a year ago, it would have been clear that England's biggest football hope is Wayne Rooney. This player has already dazzled with his shine at the Euro 2004 Championships and transferred for €29.6 million from his home club to a powerful club, even though he was only 19 years old in October 2004. However, Wayne Rooney is not the only "youngster" in the Premier League who impresses football experts.
Defoe's Transfer
Another player who has impressed the experts the most is Jermain Defoe, who sometimes plays alongside Wayne Rooney in the main lineup of the England national team. A year ago, this forward seemed to have stopped improving at West Ham, with whom he even dropped out of the Premier League in the 2002/2003 season. However, in January 2004, Defoe was bought for €10.2 million by the London club, and in his first matches back in the top league, Defoe scored a goal in the 13th minute, proving that the money was well spent.
Debut in the England National Team
When the incredibly fast forward started scoring goals after his transfer to a new club, Sven-Goran Eriksson gave the young striker a chance to prove his worth in the national team. Although England lost a friendly match to Sweden with a score of 0-1, no one could ignore the excellent play that Defoe demonstrated when he entered the field in the 12th minute replacing the injured Darius Vassell.
Joy in Poland
Although Defoe did not make it to the 2004 European Championships national team, when Rooney got injured, he also had the opportunity to show his skills. Defoe played in the main national team lineup in the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Austria and Poland, and in the latter match, he scored a goal that allowed Sven-Goran Eriksson's team to win with a score of 2-1.
New Tactics
In fact, Defoe's performance in those matches was so excellent that the national team coach decided to adjust the tactical scheme by adding three forwards, namely Defoe, Rooney, and Owen. Since then, there has been talk of something that no one could have dreamed of before - Owen being put on the substitute bench.
Exhilarating Rise
However, even the fast Defoe cannot feel secure in his position if Andrew Johnson does not stop his dizzying flight. This player was raised by a club, but he only revealed his full talent when he arrived at the club in 2002.
Goal-Scoring Machine
Although in the last 22 matches at Birmingham, Johnson failed to score a goal, in his first matches at Crystal Palace, he scored a crucial goal in extra time, allowing his new club to win in the league cup tournament and progress further in the pursuit of trophies. Playing his second season at the club, Andrew Johnson became a real terror for defenders in the English second league, scoring 32 goals and helping Crystal Palace return to the top in England.
Eriksson Impressed
Although all these goals were scored in the second tier of English football, Sven-Goran Eriksson believes this player can cause nightmares for goalkeepers and defenders even when playing in the national team lineup. The coach promises to give Johnson a chance by inviting him to represent England in friendly matches against the Netherlands next summer.
Answer - Downing
It must be acknowledged that Sven-Goran Eriksson should not have problems with forwards in the future, but there is a shortage of talented defenders. It is expected that Stewart Downing, who currently represents the England youth team, will become the solution to this problem.
Great Performances
Downing already became a key player in the North-East club last year, and this year has already made a name for himself by scoring a goal at Old Trafford in Manchester and opening the scoring for Middlesbrough in the UEFA Cup match against Egaleo.
Taylor's Praise
Although Stewart Downing was not given a chance to prove his skill in friendly national team matches against Spain, Peter Taylor, coach of the England U-21 team, already believes that Downing will soon become a regular player in the senior national team lineup.
Arsenal's Talents
Of course, the club that dominated English football in 2004 was Arsenal from London. Highly regarded from this club are young talents Justin Hoyte and Jermaine Pennant, but the attention of football experts is mostly drawn to two young Spaniards.
Spanish Sensations
Although Jose Antonio Reyes is more highly valued, whom Arsenal bought from Sevilla for €25.6 million, Cesc Fabregas also demonstrates excellent play. Despite being only 17 years old, Fabregas is already one of the main midfielders in Arsenal under the leadership of Arsene Wenger.
