Upcoming XI Review – How the ‘Players to Watch in 2011′ Did
Last January, I selected a team of emerging players to watch out for during 2011 with my Upcoming XI. As the year draws to a close and the Upcoming XI 2012 Edition fast approaches, it’s time to consider how accurate my predictions were, and what the players will be expecting from 2012.
Upcoming XI Review
Goalkeeper
David de Gea
When the Spanish ‘keeper got his big move by signing for Man United during the Summer, many fans were expecting the then 20 year old to quickly replace Edwin van der Sar and become Fergie’s first choice Shotstopper for many years to come. Despite several top quality performances for United, de Gea has struggled to adapt to Premier League football and the pressure of playing for such a big team. Having been replaced by the Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard on several occasions, de Gea will spend the New Year working to reinforce himself as United’s No. 1.
His Rise in 2011: 7/10 – He got his big deal, but hasn’t yet proven himself to be VDS’s long-term successor.
Right Back
Kyle Walker
Since returning from his loan spell at Aston Villa, Walker’s cemented his place in Spurs’ first team and even gained Man of the Match on his International full debut when England beat Sweden in November. Still just 21, it seems Tottenham and England have got a real gem.
His Rise in 2011: 9/10 – He’s had a dream year, a starting place at Euro 2012 has become a real possibility
Left Back
Kieran Gibbs
Having a promising start to the year, Gibbs proved himself to be a reliable choice at Left Back for Arsene Wenger towards the end of the 2010/11 season. With injuries blighting his 2011/12 season, he’s only been able to play 5 Premier League games so far. He’s become the obvious choice for the long-term replacement for Ashley Cole, but will need to shake off any injuries in the new year if he wants to go to Polkraine in July.
His Rise in 2011: 7/10 – Slowly emerging as the genuine long-term replacement for Gael Clichy.
Centre Back
Eric Dier
2011 was perhaps a year or two early to see Eric Dier rise to footballing fame, but there’s no doubt he’s very highly rated around the footballing world. Now on his second loan spell at Everton, Sporting CP’s 17 year old English Centre Back will be hoping for a chance to push for a Premier League appearance during 2012
His Rise in 2011: 5/10 – The world might have to wait a few years yet to see the Portuguese-based Englishman playing regular first team football.
Centre Back
Douglas
Twente’s massive Brazilian centre back has proven himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie, yet hasn’t yet been able to gain worldwide acclaim despite being linked with Juventus and Hamburg alongside other European giants. At just 23, 2012 could be the year he makes his name, especially if he opts to change his nationality to Dutch in order to play in Euro 2012. One notable incident from Douglas’ 2011 was when he received a 6 match ban for punching AZ Alkmaar’s Pontus Wembloom and then pushing the referee when he got sent off – don’t mess with this 6 ft 4 monster.
His Rise in 2011: 6/10 – Another solid year in the Dutch League, but unless he moves to a bigger club, it’s unlikely he’ll gain the reputation he deserves.
Right Midfield
Eden Hazard
Lille’s Belgian starlet has become one of the most feared playmakers in Europe, and has been linked to many of the biggest clubs in La Liga and the Premier League. Named the youngest ever ‘Ligue 1 Player of the Year’ at the end of the 2010/11 season and nominated for the UEFA Team of the (Calendar) Year for 2011, 20 year-old Hazard will surely be one of the highlights of Euro 2012.
His Rise in 2011: 10/10 – An unstoppable year, just waiting for that big move to Spain or England.
Left Midfield
Gareth Bale
From being known as a player who couldn’t win a game with Spurs in 2009, to showing signs of genius in 2010, to becoming one of the most complete and most feared wingers in world football in 2011. Bale has had an amazing year, and is currently leading Tottenham in a surprise push for the Premier League title.
His Rise in 2011: 10/10 – A ridiculous turn of pace, vision, crossing ability, shooting ability, any right-back’s nightmare.
Centre Midfield
Jack Cork
Southampton’s promising 22 year old midfielder is helping them on their push for promotion this season by consistently putting out effective displays in the middle of the park. Having eventually left Chelsea in the summer after loan spells at 6 different clubs, the ex-England U21 Saint will be hoping 2012/13 brings more Premier League action for him after fairing well in the top league in 2010 with Burnley.
His Rise in 2011: 5/10 – Finally got the move away from Chelsea he needed to kickstart his career, but it’s been a case of 1 step back before the 2 steps forward come (hopefully in 2012).
Centre Midfield
Steven Defour
After continuing to impress with Standard Liege towards the end of the 2010/11 season, Defour moved to Porto for €6m in August on a five year deal after a bitter fallout with the higher echelons of the Belgian club. With Porto unable to qualify for the second round of the Champions league (finishing third behind Apoel Nicosia and Zenit St. Petersburg), Defour’s year has finished on a sour note.
His Rise in 2011: 7/10 – A move to Porto, famous for being a ‘selling club’ is surely just a stepping stone in the 23 year old Belgian’s career.
Centre Forward
Andy Carroll
When Carroll signed for Liverpool in a £35 Million deal in January, Liverpool’s King Kenny Dalglish made the gigantic Geordie the most expensive British Footballer of all time. Since signing for Liverpool, Carroll has struggled to find form amidst numerous rumours of bad off-field behaviour, and has only scored 5 goals for the Reds all year.
His Rise in 2011: 2/10 – A massive flop unfortunately, after showing great potential at Newcastle. However the 22 year-old’s got plenty of time to turn his form around to prove himself as a top centre forward.
Centre Forward
Edin Dzeko
When Dzeko signed for Man City in January, he had already made his name as a great goalscorer for Wolfsburg and Bosnia & Herzegovina. After struggling to adjust to the physicality of Premier League football during the second half of 2010/11, it appeared he had finally adapted by the time 2011/12 kicked off – scoring 10 goals already this season. However it seems he’s losing the fight for first team football with the Madman Mario Balotelli.
His Rise in 2011: 4/10 – A frustrating year for a proven goalscorer. If Balotelli’s form continues to stop Dzeko from having much first team football in 2012, the Bosnian could be wanting a move out of Manchester sooner rather than later.
Overall Upcoming XI Performance
Upcoming XI Rise in 2011: 72/110
A solid, effective selection (excluding the strikers…) during 2011 provides a good foundation for the approaching Upcoming XI 2012 I have been researching throughout 2011. Check back here next week for the players you should be looking out for in 2012…could it be you?
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