72 THE PREM ERA
THE PLAYERS
HEARDHEREFIRST
World Soccer’s renowned global talent spotters werre telling its readers
tttookkeeeeppaanneeyyeeoouuttffoorrtthheessse top younggsters longg before they would
make their name as esttablished Premier Leeague stars...
In his first full campaign as a professional,
Hazard’s bold and expressive performances
for Lille rightly earned him the Ligue1
Young Player of the Year award.
Whether used on the right side of
midfield, as a second striker or No.10, the
Belgian teenager’s extraordinary natural
ability could not be missed. The smooth-
as-silk technique is best illustrated by
the way he manipulates the ball with
the outside of his foot, the explosive
acceleration, the total awareness of
everything going on around him
and the shooting power.
Lille’s 3-2 French Cup win over Lyon in
March was the evening he truly announced
himself to an enthralled French audience,
setting up two goals with clever crosses from
the right and scoring a beauty himself, jinking
past several players before slamming home.
Real Madrid advisor Zinedine Zidane
says he would “take him blindfolded” to the
Bernabeu, and so would a host of other top
European clubs. However, the signs are they
will have to wait a while.
“I’m under contract for the next three
years and I’ve got much to learn – I want
more time to develop my game at Lille,”
says the18-year-old.
Nick Bidwella
Talent Scout, Summer 2009Having been selected for France Under-21s’
friendly against Tunisia in February, Milan’s
teenage striker found himself in a World Cup
qualifier for Gabon just a month later –
in which he scored the opening goal in
a 2-1 win for the unfancied central
African country in Morocco.
Havingspentmostofhisformative
years in Milan, a fine debut season last
term on loan at Dijon in the French second
division brought an invitation to play for
Italy Under-19s. However, the overtures
from Gabon, who could offer Aubameyang
regular international competition – as
well as next year’s Africa Cup of Nations
finals – won the day; that and the
influence of his family.
The son of a former Gabon national
team captain, also called Pierre, the lure
of representing the country of his father’sToo much media attention and hysteria can
derail even the most level-headed young
player. But it is truly hard not to praise
Arsenal’sJack Wilshere, the brilliant
17-year-old midfielder who seems
on the cusp of a memorable career.
Since appearing as a late substitute at
Blackburn Rovers in September 2008 tobecome, at16 years and 256 days, Arsenal’s
youngestdebutant,theextravagantlygifted
left-footer has gone on to play a starring
role for in the Gunners’ FA Youth Cup
winners last season.
Small and rather slight, Wilshere is at his
most potent running with the ball, perfectly
balanced and able to accelerate away from
defenders. Some believe the youngster
harks back to Paul Gascoigne at the height
of his powers; others even say there is more
than a hint of Diego Maradona about him.
Many in the UK media are pushing his
claims for a pace in England’s squad for
next year’s World Cup finals. Fabio Capello
clearly likes what he sees: “It’s not normal
to be so young and so good,” the England
manager has said.
Obviously he still has much to learn and
the likelihood is that Arsene Wenger will
use him in short, sharp bursts. Careful
nurturing has to be the order of the day.
Nick Bidwellbirth was always going to be strong for
him and his elder brothers, Catilina and
Willy, who play for Ajaccio in France and
Italy’s Avellino respectively.
Lille have already agreed a season-
long loan next term, with an option to buy
a youngster who looks set to be a catch
for both his new club and new country.
Mark GleesonPierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Talent Scout, Summer 2009Jack Wilshere
Talent Scout, October 2009