Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson, Phil Foden. Just a few of English footballs many wonder kids who have struggle to stamp their authority on the Premier League.
But why?
Sancho’s mesmerising quick feet, Nelsons dazzling speed, Foden’s breath taking technique. These starlights, along with many other proud English youngsters, seem to have it all when it comes to making it in the Premier League. However, their pathway in succeeding in the worlds most competitive league has been challenging.
Are these young superstars just not talented enough, or does the problem lie deeper?
Jadon Sancho in the early days of his development played in Hertfordshire for Premier League Side Watford. In 2015 Sancho was lured in by a glamorous move to Manchester when Man City came knocking on the door. A potentially illustrious career in the sky blue shirt was cut short, as the talented youngster was not getting the first team exposure he demanded. In the summer of 2017, the then 17 year old made a controversial decision when he signed for German giants Borussia Dortmund.
Reiss Nelson, an Arsenal product from the tender age of 9 years old. Reiss Progressed through the ranks of Arsenal, demonstrating incredible amounts of talents from a young age. The youngster, has also represented the Three Lions at every age group on his way through the academy system. Now at the age of 19, Nelson decided to take the trip abroad, signing a season long loan deal to 1899 Hoffenheim. Why? To gain exposure in a first team environment playing in Europes top division, playing against some of Europes most elite.
Phil Foden, Manchester City’s brightest prospect. Foden has been representing the blue side of Manchester since the tend age of 8. Foden has represented England, like Nelson, at every age group, and along with that won the u-17 world cup with the Three Lions, in a competition where he also won golden ball. Despite being one of City’s most hottest prospects Foden has only played in 14 Premier League fixtures with the majority of these coming off the substitute bench.
The British isles is obviously decorated with glamourous footballing talent, however, the Premier League only has a handful of young Englishmen gracing the beautiful game in out country, so the question is – what is the missing piece of the jigsaw in the development of England’s most elite footballers?
Destination For England's most elite Footballers? 