I fairly regularly read comments on here about we need to "bring in a strong / experienced center half or we need an upgrade on Jake / Sawyers isnt going to cut it in the premier league, etc, etc....)
I'm not questioning the validity of these opinions because they are just that, opinions. However, they do make me think about how well some of our "junior" players are doing on minimal experience.
Dara O'Shea - thrust into a championship side and frankly a revelation to me, now being asked to step up into 'the best league in the world - cough" and acclimatising reasonably.
Semi Ajayi, lets not forget where he was when we picked him up what 18 months ago? Again being asked to play against seasoned internationals every week and while not setting the world alight, not looking completely out of his depth.
Kyle Edwardes, a product of the academy who has worked his way up to the periphery of a premier league squad, has shown he has the ability but needs to produce regularly
Rekeem Harper another academy product who has developed into a reasonable championship player looking for the opportunity to move onto premier league standard at 20 years old
Sam Field another ex academy player, in the will he make it at prem level ?/ won't he? category, I think he has been really unlucky with injuries at crucial times, he has forced his way into the reckoning under Pardew / Pulis / Moore and now Bilic, his role is not glamorous but he could well establish himself this season in my view
Nathan ferguson decided to move on but another academy prospect who attracted prem opportunities
While I accept that I am looking at these lads with blue and white glasses firmly on, it is undeniable that we are developing a crop of young players who may make it at the highest level and we the fans should enjoy this and recognise it for what it is, exciting! Add to this the talents of Periera / Diangana / Robinson / Krovinovic and hopefully Grant, the future is looking decidely better than it has for a long time.
yes, I have my positive head on today !!