Eurosport - Thu, 24 Sep 18:49:00 2009
Another round of Carling Cup action brought yet more fledglings into the spotlight, including Arsenal's Sanchez Watt.
Many Premier League sides see the competition as a breeding ground for the stars of tomorrow to cut their teeth in and this week was no different.
Euroscout was on duty to cast an eye over the action and the first port of call was the Emirates.
Sanchez Watt (Arsenal)
Arsene Wenger seems to have a high-class production line in North London and Watt is the latest player off the conveyor belt. The teenager made his debut a game to remember by helping himself to a goal against West Brom and judging by the way he took the effort, he has learned plenty from his idol Thierry Henry in the art of finishing.
Hardened Arsenal fans will be well aware of Watt on account of his exploits with the double-winning U18 side and he looks to have all the tools required to flourish.
Along with outstanding local team-mates Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs, he helps prove Arsenal's youth policy is not all about foreigners.
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Playing alongside one of the best strikers of his generation should be a thrill in itself for any teenager, but to bag the winning goal can only leave Welbeck dreaming of big things.
Welbeck fired the winning goal against Wolves, demonstrating superb awareness to play a one-two with Michael Owen before slotting home with authority.
Sir Alex Ferguson is no fool and he said during the summer that he expected Welbeck to be pushing for a first-team place before the season is out. The Carling Cup certainly offers that, but you get the impression Ferguson feels Welbeck will be pushing for a place in the Premier League side - juding by the way he took his goal against Wolves, that could well happen.
Campbell grabbed his first goal since joining Sunderland in the win over Birmingham and admits it is a relief to take the weight off his shoulders.
The forward has long been highly rated, and at 22 he is not technically in the fledgling stage, but his career has stalled on account of repeated loan moves after failing to break through at Manchester United.
There is no doubt Campbell has an eye for goal and if he can settle into his new surrounds and establish a foothold, the potential could still be realised.
Steve Bruce has quality in his attacking ranks with Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones on the books, and Campbell is aware of the need to fight for his place - but a permanent home could be just what he needs.
Fabio Borini (Chelsea)
The 18-year-old striker made his first start in the 1-0 win against QPR, and given Chelsea"s transfer embargo we could be seeing more of the Italian.
The former Bologna player faces competition from fellow youngsters Scott Sinclair and Franco Di Santo, both of whom are out on loan, and new signing Daniel Sturridge, but did enough to suggest he might rise to the top.
While not in the fast, physical mould of Didier Drogba, he nonetheless made a positive impression, particularly in the first half.
His neat chip set an early Salomon Kalou chance, before he sent a headed chance wide. After the break, he raced into the box from the right but was forced wide and Tom Heaton saved his shot.
Jay Spearing (Liverpool)
And let us not forget the football powerhouse that is Liverpool.
For so long the Reds have relied on Steven Gerrard for inspiration, but the Anfield faithful could have another home-grown talent to cheer on.
Liverpool feel Spearing has the world at his feet, but he is more in the mould of Javier Mascherano than a Gerrard. At 5ft 8in, he is short in stature but not in confidence.
He was handed a new deal in the summer and his full debut came against Leeds in midweek.
League One opposition may not be the best to judge a player on, but Leeds are head and shoulders above most sides at that level and Spearing more than held his own alongside Mascherano and we are likely to see more of the 20-year-old as the season progresses.
Comment 1 - 14 of 14
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Sorry to see this, but I just cannot see Spearing have any talent he is very ordinary player
Message for John: I know it deserved a red, and he didn't rugby tackle him. He just tripped him up with his arm. I said it was disappointing because he is a good player, i never said he didn't deserve it. BTW Im a Fulham fan
arsenal hav da best youth players watt, vella esc
Message for Sam D It wasn't disappointing for Fabio to be sent off.He knows the rules and he didn't have to rugby tackle the Wolves player who was clear through on goal.Only Man Utd fans would have sympathy for him but rules are rules even for you guys.J D Navan
w N w U w F . n u fc . C . o . u . k
it must be that time again??? when all we hear about is wengers kids until they get walloped later on when the big guns take that cup seriously............................and the clubs season hits skid row(potless yet again) lol
Pure stupidity!!! They should call this Carling "Youth" Cup. Such things should happen in English Football only..
It's so disappointing for Fabio Da Silva to be red-carded (why was the card a circle?)!
He would have been in here for sure and is one of the most promising wing-backs going around. I can't wait until 5 years time when Fabio and Rafael are tearing down the flanks of Old Trafford.
fabio borini,like it :) if gael kakuta was there you would have seen what real football talent is QPR
just no, spam f**ker
How I would've loved seeing Fulham knock out City's first team with a bunch of nobodies.
eurosport is anti-liverpool
Jay Spearing - Liverpool...not included??!
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