TALENT evaluation isn’t always easy when it comes to Prem wonderkids.
The names of plenty of supposed future superstars cross the lips of fans up and down the country each year, as they dream of their club unearthing the next big thing.
For every Wayne Rooney, a wonderkid that delivered on his promise, there will be another 10 starlets that can’t quite live up to the hype.
So when Bleacher Report(BR) named their best XI of Premier League teenage wonderkids in 2013, it was bound to be a mixed bag.
Some of their picks have made the grade spectacularly, with their line-up containing a Manchester United regular as well as a Treble winner.
Others, however, have fallen into obscurity, not managing to live up to the hype.
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A decade on from BR’s picks, we take a look at how their XI have gone on to do.
Gregor Zabret
Slovenian keeper arrived at Swansea from Domzale in 2013, but would never make a first-team appearance during his seven years at the Liberty Stadium.
Zabret, described as a “strong shot-stopper” by BR, was loaned to Oldham in 2019 – but failed to make a league appearance there either.
Following short spells with non-league Ashton Athletic and Welsh side Aberystwyth Town, the 27-year-old finds himself without a club.
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Calum Chambers
By 2013, Calum Chambers had already been handed his Premier League debut at Southampton by former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino.
A year later his promising displays earned a move to Arsenal – where he would play 122 times between 2014 and January 2022 – while also having loan spells at Fulham and Middlesbrough.
Chambers, 28, has earned three England caps, and signed for Aston Villa on a free transfer in January last year.
Nathaniel Chalobah
Former starlet Nathaniel Chalobah emerged as a highly-touted wonderkid during his time at Chelsea – going on to play 15 times for the Blues’ first team.
He was loaned out six times by the West Londoners, before joining Watford permanently in 2017.
Chalobah, now 28, earned an England cap in 2018, and now plays for West Brom after signing for the Baggies in January.
Nathan Ake
Former Chelsea wonderkid Nathan Ake has gone on to have a phenomenal career… away from Stamford Bridge.
After just 17 outings for the Blues, Ake was allowed to sign for Bournemouth on a permanent basis.
Following impressive displays for the Cherries, the Dutchman signed for Manchester City – going on to play a key role in their famous Treble triumph.
Luke Shaw
Precocious full-back Luke Shaw broke through at Southampton aged just 17 under Pochettino, with a £30million move to Man United making him the world’s most expensive teenager in 2014.
The 27-year-old has fought through adversities at Old Trafford, particularly his horrific leg break and subsequent feud with Jose Mourinho, to become a trusted regular at Old Trafford.
In addition to 260 Man United appearances Shaw has also earned 30 England caps, scoring in the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
James Ward-Prowse
Midfielder James Ward-Prowse remains a one-club man, having become captain at his beloved Southampton.
Following the Saints’ relegation, however, he may soon be granted a move – with West Ham believed to be keen.
The deadly set-piece specialist, 28, has played 11 times for England.
Gedion Zelalem
United States youth international Gedion Zelalem was spotted playing in the US by former Gunner and scout Daniel Karbassiyoon as a teen.
He was subsequently snapped up by Arsenal and tipped for the top.
The midfielder went on to make just four first team appearances for the North Londoners, going on to play for Sporting Kansas City and New York City in MLS – before moving to Den Bosch in the Netherlands, where he now plies his trade aged 26.
Jeremie Boga
Winger Jeremie Boga was an exciting talent within Chelsea’s academy, and was handed his first Prem start on the opening day of the 2017-18 season by boss Antonio Conte.
Following Gary Cahill’s early red card, however, the unfortunate Ivorian was hooked after just 18 minutes to get an extra defender on.
He would never play for the Blues again, but he has since excelled in Serie A with Sassuolo and Atalanta, where he now plays aged 26.
Adnan Januzaj
Former wonderkid shot to prominence at Manchester United after scoring twice on his first Prem start under former boss David Moyes in 2013.
He went on to play 63 times for the Red Devils’ first team before eventually falling out of favour under Louis van Gaal and heading out on loan to Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund.
A permanent switch to Real Sociedad, where he played between 2017 and 2022, followed – and he has most recently been on loan at Turkish side Basaksehir from Sevilla.
Serge Gnabry
German winger is very much one that got away for Arsenal fans – after he played just 18 times for their first team.
Gnabry endured a nightmare loan spell at West Brom, with ex-Baggies boss Tony Pulis going on to scoff: “You could knock him over with a feather.”
After a stint with Werder Bremen he signed for Bayern Munich where he has excelled, scoring 81 goals and laying on 51 assists in 218 appearances – while winning the Champions League and a plethora of Bundesliga titles.
Lucas Piazon
Brazilian former wonderkid Lucas Piazon was highly thought of at Chelsea, but would make just three first team appearances for the Blues – the last of which came in 2012.
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Astonishingly the forward, now 29, remained on Chelsea’s books until 2021, going out on loan SEVEN times.
He finally left Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis for Portuguese side Braga two years ago, and has since had yet another loan spell, this time with Botafogo.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
