Davide Petrucci

Chris H

Full text, for those not familiar with the Caf's "click the fecking link you idiot" feature, and those too lazy to do just that. You know who you are.

Alex

It would be really amusing if Ronaldo was sold this year, and in 3-5 years this guy is better than him, and Ronaldo has regressed. Don't get me wrong I want Ronaldo to stay as much as anybody, just so the pie lands on Calderon's face if for no other reason than at the moment Ronaldo IS the best player in the world atm. He is the the prototype of the future when it comes to attackers, a player who will excel in any attacking role, if given enough freedom(from defensive duties) and playing with other good attacking players, the lad has all the skills, and can score a goal from anywhere in any manner.

That said there have been a lot of players who have been great recently who have regressed when they have moved, ie Seba Veron. That said in the end I think he will stay, people seemed a lot more certain in 2006 that he was leaving if I remember correctly, funny thing was he was the best player in the world 4 months later, funny how things work, let's wait and see

sincher

Wow - you somehow managed to relate this to the Ronaldo 'story'. Incredible, but you managed it.

Elliott

What other academy has produced 4 players of Rossi/Pique/Evans/Campbell quality over the last 2 season? At least 2 of them are blatantly good enough to be part of the European champions' squad (Rossi, Evans), 2 of them brought us huge money and Campbell is wanted for big money by several Premiership clubs despite being far from physically developed. Our academy is healthy again. We're all the time perfecting the policy of bringing in the best talent from around the world and Mulensteen has no doubt been a major contributor in the 18 months he's been in charge of skills development. I predict Evans will play an important part next season (maybe Fraizer as well depending on who we bring in. Another year at Hull would be best for him though). Hopefully that will stop people from selling our academy short. All said 4 player are good enough for a place in Wenger's squad btw, so of course it's more difficult for us. But we're getting there, in fact we are there and the next 2 season will prove it beyond doubt. And CH; when did a player ever turn down United for West Ham?

CockneyHammer

He's more of an attacking midifelder but has been known to play on the right too. He did start as a striker but was moved back to midfield a few seasons back where he excelled.

I'm not suprised that most Italians are becoming strikers now as it's "the thing to do" very glorious nopw day. West Ham for example have only had one striker of note in years who come through the academy (Defoe) whereas now days we have 4 or 5 promising strikers in the academy but only 2 half decent midfielders, 2 defenders and a goalkeeper.

He's very quick but big for his age, he relies on his pace and brawn to get forward rather than being a trick player. I think he can be adapted to play in any role in midfield as i'm sure he is a left footer yet he likes to play on the right.

You'll also find that most players who make it from an academy much like Petrucci started out as a striker but then was moved, Noble did for instance here as did Tomkins and Ferdinand, Spector too

rooney__10

We have made quite a lot of shrewd "investments" over the last couple of years on young players that we have sold on for a good return.
It's very hard for young players to make it at united but I won't be to bothered if we loan him out then sell him on down the line for 5-6 mil. Hopefully he grows a couple of inches in the years to come.

cesc's_mullet

United and Arsenal are two of the best sides in the world at developing their players, on the whole.

But obviously the problem is bringing through young players that started their careers at the club. For example - of the four players you mentioned the two most talented where brought in from abroad.

BTW I doubt Campbell would make our squad.

FlawlessThaw

Have you seen either Campbell or Evans play? Arguably Evans is a better defender than Pique but the latter will no doubt be a better overall player. If he had a bit of pace he would have been a monster.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Campbell made your squad, Bendtner does.

CockneyHammer

Bendtner is better than Campbell, don't let one good season in the Championship fool you

FlawlessThaw

I could say the same about Bendtner...

He probably is a better player than Campbell. But not by much.

Colly

So we'll get 5 or 6 mill for him in 3 years time then - great

cesc's_mullet

Nah I haven't seen Evans play, nor do I know anything about him...

Was he loaned out to Sunderland? If so one of the Radio Hosts of a sports station I listen to seems to rate him. Mind you he didn’t sound like he knew too much about European Football (he’s a retired Aussie Rules Footy player)

And I’m not having a go at him, or you, but to say if he had pace he would be a monster doesn’t mean anything.

Bendtner makes our squad because he is an extremely talented young player. Campbell would have no hope in hell in replacing him, though Vela on the other hand… (is yet to be seen)

cesc's_mullet

By far.

FlawlessThaw

The part in bold I was actually referring to Pique. And to an extent it does mean something seeing as I have actually seen him play in both the first team and reserves and can figure out what his strengths and weaknesses are.

On Evans most people who watch sunderland seem to rate him highly. I've generally been impressed by him whenever I've seen him play. Has settled into international, then championship and now premiership football quite well. It all depends if he can make it at champions league level or not.

If Bendtner has shown his talent this season, then Vela who looks amazing should have an easy route in. To say Campbell would have no hope in hell in replacing him if you haven't seen him play is quite stupid.

FlawlessThaw

Based on what? Bendtner last ditch goal against Spurs or how he knows how to take a punch?

Virtuoso

Thanks for the info mate, is he really that far down the line already? At 16, I was expecting him to play reserves and in the FA Youth Cup - despite his immense potential. But after having read that article and from what you've said, he seems an even bigger talent than what I gave him credit for originally. If Roma were going to give him a bit-part role in the first team then that shows how highly they think of him at 16, players like Aquilani and De Rossi were only really given a chance at 19-20 and look at where they are now. Also, the fact that as you say, he's left footed but can play in various attacking roles should help him and give him a better chance of developing.

Elliott

Luckily they'll both play in the premiership next season, so we'll have our answer then. Bendtner is very talented, no question. Fraizer will turn heads next season.

cesc's_mullet

Woops, I thought you meant it in the context that he would’ve been a monster if only he had pace. Also obviously thought you were referring to Evans. Is he the captain of Ireland or their best player already or something?

And I guess the lack of speed is why Pique opted to head back to Spain instead of sticking it out in England.

As for Bendtner and Frazier – I guess if he (Frazier) gets some time this season we’ll be able to make a call. But you seem to be seriously underrating Bendtner here, he's a very talented kid and should have a big future at the club if he continues to develop at this rate.

I’d have though with United’s lack of striker options Frazier would’ve been kept/brought back into the squad last season? Then again it's not like you needed him, and a full seasons first team action would be better then being used sparingly.

samabachan

Seriously is this joker slating Campbell without ever having seen him play? And I've said before (I know it's always going out on a limb with young players) but I think by the time Evans is 24/25 he'll be as good as Rio.

cesc's_mullet

Joker?

Slating?

Learn to comprehend.

ave fenix

[quote=Elliott;4754177]If I was an ugly loser and had no life, I might've practiced 14 hours a day as well*. The lad is a work product which explains why he's a shite songwriter and a drag to listen to. Music is feeling, this wanker has little or none.

What about you?Are you insane???? He's one of the most respected guitar player in the world! And no,he is an excellent songwriter.

Ekeke

Would be pushing it to say by the time he's 29 he may be as good defensively as Rio. But Rio has things Evans never will - the same as Pique has things Evans never will.

Van Piorsing

Davide Petrucci, the new Totti... I just hope he's not going to spit on players from opposite team.

Anyway, he's highly rated in Italy, deadly attacking player, still got time to improve to become United quality.

Let's hope we've signed bright future for this club.

samabachan

Rio will be what 33/4? And that's bullshit IMO. Rio's faster than Jonny but that's about it in terms of potential for me.

Van Piorsing

Agreed.

True legend of progressive rock/metal.

CockneyHammer

No worries, I myself don't know loads about him but it's more than most

He is a better player than Ramsey in my opinion so it's not all bad for you. You also have the advantage of where he is at such a young age he will find it very easy to adapt to our game something most Italians have difficulty with.

I'm not sure where he is going to end up playing for you, Man Utd have a habit of repositioning youth players but generally it's for the best. Either way it will be an attacking role

I really thought that we would have signed him but this slipped under our noses by the look of it. Disapointing from our side but nothing we can do about it.

Ekeke