Our 17-year old midfielder Jacob Devaney has signed his first professional contract. One of the boys that perhaps went a bit under the radar in last season's triumphs. A solid player who is comfortable and composed on the ball.
Jacob Devaney
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This is a link to a very good article on Jacob Devanney.
https://www.irishpost.com/sport/mar...-call-up-and-manchester-united-journey-277806
https://www.irishpost.com/sport/mar...-call-up-and-manchester-united-journey-277806
Looks like a prospect and unlikely to be a money grabbing betraying scumbag like Rice/Grealish etc.
I wonder if he had ever been to Ireland before he was selected.
Cheers, much appreciated!
Hmm...
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?
I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
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Unlikely to make it at United but a high standard youth player. League One / Championship level would be my prediction.
Thanks. (Hopefully he proves you wrong)
Talented player, a lot depends on his development and luck with injuries. I have seen plenty of very talented young players get ruined because of injuries, and seen plenty of decent players make it simply because they remained injury free and be available when a space opens up.
In the end, we do have a lot of competition in midfield, but if all goes well he can still be a decent PL level player.
He pulls out some nice longer passes and thats clearly his strength. Other than that he's what you'd expect from a youngster in his position
Indeed. His father mentioned in the article above that he missed around 16 months due to a stress fracture. Just goes to show!
What’s the competition in that particular position? Any stand out names to look out for?
Nice name, bro.
Well, there is already Collyer in the main squad. Then McAllister and Fitzgerald after that. We also just bought Kone as well.
As for midfielders in general, there are even more.
Stand out performance for me last week against AZ. Solid passer, big strong and athletic.
Seen him again AZ last week, stand out performer for me. Great range of passing, big and strong and seemed to cover the field really well.
He's one I really like the look of.
Imo - the most talented defensive midfielder below first-team level
Who is DM? I get that take if neither of the Fletcher-twins, Fitzgerald and Thwaites are considered DMs. But I would not be surprised to see them as a 6.
It is my impression that more attacking players at youth level often end up as defensive midfielders at senior level.
I would say a midfielder whose defensive strengths are much better than his attacking strengths. He is good going forward, but he is exceptional at the defensive part of the game
My point is that it could be a big statement or not saying much. Devaney is maybe the only DM below first team level?
Cheers mate!
I haven't seen a lot of actual footage of him but he always seems to be in the match day 11 ahead of players who are older than him. Could be one to watch out for.
There's Finlay McAllister who's played a lot for England's youth sides. Devaney seems to have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
I would say Devaney's passing is his strength. He plays deeper thats why I'd consider him a DM. Doesnt get forward as much as some of our other midfield options
I've been impressed with Devanney as he seems to be a very good reader of the game, strong in the tackle, good control, great diagonal passer. What i like about him is the way he scans the pitch for danger and seems to be in the right place to perform his role. I'm not sure about him or any of the youth players on how far they will go in their careers but if he stays fit he will have a very good career.
Remains to be seen how well he steps up to the U21s (a lot more physical game) tbh. Has been mixed bags so far for some games he have played at this level. McAllister is facing serious problem at that level in the same position.
What I like most about Devaney isn’t really his physical attributes but his decision making. He generally keeps it simple but he moves it quickly when needed and has good positioning which generally points to good tactical awareness.
The closest player stylistically to him in the age range is McAllister and both also play the right back role too. The edge he does have on Fin is first touch and passing range for me though as well as being similarly combative which help in the DM role. Hopefully both can keep developing.
The closest player stylistically to him in the age range is McAllister and both also play the right back role too. The edge he does have on Fin is first touch and passing range for me though as well as being similarly combative which help in the DM role. Hopefully both can keep developing.
He won't be able to do that in The Premier League unless he's playing against United
I already can't believe we left him leave!
He'll be called up to the Ireland senior team after that goal.
Great goal. Obviously shocking defending but thats the level hes playing against as a youngster
I rarely watch these games now but saw the first half of this game and this lad stuck out. Great engine on him, covered so much ground, read the game well, showed good strength too in winning the ball and linking the defence to attack. He and Fletcher really ran the game and look to be developing a good partnership.
Notts County were a decent opposition, it's not like they are playing similar bunch of kids, they were up against a professional league two side who were stronger and quicker in terms of development. The run and goal demonstrate this guy's incredible work rate, stamina and strength on a wet pitch that would've been testing for any professional. Can see him getting on the bench for the first team before long if he keeps this level up.
Notts County were a decent opposition, it's not like they are playing similar bunch of kids, they were up against a professional league two side who were stronger and quicker in terms of development. The run and goal demonstrate this guy's incredible work rate, stamina and strength on a wet pitch that would've been testing for any professional. Can see him getting on the bench for the first team before long if he keeps this level up.
I've watched the u21s a few times this season, and I saw Devaney play a few times last season in the u18s and FA Youth Cup.
Typically he looks one of the worst, if not the worst, of United's players. "Agricultural", often a bit behind the pace, and typically at risk of getting sent off. He's a grafter, but that's it really.
There's a reason he's rarely talked about on here. He's not a potential United first team player.
If you think Devaney has been one of the worst players this season then football ain’t for you. There’s a reason he is the captain and starts every match, he challenging for player of the season as it is. He is in the top 2-3 United players every match this season.
Only the 0 red cards to his name.
If you think Devaney has been one of the worst players this season then football ain’t for you. There’s a reason he is the captain and starts every match, he challenging for player of the season as it is. He is in the top 2-3 United players every match this season.
Only the 0 red cards to his name.
Will also mention he's been performing at this level while doing a Football & Business Management degree at the same time.
Seems to be really intelligent and level-headed off the pitch. He won our scholar of the year award last year too, which takes into account academic & off-the-field behaviour as well as playing performance.
Because he's a grafter, and clearly a smart lad.
But he doesn't have the ability to make it in the first team. It's quite simple.
I'm not surprised someone from Limerick is biased towards the Ireland youth international.
Not to be contradictory but graft can take a player far in the game and every team needs this quality I believe.
I think this way of looking at things can be applied to his style of play too. I’ve mentioned previously about how I like his simplicity in play and ability to move the ball into a better placed player. He also breaks up lay well and has a decent long pass on him.
These kind of players can often appeal to managers more than those with more obvious technical abilities.
I would say he has a chance similarly to others at his level. Opportunities aren’t always predicted.
I think this way of looking at things can be applied to his style of play too. I’ve mentioned previously about how I like his simplicity in play and ability to move the ball into a better placed player. He also breaks up lay well and has a decent long pass on him.
These kind of players can often appeal to managers more than those with more obvious technical abilities.
I would say he has a chance similarly to others at his level. Opportunities aren’t always predicted.
Never even been to Limerick.
As I say, if you think Devaney has been one of the worst if not the worst player for us this season then you simply haven’t the slightest clue about football.
Had an excellent game against England U21s tonight. One of the youngest players on the pitch but more than held his own against the likes of Bellingham, Miley & Nwaneri. Nearly scored on a couple of occasions too.