Youthful Impressions

James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse was as good as advertised in the season-opener against Liverpool at the heart of Southampton’s midfield.  The 19-year-old Englishman imposed himself on the defensive midfield pairing of Gerrard and Lucas all afternoon, and delivered cutting-edge free kicks time and time again for the Saints.  He was full of energy and looks poised to take up the attacking mantle Adam Lallana left in the South.  Ward-Prowse looked extremely comfortable in front of Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin, the former having a similarly impressive day.  

Ki Sung-Yueng

The South Korean midfielder showed everyone why Gary Monk needs to keep him around for the season.  Typical of his countryman Park Ji-Sung, Ki put in an energizing shift in the midfield, but also scored the first goal of the premier league season.  The goal he scored gives Swansea more promise for the season, as it’s usually a given that the 24 year old will give the necessary effort.  Ki was vital to the three points for Swansea who will be keen to further integrate the smooth-moving South Korean.  

Eric Dier

Dier’s journey is a very unique one, as the young Englishman started at the Sporting Lisbon youth academy at age nine.  Eleven years later, Dier made his premier league debut for Tottenham at right back, and scored the games only goal in extra time.  It was a fairytale ending to the day for the youngster, whose dream of playing in the premier league has finally been realized.  

Saido Berahino

Another talented young Englishman, Berhahino was the star of the show for West Brom against the hosts Sunderland.  He stepped up and buried a penalty for West Brom’s first, and scored a phenomenal volley for the second.  Berahino, 21, is an unsung English player who could feature for the Three Lions one day.  He is tied to the club until 2017, having just signed a new contract at the Hawthorns in December.  

Calum Chambers

Man of the match for me, Chambers proved me wrong after my comments on him earlier in the week.  I still think Arsenal need another center back, as Chambers would be more suited as a fourth center back while featuring in the defensive midfield more often.  However, the 19-year-old held his own in defense, but more impressively played the ball cooly and efficiently when stepping up into the midfield.  One wouldn’t have thought they were watching a teenager on Saturday, as his star could yet rise higher in the immediate future.