Five English Strikers to Follow Saido Berahino
West Brom’s Berahino was a fresh new face in Roy Hodgson’s most recent England squad but there is a host of young talent just waiting to follow him.
James Wilson – Manchester United
The fresh faced United teenager is highly thought of at Old Trafford and looks a star in the making after he shot to prominence with a brace against West Brom on his Manchester United debut at the back end of last season under David Moyes. Wilson has also made fleeting appearances this season under Van Gaal, who had no qualms about the striker replacing Robin Van Persie in the Manchester derby. However, Wilson is still relatively green and looks a way off cementing a first team place, especially considering the wealth of attacking talent United possess, but he will be vital next year if United get back into the Champions League where English teams have been struggling to compete.
The 5ft 11 Staffordshire born striker has an exemplary record for United’s youth and reserve sides. He caught the eye by netting against Bayern Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Youth League and will be soon knocking on the door of regular first team football at Old Trafford.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
The 21 year-old English striker is fast making a name for himself after a string of impressive performances. Kane, who has scored 9 goals in his last 10 appearances for Spurs, has been the key man in the back to back away league wins against Aston Villa and Hull.
Kane has been the success story of Pochettino’s side this season, while the rest of the team have struggled to make any kind of impact, the youngster has almost single-handedly dragged his side to victory.
The Spurs frontman, who idolised Teddy Sheringham and Jurgen Klinsmann as a youngster, learnt his trade on loan to Millwall, Norwich and Leicester in recent seasons and looks set to become a regular fixture for club and country in the coming years.
Danny Ings – Burnley
Danny is another striker who has caught the eye in the Premier League this season and the Burnley former notched a quick fire brace against Stoke to kick start their campaign. Ings is a year older than Harry Kane and is more battle hardened after making almost 100 appearances for Burnley.
The 22 year-old sparked into life last season by banging in 20 goals in 40 league appearances for the Clarets and his firepower was integral to their shock promotion to the Premier League last term. Danny has continued his fine form for the U21 England side with four goals in seven appearances and has done more than enough to give Roy Hodgson another selection dilemma for the full national side.
Patrick Bamford – Chelsea
The 21 year-old striker rejected a scholarship for Harvard University to concentrate on his football career and was rewarded by signing a £1.5m deal with Chelsea in 2012. Despite not making any in roads to the first XI at Stamford Bridge, Bamford has impressed on loan with MK Dons, Derby and more recently Middlesbrough where he netted the equalising goal at Anfield in a Capital One Cup tie against Liverpool, as the 6ft 1 striker looks to work his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Connor Wickham – Sunderland
Connor Wickham became the youngest ever player for Ipswich Town when he made his debut at just 16 years old and it was clear from that point that he would play at the top level. His progress, however, has plateaued following his £8m move to Sunderland in 2012.
Critics suggest that the 21 year-old doesn’t score enough goals (just 11 in 63 appearances for Sunderland), but his link up play and ability to hold the ball up is top class. He had an impressive run of form at the backend of last season, when he netted five goals in three games and scooped the April Player of the Month award in the process.
Wickham, should he stay injury free and get an extended run in the first team, has the potential and talent to become a top striker for club and country.
