Just had a very interesting pub discussion about this. I wondered if any other forum regulars had thoughts on whether we see young players get hyped well beyond their actual impact and ability.
Obviously the usual names have come out; Torres, Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez. However, i feel that when you compare most of todays young prodigys they dont actually stand up to great young players.
*Disclaimer-Rough stats*
For example - Rooney scored i think 9 goals in his first season for Everton, thats hardly setting the world on fire (a wonderstrike aside), his next season was not much better at around 15. In fact he is now 20 and still hasnt hit 20 in a season (certainly not the league, or a hattrick?). Owen scored far more than that at a similar age.
Torres is scoring 13-15 a year yet gets rave reviews. Now i appreciate his league is generally lower scoring than the EPL. Does he merit the hype? Well he had a good world cup but was i preferred Villa to him.
Nearly any of the current hype machines dont compare to someone i had forgotten about. When you compare impact in the first few seasons. Name any player who has scored 30 or more in their first 3 seasons? (dutch league not allowed!) Ok how about a 50+ strike partnership who was U22?
Well to be honest i couldnt either. But the answer is there......Robbie Fowler. He puts every single one of the current hype kids to shame.
Five goals in his first home game....15 goals in his first 22 games at 18.... injured.... total for his first season : 18 goals from 33, 37 goal partnership with Rush.
His second season.... fastest hat-trick since the War (gooner wince) 4:33 against you. 31 goals total for the season, 25 in the league, 50 goal partnership. Third season, 30+, another 50 partnership. Fourth season, 36 goals turns 21. Lastly, beats Ian Rush to the fastest 100 goals for Liverpool.
I had forgotten what a true young player marvel was, until i read his book. I dont think any of todays young players come close to any of that.
Obviously the usual names have come out; Torres, Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez. However, i feel that when you compare most of todays young prodigys they dont actually stand up to great young players.
*Disclaimer-Rough stats*
For example - Rooney scored i think 9 goals in his first season for Everton, thats hardly setting the world on fire (a wonderstrike aside), his next season was not much better at around 15. In fact he is now 20 and still hasnt hit 20 in a season (certainly not the league, or a hattrick?). Owen scored far more than that at a similar age.
Torres is scoring 13-15 a year yet gets rave reviews. Now i appreciate his league is generally lower scoring than the EPL. Does he merit the hype? Well he had a good world cup but was i preferred Villa to him.
Nearly any of the current hype machines dont compare to someone i had forgotten about. When you compare impact in the first few seasons. Name any player who has scored 30 or more in their first 3 seasons? (dutch league not allowed!) Ok how about a 50+ strike partnership who was U22?
Well to be honest i couldnt either. But the answer is there......Robbie Fowler. He puts every single one of the current hype kids to shame.
Five goals in his first home game....15 goals in his first 22 games at 18.... injured.... total for his first season : 18 goals from 33, 37 goal partnership with Rush.
His second season.... fastest hat-trick since the War (gooner wince) 4:33 against you. 31 goals total for the season, 25 in the league, 50 goal partnership. Third season, 30+, another 50 partnership. Fourth season, 36 goals turns 21. Lastly, beats Ian Rush to the fastest 100 goals for Liverpool.
I had forgotten what a true young player marvel was, until i read his book. I dont think any of todays young players come close to any of that.