Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers is going to be a top player. Having watched him at the end of last season against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United there was certainly much promise; he is starting to prove his quality this season. Last night he was easily Man of the Match in a dire game at Ewood Park where his quality shone through the torrential rain.
He has started the season playing as defensive midfield which is not his specialist position; he has however kept last season’s player of the season Steven Nzonzi out of the side. Stuart Pearce has been playing him alongside Chris Smalling for the England Under 21s and his performances have been outstanding. It will not be long before a top club comes a calling.
It is always difficult to assess how good promising young players will become. Occasionally though you see a player who just stands out from the rest and Jones is certainly one of these. At only 18 he has the physical stature to cope with the likes of Drogba and Tevez and also seems very competent on the ball. He dribbled the ball out of defence a couple of times last night with assurance. Jones also appeared on Football Focus a month or so and came across as a very level headed young man; hopefully he will not be corrupted in the same way other promising young players have over the years.
It will be an interesting season for Jones if he continues to develop at this rate. A full international call up is unlikely this year but Capello would be foolish not to take a closer look at him in the coming months.
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