Ahead of the new season, I have picked out 5 youngsters who I believe could have big seasons ahead of them. All 5 possess the necessary attributes to succeed at this level, and a few I believe will be playing in the EFL before long. I will also be looking at 5 veteran players later this week, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.
Ephron Mason-Clark
22 year old Mason-Clark is possibly the best u23 player in the league, and a sure candidate for Young Player of the Season. Blessed with natural ability, Mason-Clark is perhaps a victim of playing in a poorer side than other prospects. A graduate of Barnet’s youth side, he has already made 159 league appearances, despite his tender years, with his experience belying his years. Athletic, versatile and with an eye for goal, Mason-Clark can operate on either wing, or through the middle of midfield. He attempts 7.99 dribbles per 90, 5th highest in the division, 55.7% of which are successful. Clearly, he loves the ball at his feet, and enjoys taking his man on; he is an extremely dangerous attacking threat.
Mason-Clark was also the 8th most fouled player last season, outlining his threat to opposition defences. He also takes 2.28 shots per 90, with 32.94% of these on target; despite this, he only managed 6 goals and 3 assists last term, a tally he needs to improve this season. Barnet have strengthened this summer, and you would expect Mason-Clark to thrive in the improving environment. It’s my belief that his talent will carry him into the EFL, sooner rather than later.
Kyran Lofthouse
21 year old full back Kyran Lofthouse is a very promising defender, one who I feel is often overlooked when the best in his position are discussed. Blessed with natural athleticism, Lofthouse is a robust defender, one who won 65.36% of his defensive duels. As I will highlight in an article later this week, this is a very impressive figure. In fact, Lofthouse is towards the upper end of all of the key metrics to measure a good right full back in the National League.
A key player for one of the division’s dark horses, Lofthouse is no stranger to a cross; he makes 3.05 per 90, 32.18% are successful. If we compare this to Jayden Richardson, who was named in the NL Team of the Season, he ranks higher in both (Richardson – 2.96 per 90, 30% accurate). It should also be noted that this was Lofthouse’s first full senior full time season, following his move from Oxford United. It would be sensible to suggest that Lofthouse will only improve from here; very exciting times for the young full back indeed.
Tommy Willard
Talented winger Tommy Willard is one of Aldershot’s brightest sparks, and the 21 year old will look to kick on even further this season. Willard netted 4 times last season, assisting another, and I would expect this output to increase this season. He takes 1.75 shots per 90, with 35.42% of these being on target. Neither are huge numbers, but when considering he played in a rather poor Aldershot side, it looks more impressive.
Willard will benefit from the total squad overhaul the Shots have seen this summer. He is likely to remain a nailed on starter, whilst attacking additions such as Inih Effiong should only help Willard’s game. Willard will however need to increase the number of crosses he makes if he is to provide a decent service to target man Effiong; he currently only makes 0.95 per 90.
Max Cleworth
Teenage Max Cleworth was one of the local lads who appeared in Wrexham’s side last season, and he will be key to right the wrongs of this season. The only teenager to play over 2000 minutes in the National League last seaskn, Cleworth is a real prospect. A towering centre half, Cleworth will learn from the play-off heartache he suffered against Grimsby. Despite being 6ft3 Cleworth only won 58.96% of his aerial duels, an area he will have to improve in. He did however win an impressive 72.08% of his defensive duels, outlining the presence he has in defence.
Cleworth is also capable with the ball at his feet, completing 80.45% of his passes. He also makes 7.3 progressive passes per 90, which whilst not being a massive number, it isn’t a small amount either; Cleworth can certainly play. A well rounded defender, who has time on his side, Cleworth is likely to mature throughout the season, and benefit from playing in such a dominant side. He has all the tools to be one of the finest defenders in the division.
Marcus Sablier
Left midfielder Sablier is the only other teenager on my list, with his 15 appearances for Bromley impressing me last term. Sablier netted twice in his limited appearances, and if Andy Woodman shows faith in the youngster you would expect this output to increase next season. Sablier only makes 0.79 crosses per 90, perhaps explaining his lack of assists; he does however make 29.05 passes per 90, with a success rate of 77.03%, showing he had more involvement than the crossing stats suggest.
A player who can improve, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sablier chip in with some good performances this season. Whilst he isn’t a guaranteed starter, he is part of a squad that is pushing for promotion. He will benefit from playing in a Woodman side; it could be a big season for young Marcus.
xN: Expected Nonsense 