Dedryck Boyata     20     Defender     Bolton Wanderers

We have no idea what went into Belgian drinking water some twenty years ago, but we can’t recall a time when the country produced so many talented players. 

Witnessing the impact that international colleagues Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, and Romelu Lukaku have made over the last year may have acted as a spur for a young man from Brussels plying his trade in the North West of England.  However central defender Dedryck Boyata has suffered more than most from the influx of cash at Manchester City in recent years. 

Six appearances in 2010-11 is not a bad return for a 20 year old, but as tempting as it may be to live life as a bit part player in a squad that looks capable of doing well, Boyata really needs to be playing regularly.  

Roberto Mancini’s capture of Stefan Savic in the summer issued notice that imminent elevation to the Manchester City first team was not a given.  As the imminent closure of the August transfer window loomed, a late request from Owen Coyle to take Boyata, who can also pay at right back, to Bolton on loan was met with approval at Eastlands. 

This could turn out to be a pivotal season in the young Belgian’s career as he looks to cement a starting berth alongside Vincent Kompany for both club and country.  Yet with the sort of financial muscle City are able to yield, Boyata will need to perform to an extremely high level at the Reebok Stadium if he is to put himself at the forefront of Roberto Mancini’s thinking.

"Decent feet, powerful runner, slightly hazy on positioning, likes a tackle." - Jack Pitt-Brooke (Journalist)

D       Come back a different player