Jack Rodwell     20     Midfielder     Everton

If transfer speculation improved a player’s ability, Jack Rodwell would be on a par with Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Consistently linked with the Premier League’s so called big-boys, the amount of printed words dedicated to Rodwell has been astonishing when measured against actual minutes spent on the pitch.

This is perhaps the most interesting period of Jack Rodwell’s career. While undoubtedly he has shown flashes that justify the hype that has surrounded him over the last two years, there remains a huge question mark over his best position. He remains at Everton and a paper-thin squad will see Rodwell get more time on the pitch than ever before and while playing mainly as a defensive midfielder at his club, many consider a move to central defence necessary to bring out his best long-term.

As the 2011-12 Premier league season dawned, we were beginning to grow a little weary of waiting for potential to become a consistent level of performance.  However Rodwell has really begun to kick on in recent months and has played his way into Fabio Cappello’s Euro 2012 plans.

“A promising player and genuine prospect for as long as anyone can remember, Jack Rodwell has all the tools to become the complete midfielder. A lack of ability to control the tempo of a game at the highest level has perhaps hindered his progress to a truly top level club. Almost a hundred first team appearances at the age of 20 is nothing to be sniffed at, however” – Luke Moore (The Football Ramble)

“Great physically - yet too injury-prone. Didn't push on over last two seasons but departure of Arteta will help him - he's already looked more of a force this season” – Michael Cox (Zonal Marking)

C     Do more, more often