Jack Rodwell – Manchester City
At Everton Rodwell appeared to have the world at his feet. Hailed as one of the new breed of English footballers that can transform a game with only a simple pass or turn in possession he has seen his career stall at City.
It was a given that at some point he’d take the step up to join one of the country’s elite clubs, but there’s a sense that he went to Manchester too soon, disrupting his natural progression and virtually ruling himself out of some valuable international experience with only a year to go before the World Cup in Brazil.
He has made just 11 appearances for City this year as they lost the title to neighbours United and though he missed three months of the season to injury, he’s not featured when fit either.
He’s in good company at City, though, who have a good core of English players. Particularly in the midfield. Gareth Barry and James Milner will be able to guide him, and Yaya Toure is probably the best role model you can have in your position.
But that won’t help him this year, and the gap in first team activity will surely hamper his progress.