In recent years there has been a number of English starlets head abroad to take on the challenges that come with playing in the major European competitions. There has been such an interest in this pattern as it has once again seen the rise of Home Grown Talent flourishing abroad.

This article looks into how the caliber of player has vastly developed from 2009 vs. 2019.

The year 2009 was a very different world to the one that we have become accustom to. Prior to the turning of the decade, the much loved social media platform that many of our favourite stars use to show off their lives, Instagram was not yet launched & Cristiano Ronaldo had just won his first ever Ballon d’Or.

2009 was also the year that saw David Beckham, Matt Derbyshire & Jermaine Pennant waving the English flag abroad. In contrast to this, 2019, has seen several English players stamp their passports on the way through to the major European leagues. We won’t dwell on the past and look too far into the talent pool from 2009. However, the only genuine star abroad at the time was David Beckham.

2019 – English Talent Abroad

Jadon Sancho

A 7 year old Jadon Sancho first got a taste of club football when he joined Watford. Before long the bigger clubs came knocking and with Manchester City bidding off all other potential suiters it was time for Sancho to sign for the Citizens.

Although, there was much promise for Jadon at City, eventual failed negotiation contract talks saw him leave for Borussia Dortmund in August 2017.

Jadon was adamant that the key to his decision was promised first team football. At such a young age there are few managers in the English Premier League who are afforded the security to risk playing inexperienced professionals.

Nevertheless, the Dortmund staff have delivered on their promise. Having played in 43 games for the German outfit, Jadon has managed to score an impressive 10 goals and has earned himself a trio of Three Lions caps.

Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson, a close friend of Jadon Sancho from their time growing up in London and aspiring to be professional footballers.

Nelson, has sealed the same fate as his boyhood companion by occupying a place on the wing for a German Bundesliga side. The pacey winger has been applied as a Substitute for the majority of his performance in the later stages of the season.

A return of 6 goals in a total of 21 appearances this season has shown exactly how important playing minutes are for a developing talent. Still only 19 and earning caps for England at all youth levels, Reiss Nelson is proving to be one for the future.

Patrick Roberts

Another English winger plying his trade abroad is Patrick Roberts. The former Fulham youngster has enjoyed success in recent years whilst on loan with Celtic. Roberts has been now tasked with conquering Spain.

A change in scenery has seen Roberts, represent Girona on 12 occasions this season. The most notable of his appearances has come this week with a 1 nil win over league rivals, Barcelona.

Yet to start in La Liga this season, Roberts has had to remain patient. A good talent, although the longer time goes on the more unlikely a successful return to Parent Club Manchester City’s first team seems.

Reo Griffiths

Perhaps a lesser known talent than those mentioned previously. The 18 year old home grown talent first gained reasonable recognition through scoring over 30 goals for Spurs’ under 18s side.

Another example of a young English talent eager to gain first team exposure he has opted to sign for Lyon. Constructing a career for himself in France, Griffiths has had to tentatively wait for his opportunity in the First Team.

Hard to judge the benefit that playing abroad has had on his career. If he can find his goal scoring form again than the sky is the limit for Reo Griffiths.

These four attaching minded players are an example of the talent which England continues to produce. With numerous pending 3 Lions players shining in Europe’s leagues, there too is an abundance of Home Grown talent remaining in the EPL & the Championship fighting for their place.

by Jarred Hancock

(Jarred_Hancock)