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| Jones (left), Smalling (right) |
If you are a fan of English football or the Premier League at that, and you've yet to hear of Phil Jones; do note that it won't be long until you can't stop raving about the teenage phenom. After a successful season at Blackburn last year, it was a three way race to land the signature of the 19 year-old. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United were all rumoured to be after the youngster's talents, but after receiving a personal visit from Sir Alex himself, Jones knew where he was going to end up. United paid a very modest £16.5 million for young footballer who can play in any defensive role as well as in the midfield and looks to have the all of the ingredients to become England's next captain; or at least rival and Man City defender Micah Richards thinks so.
Richards explained "Phil Jones is going to be England captain one day, he's got everything: pace, reads the game well, is good on the ball." Richards continued to The Guardian, "He's at the right club as well because Sir Alex Ferguson promotes young players." Quite the high praise from a player who is competing against Jones for a spot on the England squad, as well as competing for a Premier League, and Champions League crown as a part of United's bitter rival, Man City.
Another reason why Jones is capable of becoming England and even United's next captain is because of one of the main contributing factors as to why Sir Alex was convinced to sign the young defender. Last season, when United was picking apart Blackburn, winning the game by a score of 7-1; Jones was furiously yelling at and commanding his team, as they seemingly gave up on the game. Jones was half the age of many of the players on his supporting Blackburn cast, but was playing with the experience of a veteran, never settling, or giving up on a ball. Jones was the only player on the Blackburn side who seemed to give a shit that they were losing and he displayed it; and Sir Alex loved it.
He has since won over a key role in United's first team, alongside fellow youngster in 21 year-old Chris Smalling; dubbed to be England's new 'dynamic duo' in defence. In addition, Jones is rumoured to gain his first England cap on Friday, against Montenegro.
Keep your eyes open for Phil Jones.
He has since won over a key role in United's first team, alongside fellow youngster in 21 year-old Chris Smalling; dubbed to be England's new 'dynamic duo' in defence. In addition, Jones is rumoured to gain his first England cap on Friday, against Montenegro.
Keep your eyes open for Phil Jones.
