U21s Team Of The Month (September 2023)

I'm always up for trying new things on this blog so for a bit of fun (nothing too serious) I've put together a 'Team Of The Month' based on players who I've enjoyed watching over the past month.

All players are U21s (or would qualify to be in an U21s) and this is mainly to give a few lads a bit of recognition for their efforts and to try and get some names seen amongst a wider audience - whether it be their clubs, managers, analysts or scouts.

Considering I've seen 51 games already this season (and counting) and know a wide variety of players at different levels including England and Scotland, I think I've got something to offer. It's not necessarily the best player selected for every position; more a team of lads cobbled together and put in a formation of those who've been impressive and a bit of recognition which, otherwise, they wouldn't get anywhere else.

Depending on how popular this turns out to be, I might make it a regular-ish feature and give exposure to others in due course. If it gets anyone a move somewhere - brilliant. If it gets anyone a multi-million pound transfer to Real Madrid, we can negotiate a fee for my phenomenal judgements at some point during my all-inclusive trip to the Bernabeu!

There's strong competition for every spot; lots of good players out there (and having a good attitude is an even more important thing), so apologies if anyone isn't named - it doesn't mean I'm not keeping an eye on things (far from it) there's just a lot of quality players and I can only select a few!

Again it's just a bit of fun... but here are some of those who've been in good form in September!

Goalkeeper: OWEN MASON

It’s always important to have a strong keeper in your team and there aren’t many young lads out there as good as Owen Mason who has just had a fantastic month. Along with earning his first call-up to Republic Of Ireland’s U21s, he’s established himself as first-choice on loan at Wexford and his clean-sheet against Waterford last Friday was his 5th in 11 games since joining them on loan. To my knowledge, he’s now racked up 64 appearances in men's football overall - a phenomenal achievement when you consider he doesn’t turn 20 until March. This time last year he was at Farsley in a loan which didn’t go too well, now he’s smashing it more than he probably thought was possible, and I’ve nothing but admiration for him whether that be as a player or as a person. Worthy recognition for a very good month and proof to anyone that tough times don’t last forever!

Right-Back: JACK HARKNESS

The best way to learn about players is to go out and watch loads of games and Jack Harkness is one of the best RWB’s who I’ve seen this season. Aged 19 (20 in January), he’s just signed for Greenock Morton on loan for the season and that move came a few days after a game I saw at Cappielow where he played for Rangers B against Alloa. What I didn’t realise beforehand is that was his first appearance back from a hamstring injury but playing 60 minutes in the pouring rain, he possessed all the qualities needed to be a good full-back. He was sharp and tenacious, quick, his positioning and intelligence in just knowing where to be was really impressive, his distribution was decent, he slid in to make an important interception and nick the ball off the toes of his man, and overall he created a really positive impression. Clearly, Dougie Imrie was impressed as he quickly signed him on loan and Jack's potential is backed up by others I’ve spoken to who regard him just as highly. I don’t have to stretch my imagination far to envisage him doing quite well at a decent standard in a few years from now either. Hopefully, he'll get the experience he needs at Morton (fingers crossed), he’s won my support and respect and he’s someone I’ll be monitoring from this point onwards because I recognise already just how good a player he can be.

Honourable mentions too for Louie Chorlton who I saw at RWB when he was at Bradford and has been flying since he joined Pontefract Collieries a month ago (six appearances, four assists, two goals) - exactly the reasons why I kept telling people at a higher level to sign him in the summer. Plus Ben Radcliffe at Derby who recently made his debut for the Rams in the EFL Trophy - not bad considering Burton (stupidly) let him go in the summer in one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.

Centre-Back: CHIN OKOLI

I first watched Chin Okoli at the end of last season when he captained Millwall’s U21s and put in an OUTSTANDING performance as they beat Sheffield United in the Play-Off Final. Fast-forward a few months and he’s now on loan at Bromley in the National League, has established himself at right centre-back and is smashing it - scoring his first professional goal against Rochdale just over a month ago alongside earning a place in the Vanarama ‘Team Of The Week’ too. Big and strong, with height and physicality in his favour, he played his part in Bromley’s 11-game unbeaten run and he’ll be learning so much from those around him and from just being in a first team environment. A thoroughly pleasant lad (even more importantly), he’s only going to get better and better with age/experience, and he’s very much in this team on merit.

Honourable mentions too for the RCB spot for both Callum Perry who was solid in Coventry's PDL win at Hull and Jamie Bramwell who looked accomplished in Grimsby's game at Barnsley in the EFL Trophy at the start of September.

Centre-Back: EVAN EASTON

Something of a loyalty selection is this but a defender who deserves some recognition for how he’s settled at his new club is Evan Easton. It’s never easy moving miles away from home, living in digs, and being the new kid on the block - homesickness can happen and it can sometimes be tough to settle, etc, but having just signed for Sheffield United, Evan impressed me on his U21s debut against Cardiff about a month ago. In that game, he should have scored (a free header just before half-time that went over) but what stood out is how comfortable, confident and competitive he looked and he certainly added a positive presence. Unfortunately, he went off injured in his next game and hasn’t featured since but I can appreciate from what I’ve seen already that he’s a good defender with certain qualities (a pleasant and polite lad too) and I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing him play in either of the games the Blades have at U21s level over the next few days.

A mention as well for Ben Drake (also at Sheffield United) who was class against Hull in his last outing and if I do another ‘Team Of The Month’ for October, there’s a strong chance that he’ll feature in the LCB position. And a mention as well for Riccardo Di Trolio at Coventry who I’ve rated for a while (absolutely love his passion and what he’s all about), and it felt class to watch him at his best for the Sky Blues the other week where his goal-saving tackle helped them MASSIVELY get a win.

Left-Back: KENZIE STRETTON

A left-back who impressed me over the past month is Kenzie Stretton and he’s in this team on the strength of his performance against Hull City in the U21s PDL. In that game, he was the best full-back on the pitch, full of energy, and he caused havoc down his side. His touch, technique and drive were all positive factors in his performance. You want to see players who are enthusiastic, who take games by the scruff of the neck and contribute a lot, and it was one of the best performances I’ve seen by a player at LWB during the month. That’s why he’s in this team!

Honourable mentions too for Robbie Fraser who I’ve rated for a while (two assists for Rangers B - including one with his right-foot, in the recent win over Alloa) and it’s testament to his own ability that he earned a place on the bench for the European game in Cyprus last Thursday. Then, Jili Buyabu at Sheffield United who is always smiling (such a good trait), is consistently impressive, and just one of the best I’ve seen out there in the LWB position over a prolonged period.

Central Midfield: OLIVER ARBLASTER

I first watched Oliver Arblaster two years ago and, without doubt, he’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen in development football. Right now, he’s on loan at Port Vale and has had a tremendous start to the season where he’s established himself at first team level, won the respect of every fan, and racked up 14 appearances in his time at the club up to now. Three weeks ago he scored his first professional goal against Burton Albion, he won the Valiants ‘Player Of The Month’ for August, has been nominated for various other things, and it’s testament to his character that he’s done all this during a difficult time off the pitch as his Granddad recently passed away. Therefore, he’s an obvious selection in this team with so much class and quality and the mentality of a lion and having just been called up to the England U20 squad, he’s got so much to look forward to in his career. I don’t know if he’s experienced that surreal moment yet where Robbie Williams is telling him how much of a good player he is but, if Old Robbie can judge his players, I can certainly see it happening at some point.

Central Midfield: MATTY GILLIES

This is another bit of a loyalty selection because there’s tweaks I could make to the formation to accommodate others - including some lads who are at a more advanced stage of their careers. At 16, Matty Gillies is the youngest player in this team but he had a fantastic September; representing Scotland at U17 level, scoring against Queen’s Park in Hearts U18s first win of the CAS Elite season (cheeky celebration afterwards too), and then making his first B Team appearance of the season in the Lowland League away at East Stirling. He’s still got plenty to learn but underpinning everything is the fact he’s a good footballer, able to compete physically already and has some great characteristics - being sensible, reliable and trustworthy. Perhaps the best accolade I can give him is that I know already wherever he’s playing in 10 years from now, he’s someone who a manager will be able to turn to and trust. For Scottish readers, there’s shades of Aidan Denholm in his character and psyche. For English readers, there’s shades of Ben Radcliffe (same physique) within him and it’s going to be a pleasure watching Matty’s career and seeing his development - and hopefully a few more goal celebrations too!

An honourable mention for Aidan Denholm (just signed his new contract at Hearts to cap off a fantastic few months; some turnaround since the turn of the year) and Charlie Staniland at Sheffield United who scored a fantastic solo goal when they bopped Cardiff in the U21s PDL the other week.

Wide-Right: AARON ATKINSON

This is probably the hardest position in the team to select because there’s so many lads who I’ve seen in recent weeks producing quality, but the player I’ve chosen is Aaron Atkinson - the youngest of those under consideration. On trial at Barnsley since August, in the three times I’ve watched him he’s been lively and added a real spark to Barnsley. If he hasn’t got a contract by now then he thoroughly deserves one because he’s tricky, he moves well and can play anywhere across the frontline, he links-up with others and is willing to work, he causes problems for defenders and has been as asset at U21s level. He’s shown an end product - including a goal against Peterborough last week, and he came close the week before when he rattled the bar in a 0-0 draw with Sheffield United. During games, you want to see players pass the ball to Aaron because you know he can produce something special, and he deserves recognition for his efforts over the past month. Hence his selection in this team!

Honourable mentions also for Bobby Pointon (an assist and MOTM performance on his full debut for Bradford - live on Sky Sports too) then his first professional goal this weekend - making him a definite contender for any October 'Team Of The Month'. Plus Cian Ashford at Cardiff City - someone I’d not seen previously until he dominated an U21s game against Barnsley (one goal, one assist) and then achieved his first international call-up to Wales U21s very soon afterwards. Lots of flair, lots of ability and definitely someone I want to watch again at some point.

Attacking Midfield: CAMERON WILSON

You won’t have needed to dig too deeply on social media to find out about all the chaos at Scunthorpe United in recent weeks (thank God the takeover has now happened) but amidst all the off-field drama, one of the shining lights on the pitch has been Cameron Wilson. A player I’ve rated for a long time having watched him play at youth level, when I saw Scunny against Buxton in September (the abandoned game), everything positive the Iron did went through him. He almost scored early on, he created chances and was instrumental in so much going forward. Aged 20 (21 in December), he’s still got a few things to learn around the box but as a No.10, his talent is obvious, and fast-approaching 75 senior appearances, he’s only going to get better as he gets older. I’d love to see him play at a higher level again in the future and have that bigger platform to shine and he’s a worthy inclusion in this team.

An honourable mention too for Elliot Betjemann at Coventry. I hadn’t seen him up until last week but his quick touch, instinctiveness and nifty ability (as much as anything) really made him stand out. A very good player indeed.

Left-Wing: ROSS McCAUSLAND (Rangers)

When I’ve watched Ross McCausland in the past, he’s often played on the right side of an attacking three. Poetic license means I’ve stuck him on the left in this team - and you only have to take a look at his goal against Alloa in the SPFL Trophy last week to realise just how good he is with his left-foot anyway. It was a pleasure to be there to witness it in a game where he was also involved in three out of the four goals scored. Having watched Ross for so long, he’s 100% playing some of the best football of his career right now and is already on seven goals for the season. In the report from the B Team game against Man United last month, it felt as if it was ‘McCausland, McCausland, McCausland’ given his name was mentioned that much, and he also had a very lively 20-25 minutes from the bench for Northern Ireland’s U21s against Luxembourg last month too. So he makes this team on merit and his qualities; the quick feet, the intelligence, the sharpness, the acceleration, the movement and fearlessness to take on (and usually beat) his man, is everything I want to see in an attacking player. An absolute gem and I hope more first team opportunities await at Rangers after his European debut last Thursday.

Striker: JIM SIMMS

Under usual circumstances I’d put Aiden Marsh in the No.9 spot because he’s had a brilliant start to the season (nine goals, quite a few assists) and has been in lethal form prior to joining York City on loan. But one player who I saw for the first time in September and made a quality impression is Jim Simms at Hull City. Up to now this season, he’s got two goals and two assists from five starts at U21s level and I know for certain there will be lots more to come, because his work-rate to want to get on the ball, make runs, impact things and desire to do his best for the team stands out MASSIVELY. I noticed it in the game against Coventry where his cheeky dummy (very clever) directly led to the equaliser. He also covered so much ground in the game at Sheffield United last week too. He’s bright, sharp and lively around the box, a team player (more crucially) and it’s not difficult to envisage him doing well in mens football. He had a short loan at Buxton last year and if/when he goes out on loan again, he’s someone I want to watch for definite. So much intelligence. So much awareness. You have to be a good player to wear pink boots (thankfully he is) and when it unlocks and he hits that rich vein of form where everything just clicks, it’s going to be a pleasure to witness it and he’ll deserve every accolade and bit of recognition he gets too.

Another mention for Aiden Marsh who is quality and more than anything else, it’s just a pleasure to see him back fully fit and doing so well after a frustrating 2022/23 season, plus both Bailey Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday) and Antwoine Hackford (Sheffield United) who have also had their injury problems in the past few years but are currently amongst the leading scorers in the U21s PDL.