In addition to being a fountain of creativity (1.6 key passes and 4+ successful dribbles per 90 minutes) and end product - he finished the season as the Eredivisie's joint leading scorer with 19 goals - Simons is also enthusiastic in his pressing duties. Signed from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer, the incisive winger-playmaker capped a sensational full season at senior level in style as he outpaced and outsmarted the AZ Alkmaar defenders to score both goals in a 2-1 away victory last Sunday. Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Xavi Simons, 20, AM/FW, PSV Eindhoven Next week we'll also have a look at the top performers from the Under-20 World Cup currently happening in Argentina. Generally, young but established stars like Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham or Barcelona's Gavi aren't included - otherwise they'd be on the list every month - but we'll shine a light on some of those who deserve praise for their performances and who could potentially be European football's next big name. Welcome to the ESPN FC hotlist, which each month highlights some of the most in-form talent aged 23 or under across Europe. May's U23 hotlist: Lamine Yamal, Xavi Simons, Julien Duranville among the stars Stoke technical director Ricky Martin said: “Richard moves on with our thanks for his efforts on behalf of Stoke City over the past 14 years, and our very best wishes for the future.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser This season they knocked reigning holders Manchester United out of the Youth Cup while Nathan Lowe and Tezgel, still both only 17, were among the players getting first team minutes - and would have got more but for injuries. Walker helped Stoke under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2017 - a side featuring Souttar and Campbell as well as Lasse Sorensen, Tom Edwards and Thibaud Verlinden - and the Premier League Cup final in 2020. Wolves have had a successful production line in recent years and youth graduates Hugo Bueno, Dexter Lembikisa and Joe Hodge made their senior debuts in the season just finished. Richard’s been at Stoke a long time, which shows he’s capable of providing longevity, and that is what we’re looking for with this role.” It’s important to know what 15s and 16s we have, so we can easily transition players throughout the programme, as opposed to just thinking you have one group. He added: “It’s a really crucial role to build relationships across the whole of the academy, up to first-team level. He’s been at Stoke for the last 14 years and worked across the foundation groups, all the way to the under-21s.” “Richard was the outstanding candidate we interviewed. We also wanted somebody who understands football from a playing perspective, so could share their experiences and know what the players are going to face in the years to come. Hunter-Barrett said: “We wanted somebody who has a wealth of experience in managing under-18s football and progressing players to the next stage of their development. READ MORE: Top 10 Stoke City away kits ahead of new top reveal READ MORE: Major Stoke City overhaul laid bare with eight key vacancies to fill He has overseen the development of players including Nathan Collins, currently in the Wolves first team, as well as Harry Souttar, Tyrese Campbell and Emre Tezgel. He is taking on the same role at Wolves, coincidentally where his old Crewe Alexandra youth teammate James Collins runs the under-21s - and takes over the 18s from former Crewe boss Steve Davis, who is becoming pathways manager. Walker is leaving Stoke after 14 years working in the academy, where he has led the under-18s side since 2018. Wolves academy manager Jonathan Hunter-Barrett says that Rich Walker was "the outstanding candidate" as he welcomes the coach from Stoke City.
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