I don't disagree there's a good chance he could end up as an 8, not at all, but it's incredibly rare to give an 18yo who hasn't even proven himself or particularly shone at U18 level a go in central midfield at a top PL club, let alone one who has barely ever played the position. If the club had imminent appearances in CM in mind for him I don't think there's any doubt they'd be giving him games in that role at lower levels first. Showing some competence for the defensive side of the game from a position in the 3 in a 4231 is entirely different to being up to that side of things as an orthodox CM.
Pearson's had a bit of a down year but easy to forget just how good he was last season (far more impressive at U18 level than Pereira was, or even Januzaj - on a consistent basis anyway) and just how stop-start his season has been this year. Think there have been encouraging signs again the last few games, as there have with Pereira, and I find it strange to be pushing Pereira quite so strongly whilst essentially saying to give up on Pearson.
I think 'give up on Pearson' is a bit strong. I know he was outstanding at academy level last season, I just mean that even then, I would have liked to see how he could step up before assessing his potential. I can't help having a bit of a Tunnicliffe feeling about him. That said, I've always thought to myself that at youth level, it is probably very difficult to tell a Keane from a Tunnicliffe or Spearing. Pearson's form in the 21s so far hasn't shown me that he is nailed on at all.
Pereira, on the other hand, was not necessarily turning in performances as consistently as Pearson in the Academy, often operating in flashes. However, he showed (for me) that he has more footballing ability than Pearson, and he needed to influence games more consistently over the space of 90mins, as opposed to being a highlights player. What I have seen from him this season is him taking greater responsibility in the team. I have been impressed to see how he is not only the focal point for the 18s, but also for the 21s. He goes looking for the ball everywhere, and is always on it, circulating it from deep or in advanced areas. His confidence is high, he is taking on any shooting opportunity that presents itself, and has already netted 3 very good goals from range this season.
I look at a performance like Kroos' against Arsenal and think than Andreas has the tools to be able to deliver such a performance in the future. The shooting, he has. The chipped through passes he has. The ability to turn away from his man, he has. He needs to acclimatise to the first team, but I think that is a process he is ready to start, alongside his duties in the 21s. I genuinely feel we have a star here, and in potentially such a key role that we need too. The Pogba situation has made me weary now, and the success of Adnan has re-enforced my belief that such natural talent should get a chance.
Rothwell is another. He is finding himself this season and has great natural ability. I also think he has more than Pearson, personally. I wish this were like Spain sometimes where some of these kids could get top flight loans. I look at some of the kids playing for lesser clubs, like James Ward Prowse for instance and think 'he's no better than Pereira'.
I also agree that it's fair that Andreas has hardly featured in central midfield for the 21s. I think much of that is circumstantial, with senior players like Petrucci or Cole until recently needing to play instead, and then a lack of forward players in the 21s meaning he has had to play further forward. After all, Adnan played much of last season up front or behind the striker, while the immediate plan was to integrate him into the first-team out wide. You don't have to play in the middle because that's where the plan is for you. Even Tom Cleverley rarely played in a middle two from recollection.
I suppose we'll just have to sit back and see what happens with these players, but I've personally reached the point where I've seen enough from Andreas to convince me.
