Jacob Devaney

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Our 17-year old midfielder Jacob Devaney has signed his first professional contract. One of the boys that perhaps went a bit under the radar in last season's triumphs. A solid player who is comfortable and composed on the ball.

 
Looks like a prospect and unlikely to be a money grabbing betraying scumbag like Rice/Grealish etc.
 
I wonder if he had ever been to Ireland before he was selected.
 
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
 
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Kinsella said:
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
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Unlikely to make it at United but a high standard youth player. League One / Championship level would be my prediction.
 
Kinsella said:
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
Click to expand...

Talented player, a lot depends on his development and luck with injuries. I have seen plenty of very talented young players get ruined because of injuries, and seen plenty of decent players make it simply because they remained injury free and be available when a space opens up.

In the end, we do have a lot of competition in midfield, but if all goes well he can still be a decent PL level player.
 
Kinsella said:
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
Click to expand...

He pulls out some nice longer passes and thats clearly his strength. Other than that he's what you'd expect from a youngster in his position
 
Ace of Spades said:
Talented player, a lot depends on his development and luck with injuries. I have seen plenty of very talented young players get ruined because of injuries, and seen plenty of decent players make it simply because they remained injury free and be available when a space opens up.
Click to expand...
Indeed. His father mentioned in the article above that he missed around 16 months due to a stress fracture. Just goes to show!

Ace of Spades said:
In the end, we do have a lot of competition in midfield, but if all goes well he can still be a decent PL level player.
Click to expand...
What’s the competition in that particular position? Any stand out names to look out for?
 
Kinsella said:
Indeed. His father mentioned in the article above that he missed around 16 months due to a stress fracture. Just goes to show!


What’s the competition in that particular position?
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Well, there is already Collyer in the main squad. Then McAllister and Fitzgerald after that. We also just bought Kone as well.

As for midfielders in general, there are even more.
 
Stand out performance for me last week against AZ. Solid passer, big strong and athletic.
 
Kinsella said:
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
Click to expand...

Seen him again AZ last week, stand out performer for me. Great range of passing, big and strong and seemed to cover the field really well.

He's one I really like the look of.
 
Imo - the most talented defensive midfielder below first-team level
 
lysglimt said:
Imo - the most talented defensive midfielder below first-team level
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Who is DM? I get that take if neither of the Fletcher-twins, Fitzgerald and Thwaites are considered DMs. But I would not be surprised to see them as a 6.

It is my impression that more attacking players at youth level often end up as defensive midfielders at senior level.
 
andersj said:
Who is DM? I get that take if neither of the Fletcher-twins, Fitzgerald and Thwaites are considered DMs. But I would not be surprised to see them as a 6.

It is my impression that more attacking players at youth level often end up as defensive midfielders at senior level.
Click to expand...

I would say a midfielder whose defensive strengths are much better than his attacking strengths. He is good going forward, but he is exceptional at the defensive part of the game
 
lysglimt said:
I would say a midfielder whose defensive strengths are much better than his attacking strengths. He is good going forward, but he is exceptional at the defensive part of the game
Click to expand...

My point is that it could be a big statement or not saying much. Devaney is maybe the only DM below first team level?
 
Devil81 said:
Seen him again AZ last week, stand out performer for me. Great range of passing, big and strong and seemed to cover the field really well.

He's one I really like the look of.
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Cheers mate!
 
Kinsella said:
Question for the regular academy watchers: what do you make of him?

I know he’s playing in a position which isn’t eye-catching in a YouTube highlights reel sense but it’s a position which has become hugely important in modern day football.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen a lot of actual footage of him but he always seems to be in the match day 11 ahead of players who are older than him. Could be one to watch out for.
 
andersj said:
My point is that it could be a big statement or not saying much. Devaney is maybe the only DM below first team level?
Click to expand...
There's Finlay McAllister who's played a lot for England's youth sides. Devaney seems to have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
 
lysglimt said:
I would say a midfielder whose defensive strengths are much better than his attacking strengths. He is good going forward, but he is exceptional at the defensive part of the game
Click to expand...

I would say Devaney's passing is his strength. He plays deeper thats why I'd consider him a DM. Doesnt get forward as much as some of our other midfield options
 
Scholsey2004 said:
I haven't seen a lot of actual footage of him but he always seems to be in the match day 11 ahead of players who are older than him. Could be one to watch out for.
Click to expand...
I've been impressed with Devanney as he seems to be a very good reader of the game, strong in the tackle, good control, great diagonal passer. What i like about him is the way he scans the pitch for danger and seems to be in the right place to perform his role. I'm not sure about him or any of the youth players on how far they will go in their careers but if he stays fit he will have a very good career.
 
Remains to be seen how well he steps up to the U21s (a lot more physical game) tbh. Has been mixed bags so far for some games he have played at this level. McAllister is facing serious problem at that level in the same position.
 
What I like most about Devaney isn’t really his physical attributes but his decision making. He generally keeps it simple but he moves it quickly when needed and has good positioning which generally points to good tactical awareness.

The closest player stylistically to him in the age range is McAllister and both also play the right back role too. The edge he does have on Fin is first touch and passing range for me though as well as being similarly combative which help in the DM role. Hopefully both can keep developing.
 
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