Ten to watch in 2013/14 - 10. Luke Shaw (Southampton)

07 August 2013 09:19

Given the enormous figures being touted around concerning possible transfer fees for him at the moment, it’d not a difficult statement to make that Gareth Bale is going to be a hard act to follow. Southampton may feel however that in Luke Shaw they have someone who, although different in style, may mature into a worthy successor to the Welshman.

In Southampton’s first season back in the top echelon last term, Shaw made the jump to regular first team football as a 17 year old. He played 25 times, and his performances quickly attracted the attention of the guns of the league with both Chelsea and Arsenal lining him up for an approach.

He has been capped for England at both U16 and U17 level, and it seems only a matter of time before he joins the U21 squad. He has already been called up to the squad three times, but has has to decline on each occasion due to injury. Demonstrating that he has a wise head on young shoulders however, on his eighteenth birthday, early in July, Shaw tied himself to the Saints by signing a five –year contract at St Marys.

Shaw has a muscular six foot frame, and is blessed with sufficient pace for his role as a left back in the modern game. It’s perhaps questionable whether Shaw will see out the five of his contract with Southampton, but at least the cub can now be assured that should the player continue to progress and impress, if he does leave St Marys, they will be well compensated.

 

Source: DSG