West Ham's rising star Ravel Morrison - Troubled past long gone

22 November 2013 15:40

After a spectacular start to the season, Ravel Morrison is finally capturing the headlines, for all the right reasons. Progressively shaking off the shackles of his ‘bad boy’ label , he’s also put in a handful of majestic performances for West Ham. Mesmerising and sometimes unplayable, there’s undoubtedly a bright future for the youngster.

Name : Ravel Morrison

Age : 20-years-old

Nationality : England

Current club : West Ham

Current value : £15 million

Potential value : £30 million

Manchester United fans need no introduction, but if you haven’t heard of the English whiz kid before, let me enlighten you. Ravel Ryan Morrison, born 2 February 1993 in Wythenshawe [Manchester] was first scouted for the United Academy by former United coach Phil Brogan. Morrison then signed on as a first-year scholar in year of 2009 and turned professional in 2010. The star of arguably the ‘golden generation’ of United’s 2010/11 youth squad, he teamed up with likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Larnell Cole. Catching the eye after every performance, a career brimming with stardom and success looked almost certain, cue the bad behaviour.

Sir Alex Ferguson [2012] – “I think he’s better out of Manchester to be honest with you. He’s got a great talent, but having to deal with that is very important.

A player who Sir Alex Ferguson and everyone associated with Manchester United thought highly of was a lost cause, and excluded from United’s plans. A string of events off the field were undeniably the catalysts of Morrisons departure. In 2011 he received a 12-month referral order and was ordered to pay £1,445 after admitting two counts of witness intimidation. Then again in February 2012, Morrison was involved in more wild controversy after posting a homophobic threat on Twitter, He was charged and fined £7,000. In addition, the 20-year-old turned up late to training regularly and showed atrocious attitude on a constant basis. But on the field he was magnificent, and that’s where it all matters.

Morrison now learns is trade at West Ham, under the guidance of the well experienced, father-like figure of Sam Allyrdyce who has heaped praise upon the English prodigy proclaiming he’s a “different person.” Ravel has featured 10 times for West Ham in the Premier League this season, scoring three and providing 1 assist, the most memorable of the goals coming against Tottenham. Lacking in support, he drove forward boldly with purpose, darting and drifting through the defenders with ease. The run matched with a delightful chip over the helpless Hugo Lloris. He also boasts a rather impressive 86.9% passing completion rate from the midfield role. Furthermore, he’s created 5 chances for his team and has made no defensive errors. In the Carling Cup he has also managed to score 2 goals, assured stats for a 20-year-old.

Sam Allyrdyce – “Fergie just told me he needed to get Rav out of Manchester. That lifestyle and that group of people he was brought up with wasn’t helping him. But he said I had a chance with him because he was an unbelievable talent.”

Only time will tell whether Morrison will for fill his true potential or not, but with the right temperament and guidance, he’ll be well on his way to reaching the same heights as fellow Englishman Wayne Rooney, a player of the same ilk. Putting a crushing expectancy on English youngsters is something we’re all guilty of. Nonetheless, the boy possesses an arrogance and a conviction to be more than just the ordinary. The reason to as of why I think he’ll live up to all the hype that circulates around his name. ‘Ravel Morrison’ – remember it.

 

Source: DSG