" Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Fri Jun 26, 2015 3:36 pm
Will these young men find a way into the senior squad?
Being a former schoolteacher Cardiff City boss Russell Slade knows all about having star pupils under his wings.
And with the Bluebirds manager intent on signing just three new players to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer market, the former Orient man could well be giving youth a chance to show their Championship class in the season ahead.
Slade is keeping tabs on the club’s hottest prospects as he bids to mount a serious challenge of taking the Bluebirds back to the Premier League after a mediocre 2014-15 campaign in the second tier of English football.
Could any of them step up and challenge?
Terry Phillips looks at those who could be catching Slade’s eye and assesses whether any of them could make the step-up next season.
1 - David Tutonda
Cardiff City youngster David Tutonda
Born: Democratic Republic of Congo
Position: Full-back
Age: 19
Teenage defender. Big, powerful, quick and has a sweet left foot. The pre-season frontrunner to earn a place in Slade’s squad, having moved ahead of rivals who are older.
Impressed on loan at Newport County last season, making 12 appearances at full-back and scoring two goals.
Solid, effective defender and comfortable going forward having started his playing days as winger.
David Tutonda on his Newport County debut at WycombeDavid Tutonda on his Newport County debut at Wycombe
Tutonda moved to London when he was five-years-old and he did not play football until the age of 12.
Joined City’s Academy three years ago and has made fast progress.
Able to play a high energy midfield role, but operated at full-back for Newport and Cardiff’s development team last season.
Don’t be surprised if Tutonda is given his first team debut when AFC Wimbledon come to Cardiff City Stadium for a League Cup tie on Tuesday, August 11. It was Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley, then the Bluebirds’ Academy manager, who first spotted Tutonda playing for a team in East London.
2 Adedeji Oshilaja
© Huw Evans Picture AgencyAdedeji OshilajaAdedeji Oshilaja
Born: Bermondsey, London
Position: Centre-back
Age: 22
Highly-rated by City’s coaching staff, but it’s difficult to see how he’ll get his first team break.
The centre-back is quick, strong and combative. He is also composed with the ball at his feet.
The problem is that Slade has plenty of options at the heart of his defence - and at this stage Oshilaja is fifth or sixth in line behind Manga, Turner, Morrison, Connolly and new signing from Arsenal, Semi Ajayi.
Semi Ajayi in action for Cardiff CitySemi Ajayi has joined Cardiff's defensive ranks
But he has made three cup appearances for the Bluebirds and, like Tutonda, could be in line for a League Cup appearance against Wimbledon.
He is another of Ardley’s proteges from City’s Academy, having spent six years with the Bluebirds, and made 23 league appearances for the Dons on loan during 2014-15.
In all Oshilaja has played 40 first team matches for Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday, Newport and Wimbledon.
3 Rhys Healey
Rhys Healey in action for Cardiff City's Academy side
Born: Manchester
Position: Striker
Age: 20
Natural goalscorer who has been prolific for Cardiff’s under-21 team over the last couple of seasons. If Eoin Doyle doesn’t hit goals then Slade could turn to Healey, who has two years left on his contract.
Played 24 first team matches on loan at Colchester, scoring four goals, while his lone City appearance came when he replaced Craig Bellamy against Chelsea at home in the Premier League.
Rhys Healey in action for ColchesterRhys Healey in action for Colchester
Doesn’t have searing pace, but has a knack of being in the right place and is clinical in front of goal.
Started his playing days at Gap Connah’s Quay, joining their youth ranks before playing Welsh Premier League football. He scored 12 goals in 12 starts as a teenager during 2012-13.
Signed for the Bluebirds two-and-a-half years ago and agreed a new deal, through to 2017, last March. Almost went to Newport on loan in the closing stages of last season, but eventually went back to Colchester for a second spell.
4 Ben Wilson
Ben Wilson
Born: Stanley, County Durham
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22
This kid is a quality keeper. He is 6ft 3ins tall and joined the Bluebirds after being released by Sunderland’s Academy. David Marshall is City’s No.1 with Simon Moore the back-up, but Wilson looks certain to be third choice and will be pushing to improve on that.
Wilson had loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Cambridge United, Chesterfield and Harrogate while he was with Sunderland.
Has made a number of appearances for City’s under-21 development team, while he played in midfield during a pre-season match at Carmarthen Town when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager.
Featured on the first team bench for Cardiff several times during 2014-15 season as well as making a number of under-21 appearances.
Slade’s faith in his young keeper was underlined when Wilson signed a new Cardiff contract at the end of last season, committing to the club until 2017.
5 Tommy O’Sullivan
Cardiff City's Tommy O'SullivanCardiff City's Tommy O'Sullivan
Born: Church Village, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Position: Central midfield
Age: 20
When Malky Mackay was City manager he had big hopes for the cultured midfield player, describing him as ‘super-talented’ and predicting a first team future.
That was three years ago and O’Sullivan, a former pupil at Cardinal Newman School, Rhydyfelin, is still seeking that big breakthrough.
He is captain of City’s under-21 team, but he needs to push on quickly and show Slade he has what it takes.
The Wales Under-21 playmaker made five appearances for Port Vale on loan, made his first team debut for Cardiff at Northampton Town in the League Cup three years ago and has played three cup ties.
O’Sullivan first signed for Cardiff at the age of nine, more than a decade ago, and he is now facing the most crucial season of his time with the club.
He has one year left on his contract and must impress during pre-season. Neither Solskjaer or Slade were able to get the balance right in midfield last season and O’Sullivan’s task is to show he could be the man to take on a major creative role in midfield.
6 Theo Wharton
Theo Wharton is interesting Newport CountyTheo Wharton
Born: Cwmbran
Position: Central midfield
Age: 20
Rated a hugely exciting talent by Cardiff coaches, but he hasn’t yet made the big first team breakthrough expected of him.
Wharton, like close pal O’Sullivan, is facing a huge season in his career. Athletic, energetic, loves to be in possession and can pick a pass. This summer is going to be crucial for the man from Cwmbran and he will be aiming to make a mark from the official start of pre-season training on Monday.
The Wales Under-21 international was given his first team debut by Malky Mackay, who insisted Wharton had a ‘big first team future’.
His City debut came in an FA Cup tie at West Brom during 2012, while he also played at Macclesfield Town in the same competition a year later.
Wharton, the son of former Cwmbran Town player Sean Wharton and the godson of ex-Wales and Cardiff favourite Nathan Blake, first played for Pontypool-based Race Juniors and helped them win the Tesco Cup final at City of Manchester Stadium.
He joined Cardiff’s Academy eight years ago and has always been a player club coaches felt would make major progress. Wharton will be aiming to make his mark during pre-season fixtures.
Being a former schoolteacher Cardiff City boss Russell Slade knows all about having star pupils under his wings.
And with the Bluebirds manager intent on signing just three new players to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer market, the former Orient man could well be giving youth a chance to show their Championship class in the season ahead.
Slade is keeping tabs on the club’s hottest prospects as he bids to mount a serious challenge of taking the Bluebirds back to the Premier League after a mediocre 2014-15 campaign in the second tier of English football.
Could any of them step up and challenge?
Terry Phillips looks at those who could be catching Slade’s eye and assesses whether any of them could make the step-up next season.
1 - David Tutonda
Cardiff City youngster David Tutonda
Born: Democratic Republic of Congo
Position: Full-back
Age: 19
Teenage defender. Big, powerful, quick and has a sweet left foot. The pre-season frontrunner to earn a place in Slade’s squad, having moved ahead of rivals who are older.
Impressed on loan at Newport County last season, making 12 appearances at full-back and scoring two goals.
Solid, effective defender and comfortable going forward having started his playing days as winger.
David Tutonda on his Newport County debut at WycombeDavid Tutonda on his Newport County debut at Wycombe
Tutonda moved to London when he was five-years-old and he did not play football until the age of 12.
Joined City’s Academy three years ago and has made fast progress.
Able to play a high energy midfield role, but operated at full-back for Newport and Cardiff’s development team last season.
Don’t be surprised if Tutonda is given his first team debut when AFC Wimbledon come to Cardiff City Stadium for a League Cup tie on Tuesday, August 11. It was Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley, then the Bluebirds’ Academy manager, who first spotted Tutonda playing for a team in East London.
2 Adedeji Oshilaja
© Huw Evans Picture AgencyAdedeji OshilajaAdedeji Oshilaja
Born: Bermondsey, London
Position: Centre-back
Age: 22
Highly-rated by City’s coaching staff, but it’s difficult to see how he’ll get his first team break.
The centre-back is quick, strong and combative. He is also composed with the ball at his feet.
The problem is that Slade has plenty of options at the heart of his defence - and at this stage Oshilaja is fifth or sixth in line behind Manga, Turner, Morrison, Connolly and new signing from Arsenal, Semi Ajayi.
Semi Ajayi in action for Cardiff CitySemi Ajayi has joined Cardiff's defensive ranks
But he has made three cup appearances for the Bluebirds and, like Tutonda, could be in line for a League Cup appearance against Wimbledon.
He is another of Ardley’s proteges from City’s Academy, having spent six years with the Bluebirds, and made 23 league appearances for the Dons on loan during 2014-15.
In all Oshilaja has played 40 first team matches for Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday, Newport and Wimbledon.
3 Rhys Healey
Rhys Healey in action for Cardiff City's Academy side
Born: Manchester
Position: Striker
Age: 20
Natural goalscorer who has been prolific for Cardiff’s under-21 team over the last couple of seasons. If Eoin Doyle doesn’t hit goals then Slade could turn to Healey, who has two years left on his contract.
Played 24 first team matches on loan at Colchester, scoring four goals, while his lone City appearance came when he replaced Craig Bellamy against Chelsea at home in the Premier League.
Rhys Healey in action for ColchesterRhys Healey in action for Colchester
Doesn’t have searing pace, but has a knack of being in the right place and is clinical in front of goal.
Started his playing days at Gap Connah’s Quay, joining their youth ranks before playing Welsh Premier League football. He scored 12 goals in 12 starts as a teenager during 2012-13.
Signed for the Bluebirds two-and-a-half years ago and agreed a new deal, through to 2017, last March. Almost went to Newport on loan in the closing stages of last season, but eventually went back to Colchester for a second spell.
4 Ben Wilson
Ben Wilson
Born: Stanley, County Durham
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22
This kid is a quality keeper. He is 6ft 3ins tall and joined the Bluebirds after being released by Sunderland’s Academy. David Marshall is City’s No.1 with Simon Moore the back-up, but Wilson looks certain to be third choice and will be pushing to improve on that.
Wilson had loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Cambridge United, Chesterfield and Harrogate while he was with Sunderland.
Has made a number of appearances for City’s under-21 development team, while he played in midfield during a pre-season match at Carmarthen Town when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager.
Featured on the first team bench for Cardiff several times during 2014-15 season as well as making a number of under-21 appearances.
Slade’s faith in his young keeper was underlined when Wilson signed a new Cardiff contract at the end of last season, committing to the club until 2017.
5 Tommy O’Sullivan
Cardiff City's Tommy O'SullivanCardiff City's Tommy O'Sullivan
Born: Church Village, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Position: Central midfield
Age: 20
When Malky Mackay was City manager he had big hopes for the cultured midfield player, describing him as ‘super-talented’ and predicting a first team future.
That was three years ago and O’Sullivan, a former pupil at Cardinal Newman School, Rhydyfelin, is still seeking that big breakthrough.
He is captain of City’s under-21 team, but he needs to push on quickly and show Slade he has what it takes.
The Wales Under-21 playmaker made five appearances for Port Vale on loan, made his first team debut for Cardiff at Northampton Town in the League Cup three years ago and has played three cup ties.
O’Sullivan first signed for Cardiff at the age of nine, more than a decade ago, and he is now facing the most crucial season of his time with the club.
He has one year left on his contract and must impress during pre-season. Neither Solskjaer or Slade were able to get the balance right in midfield last season and O’Sullivan’s task is to show he could be the man to take on a major creative role in midfield.
6 Theo Wharton
Theo Wharton is interesting Newport CountyTheo Wharton
Born: Cwmbran
Position: Central midfield
Age: 20
Rated a hugely exciting talent by Cardiff coaches, but he hasn’t yet made the big first team breakthrough expected of him.
Wharton, like close pal O’Sullivan, is facing a huge season in his career. Athletic, energetic, loves to be in possession and can pick a pass. This summer is going to be crucial for the man from Cwmbran and he will be aiming to make a mark from the official start of pre-season training on Monday.
The Wales Under-21 international was given his first team debut by Malky Mackay, who insisted Wharton had a ‘big first team future’.
His City debut came in an FA Cup tie at West Brom during 2012, while he also played at Macclesfield Town in the same competition a year later.
Wharton, the son of former Cwmbran Town player Sean Wharton and the godson of ex-Wales and Cardiff favourite Nathan Blake, first played for Pontypool-based Race Juniors and helped them win the Tesco Cup final at City of Manchester Stadium.
He joined Cardiff’s Academy eight years ago and has always been a player club coaches felt would make major progress. Wharton will be aiming to make his mark during pre-season fixtures.
Re: Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ?
Fri Jun 26, 2015 3:38 pm
Would be great to see a few more youngsters coming up from youth by city
we have always produced good players now and then hopefully it can continue
we have always produced good players now and then hopefully it can continue
Re: Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ?
Fri Jun 26, 2015 3:40 pm
CardiffCityBlue wrote:Would be great to see a few more youngsters coming up from youth by city
we have always produced good players now and then hopefully it can continue
Agree.
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Fri Jun 26, 2015 4:55 pm
Tommy O'Sullivan is brilliant. He is going to be a top player in the future for sure and will be breaking into the Welsh 1st team in the next few years I think. Cracking free-kick taker. I hope that he gets a few games for us this season!
Tutonda's goal against Swansea was immense too. I bet he could never do that again if he tried but it was something special
Tutonda's goal against Swansea was immense too. I bet he could never do that again if he tried but it was something special
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Fri Jun 26, 2015 10:45 pm
What happened to jazzy barnum bob, best name in football?
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Sat Jun 27, 2015 12:12 am
Tommy osullivan needs to start next year.
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:03 am
If we were a serious club we'd be seeing these youngsters blooded and developed instead of relying on old 'has beens'
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:14 am
If we were a serious club we'd be seeing these youngsters blooded and developed instead of relying on old 'has beens'
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:15 am
City Slicker wrote:If we were a serious club we'd be seeing these youngsters blooded and developed instead of relying on old 'has beens'
Couldn't agree more. Should follow the belgium set up look how it's worked out for them?
Basically any player under 21 with a pro Belgian club has 2 options if he makes it out of the academy go out on loan or fight for a place in the first team squad.
Re: " Could these six talented Cardiff City youngsters ? "
Sun Jun 28, 2015 5:44 am
add TOM JAMES to the list.
Debuted in the premier league and got on the bench a couple of times last year. Should have been in front of Gabbidon.
Debuted in the premier league and got on the bench a couple of times last year. Should have been in front of Gabbidon.