“ OFFICIALLY CARDIFF CITY’S BEST YOUNG PLAYER “

This is George Ratcliffe, officially the best young player at Cardiff City

Wales under 21 international

My Opinion:
I have heard nothing but great things about George, should be given a few games in the Championship next season




The Welsh goalkeeper has thrived after overcoming adversity


By Ian Mitchelmore

Friday 7 Jun 2019

Cardiff City goalkeeper George Ratcliffe enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 campaign (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agen)
The Welsh goalkeeper has thrived after overcoming adversity

At only 18, George Ratcliffe has already experienced more ups and downs than most footballers his age.

The teenager was recently named the best player in Cardiff City's academy for the 2018/19 campaign in a season that saw the Bluebirds' Under-18 side crowned Professional Development League 2 South champions for the first time.

It represented a remarkable achievement for the goalkeeper who admits he was stunned at being handed the prestigious gong, particularly given his position in a side that won the league in such dramatic fashion.

"It was a proud moment, it was the highlight of my season," he said.

"I had a good year but I didn't expect to get that and when my coach told me I was buzzing. I just want to get back in and start again already.

"We did so well in the league and it's surprising for a goalkeeper to get the award, so it was a good year to be honest."


Cardiff City goalkeeper George Ratcliffe enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 campaign.

It's a far cry from where Ratcliffe was only three years ago when he was sidelined with a broken leg.

It was an understandably difficult ordeal for the then 15-year-old to process, although the incident has played a key role in shaping him into the man he is today.

"I was about 15 and I missed the Victory Shield with the Welsh squad. I was pretty gutted," admits Ractliffe.

"But it made me stronger, I went into the gym and got better physically and it also made me mentally stronger.

"When I came back I just realised what can actually happen and how things can quickly change. It made me realise how much I need to appreciate football and when I do get on the pitch enjoy it because it's what I love.

"It was tough at the time but I got through it and I think I've got better."

On the same night Ratcliffe scooped the academy player of the season award, Neil Etheridge was named as the senior side's player of the season as a result of his efforts in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.

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It represented a proud moment for those in the goalkeepers' union at CF11.

And Ratcliffe admits Etheridge's own career path has been somewhat inspiring for him.

"He's had a really good season and our goalkeeping coach spoke to both of us after the end of the season because we both won awards so it's been very good for me," added the 18-year-old.

"He speaks to me quite a lot and he really knows what he's doing. I train with the first team goalkeepers a little bit so I know them really well.

"He just said training is the most important thing at the moment. He said you've got to train hard, show them what you're about and your ability will shine through and then you'll get your chance."


Wales' goalkeeper George Ratcliffe during the UEFA Under-19 Championship 2019 qualifier between Sweden and Wales.

Ratcliffe - currently on international duty in Albania - is already an integral figure in Wales' Under-21 set-up, such has been his impact at club level.

And first team football with both Cardiff and the national side are already the number one goals for the young shot stopper.

Ryan Giggs has put his faith in youngsters including Daniel James, David Brooks and Harry Wilson since taking charge of Wales' senior side in January last year.

And while Ratcliffe admits he has a lot of work ahead of him, he believes the progress of others he's grown up playing with proves he can make it to the big time.

"That's obviously the aim, to be in the first team and go as high as you can go," he added.

"My aim is to be in the Premier League and pursue it at Cardiff at first.

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need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

Agreed

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

Look how Liverpool and Man City improved when they got better Keepers!

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

Will we concede more? Smithies is more than adequate replacement! Idea is get money to invest in a good striker /players not sure where you get dont buy a striker from as this is top priority with club?

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

Totally agree, give Murphy another 1 year deal (he's never let us down) and we have a good mixture of keepers.

Smithies is a capable keeper at this level, you can argue that Etheridge is a better keeper so we maybe a little weaker in goals (not certain) but if we can reinvest that transfer fee into midfield I think it will make the team a lot stronger.

Then use the budget on sorting the strikers are we can give it a good go.

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

Will we concede more? Smithies is more than adequate replacement! Idea is get money to invest in a good striker /players not sure where you get dont buy a striker from as this is top priority with club?

That was sarcasm we need the best Keeper and Striker we can get, but if Smithies is almost as good sell him for £8 to £10Million instead then and use the money towards a Striker

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

Will we concede more? Smithies is more than adequate replacement! Idea is get money to invest in a good striker /players not sure where you get dont buy a striker from as this is top priority with club?

That was sarcasm we need the best Keeper and Striker we can get, but if Smithies is almost as good sell him for £8 to £10Million instead then and use the money towards a Striker

£15Million plus for Etheridge, or stop wasting our time we are trying to rebuild a promotion squad!

need more of this.

IF we can get 12m for Etheridge we should sell, make smithies no1 and this guy into the mix.

What weaken the team and more than likely concede more goals, why not save more money and not buy a Striker so we can score less too?

I have no reason to doubt smithies as a keeper and the money can be used where its needed most to improve the team

Hmmm the last line makes it look like he doesn't intend hanging around long !!

Don't get ahead of yourself lad and learn your trade at Cardiff under one of the best coaches around