5 Southampton Youngsters with the Potential to Be the Next Big Thing

Southampton have always been known for producing talented young footballers. A career path from Saints' academy via the first team to a top Premier League club has become well-trodden in recent years.

In the summer transfer window Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers became the latest two academy graduates to complete transfers away from the club.

Arsenal's Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the world's most expensive player, Gareth Bale, also began their careers on the south coast.

With the Saints flying so far this season under the management of Ronald Koeman, most of the focus has been on his new signings. However, there are still many exciting home-grown players making strides at the club.

Here we rank the five Southampton players under the age of 20 with the most potential to become the next big thing, from established players like James Ward-Prowse to 17-year-old Josh Sims.

Honourable Mentions

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Here are some honourable mentions—Southampton youngsters who did not make the top five but in time may well add to the academy's profile and launch a successful career.

Sam Gallagher: The striker has made 18 appearances for the first team under manager Mauricio Pochettino, mainly as a substitute, but only managed one goal. An injury has stalled his progress and he may find it difficult to reach the first team again with new management and a stronger squad.  

Jason McCarthy: The centre-back, who is also capable of playing right-back, was captain of Saints' U21 team but has yet to make a first-team appearance. McCarthy has potential, but without injuries to first-team players, he will struggle to break into the first team after Toby Alderweireld and Florin Gardos arrived in the summer.

Omar Rowe: A strong, quick and diminutive winger, Rowe clearly has assets that could make him a useful player but has yet to explode on to the scene.

5. Sam McQueen

Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

First up is 19-year-old winger Sam McQueen. Having played for years alongside Shaw, Chambers and Ward-Prowse in youth football, McQueen is clearly in good company.

He is a creative player who can play as a left winger or as a central attacker. He is among a group of academy graduates looking to move from the development squad to the first team.

Although yet to make a Premier League appearance, McQueen has been an unused substitute on two occasions this season and made his first-team debut in an FA Cup defeat to Sunderland in February.

He is clearly highly thought of at Southampton as he signed a four-year professional contract in June. If he continues to impress and a few injuries crop up, he could make his Premier League debut this season.

4. Harrison Reed

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Beating McQueen to fourth place on account of first-team experience is 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Reed.

Reed is a tenacious and hard-working central midfielder who can shield the defence or play a box-to-box role.

He made four first-team appearances last season but has recently found it difficult to keep a place and is yet to make an appearance this season. His talent in undoubted, though, as he has played for England U19s and more recently England U20s. 

The comparisons with Paul Scholes are undoubtedly premature and probably owe more to his hair colour, but they do hint at an aspiration and playing style.

As an understudy to Jack Cork, Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama, he is clearly in a good place to learn, and given more game time, Reed could well prove an excellent player.

3. Josh Sims

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Another exciting prospect is 17-year-old winger Josh Sims, who makes third place due to his enormous potential.

Despite never featuring for Southampton's senior squad, Sims is already making waves in the England set-up. Nominally a left-sided winger, he has speed, skill and quick feet which recall the ability of a young Adam Lallana.

Sims performed excellently for the England U17s at the Algarve Tournament in February. He caught the eye in a 2-0 win over the Netherlands, scoring one and assisting the other, and was subsequently rewarded with a professional deal with Southampton in April.

His rapid rise through the Young Lions continued recently as he moved up to represent the U18s in September.

As he is young and still developing, it is unlikely he will be worrying Premier League defences any time soon, but Southampton clearly have an exciting player on their hands.  

2. Matt Targett

Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

One youngster who has broken into the first-team set-up is left-back Matt Targett.

With Luke Shaw's summer move to Manchester United, Targett has been handed a chance to compete with Chelsea loanee Ryan Bertrand for a starting position in Saints' team.  

The 19-year-old has started both of Southampton's League Cup games this season, including their impressive win over Arsenal at the Emirates. He has also been a regular performer for England U19s.  

Having developed alongside Shaw in the academy, Targett shares many of his qualities. Both are stocky and determined in the tackle whilst also possessing desire and fitness to get forward and provide crosses.

Targett has already impressed Koeman with his attitude and work rate, and if Saints can prevent bigger clubs poaching him, he could develop into a mainstay of their side.

Rumours of a new long-term contract show just how highly the club rate the defender.

1. James Ward-Prowse

Robin Parker/Getty Images

The most high-profile academy graduate currently on Saints' books and beating Targett to first place is James Ward-Prowse.

The 19-year-old's ranking position owes much to his experience. The Portsmouth-born midfielder made 39 appearances for the first team last season and also starred for England U21s. 

Blessed with a right foot that echoes David Beckham's, he is particularly noted for his set-piece expertise.

The shape, accuracy and pace with which he regularly delivers the ball can give his side a particular potency from dead-ball situations, with all three of his goals for England U21s coming from direct free-kicks.

Despite a slight physique, he has developed into an intelligent midfielder, capable of ball retention, incisive passing and producing dangerous crosses. 

This season he often played in a more advanced attacking role for Saints picking up two Premier League assists.

Unfortunately, he has fractured his foot and, according to the club website, will be out for around three months.

When he returns, expect him to enhance his growing reputation and become an established Premier League midfielder.