Throughout this blog, I’ve made reference to a number of players who are well known as being “wonderkids” who go on to be heroes in the game. Here, we take a look at how those players are getting on, 7 seasons in, as well as a few of your suggestions from our twitter page

Firstly, you may remember way back when I wrote this article about players in the game who are better known for something else. Of these 5, Gavin Peacock, Scott Minto & Vinny Jones have retired, though Vinny is on the available managers list so beware. Nicky Byrne is still available for free, but Jeff Brazier has played for England Under 21s and now finds himself at West Ham

Anyway, on to some proper players

Emile Heskey

Heskey starts the game as a young forward at Leicester but routinely gets his big move. In this game, it’s been a little more laboured

You may recall from earlier entries, the £6m move to Norwich was a drop in divisons and he had a non-promotion release clause. Norwich were 15th in March when he joined, so that ended badly. He excelled in 02/03 under Joe Kinnear but has since lost his place to Danny Cadamarteri.

Niclas Alexandersson

Alexandersson featured in another early article due to him being able to play every position. This normally makes him a must have, however it’s all gone a bit wrong for Niclas

That big move has never really transpired, and despite some impressive average ratings, the fact he’s only managed 15 caps for Sweden says it all.

Robbie Keane

Keane starts the game as a 16 year old at Wolves. I took him to Wimbledon early doors and a couple of loan spells later, he was starting to look the part. Then I left and others took overh is development, only for him to be waiting for me at Leeds. He’s just fired Man City to promotion but will be part of my squad now as Shearer is very old.

To be fair to the lad, he’s scored goals in just about every divison so he’s earned his chance.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio is just breaking into the West Ham team as the game starts, he should go on to be great but again, it hasn’t really happened. He was good for me at Wimbledon but it’s been very average for the would be England captain

With Everton in Division 1, it’s hard to see Rio emulating his real life career.

I also opened this up to followers on the twitter page, here’s the best of the suggestions.

Jody Morris

real_c_inwood was wondering what happened to Chelsea hero player Jody Morris.

Well, he’s had more loans than Phil Tuffnell before settling in the North East with Sunderland, who have just been relegated and sacked the manager. Ironically, the team he left have just been promoted. Those average ratings don’t look too clever though…

Freddy Leon

This Colombian legend was on the mind of mikepatty14

Leon nearly always gets his big move after his average ratings attracts the attention of scouts, and this game is no exception. Unfortunately for him, he joins Sunderland and is now team mates with Jody Morris. To be fair, the 23 goal season of 99/00 was pretty good, but it’s been steadily downhill from there. Maybe the drop in divisions will help Freddy get firing.

Michael Twiss

darrensmithhrfc was a big fan of Michael Twiss in the lower leagues.

Unfortunately for Twiss, he starts on a free transfer and it took 5 years for Wycombe to take a chance on him. 34 goals in 2 years earned him a move to First Division WBA, so he could be a late bloomer.

I’m saddened to report Tommy Svindal Larsen is not in this game, I wish he was as he’s a definite favourite!

Thanks for reading, be sure to tweet me @cm9798 with any requests and come back soon for the first update of the 04/05 season.