Fansided

10 young players to watch

By James Dudko

Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Lewis Cook of Bournemouth before the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Lewis Cook of Bournemouth before the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) /

3. Lewis Cook, Bournemouth

Bournemouth don’t make many waves in the Premier League, but their unheralded squad may have a star in the making in Lewis Cook. The 21-year-old proved himself a precocious midfield schemer last season, making 29 appearances and chipping in with a pair of assists.

While the numbers don’t wow you, Cook’s progress was measured in different ways:

https://twitter.com/SquawkaNews/status/978732199733268482

Cook is what the England national setup lacks. Namely, he’s a composed and artful pass-master who controls the flow of possession.

The Three Lions exited the World Cup at the semi-final stage because they didn’t have one of those. At least Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has always valued this type of player.

Howe believes in neat, intelligent and expressive use of the ball. Cook can be the fulcrum for this style as a natural successor to 31-year-old Andrew Surman, who may be less involved in the starting XI.

More international caps will be in Cook’s future if he continues to progress with his cultured approach to the game.