10) Reece Hall-Johnson – 19-year-old, Hall-Johnson has impressed in his short time with Norwich City. The young midfielder played a key role in the Canaries’ FA Youth Cup winning campaign after scoring the winning penalty to send them into the final against Chelsea. The attacking midfielder or wing back looks to turn defence into attack at every opportunity.
9) Cameron King – A player who has matured into a fine attacking outlet, King is turning heads after his recent development brace against Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road, a game which was played in-front of a record crowd for an Under-21 game. The slight, nippy and technical King has greatly impressed and was duly rewarded with a cameo appearance for the first team in the Capital One Cup tie at Shrewsbury.
8) Kyle McFadden – The Irish defender has been tipped for a bright future by former Norwich boss Neil Adams. The youngster has impressed with his solidity in the Canaries’ FA Youth Cup run and was rewarded with a first team debut in the Captial One Cup tie against Crawley Town. Hailed by Adams after his performance, McFadden is clearly in the manager’s thinking for the future.
7) Adel Gafaiti – Solid, assured and cultured anywhere along the back line, Gafaiti’s qualities have been recognised beyond the club with Oldham Athletic loaning the young defender last season. However, restricted to just the single substitute appearance Gafaiti struggled to land a first team place at the Latics. Nonetheless, it will have proved a worthwhile experience for the youngster.
6) Harry Toffolo – The left-sided defender was instrumental in City’s FA Youth Cup winning campaign. Toffolo exudes calmness whilst maintaining the aggressiveness of a modern defender. Swindon Town have recently picked up the youngster on loan and the 19-year-old played his first ever League One match against Colchester United. Since making his debut he has gone on to be a key layer for Swindon as they push for promotion in League 1.
5) Jacob Murphy – Twin of Josh, who has now forced his way firmly into the first team picture, but Jacob is another future star. Already has experience of first team football after loan spells with Southend, Blackpool and Scunthorpe, Jacob is showing he has the ability to be one of City’s rising talents. Blessed with pace and an eye for goal.
4) Cameron McGeehan – Natural leader and captain of the Canaries’ FA Youth Cup winning side. Loan moves to Luton Town and Cambridge United have ensured McGeehan is playing first team football in the unforgiving environment of football league. It was a challenge the dynamic midfielder thrived upon and I don’t think it will be long before McGeehan knocks on the door of the first team.
3) Carlton Morris – An out and out striker. Tall, strong, powerful and fast; Morris is becoming the all-round frontman. A player who you expect to score plenty of goals, Morris was recruited by League Two Oxford United earlier this season before cutting short his loan spell after nine games. The young professional was another who impressed in the recent televised development league win over Tottenham’s U21s.
2) Jamar Loza – Loza’s goal scoring habits have earned him a place in the first team squad. The Jamaican is a striker who lives on the shoulder of the last defender. He has plenty of pace and looks a natural finisher, Currently behind Gary Hooper, Lewis Grabban and Cameron Jerome, Loza must bide his time to prove his worth. I have no doubt he will take the opportunity with both hands.
1)Josh Murphy – England U20 international and a fully-fledged Norwich City first team player. Murphy’s career progression has accelerated over the last 12 months after his sensational strike against Watford in the Capital One Cup last season. The winger earned his first league start for the Canaries against Leeds United in October. Murphy won the coveted goal of the month for his incredible late strike against Blackpool in City’s 3-1 Championship win over the Tangerines. Fans have been impressed with his maturity in such a short amount of time and many feel it may be time for the young Norfolk lad to be in the starting XI more consistently. A player who gets the Norwich faithful on their feet, Murphy’s pace and willingness to attack full backs could be a key feature of Norwich’s attacking play in the coming months. Could Murphy be one of the biggest talents in England right now, let alone Norfolk? We shall see.
