Will Hughes has been a revelation for Derby County, ever since breaking into the senior side at the age of 16. For a player who is in his early twenties, the experience he has accumulated in this short span of time is absolutely unparalleled.
In 25 appearances for the Rams so far this season, Hughes has scored 2 goals, created 32 chances, registered 2 assists and has completed 837 passes with a pass accuracy of 81% and it is no wonder that he is earmarked as the next big thing in English football.
Being a no. 8 predominantly, the youngster can ply his trade as a deep-lying playmaker as well and is perhaps ready to take himself to the next level. A move from the Pride Park Stadium to the Premier League should be on the cards and it’s better for him to acclimatise with the top tier of English football sooner and here are three Premier League outfits who should be keeping a keen watch on him.
Everton
Everton are in a redevelopment stage and Ronald Koeman has done an excellent job at the helm, pulling off shrewd deals, making requisite tactical ramifications every time they were needed and managing the resources at his disposal with brilliance.
The summer transfer window would provide a platform for him to beef up his squad (quality wise!) and Hughes would be an ideal addition. In the England U21 international, Koeman can possibly lay his hands on the prospective face of the Toffees in the near future.
West Bromwich Albion
Tony Pulis might have helped West Bromwich Albion in churning out favourable results, more often than not, but this doesn’t take away the perception of them lacking that requisite flair and edge in their midfield to stride forward and aim for something more than mid-table finishes.
Under the tutelage of Tony Pulis, the 21-year-old midfielder should be able to help not only himself but Pulis’ side as well in increasing options in the middle of the park and adding freshness to the side.
Southampton
The intriguing thing about Southampton is that despite losing their key performers at the end of every season, they find a way to crawl back to the vicinity of the Top 10 spots. The Saints are likely to be tempted in the summer transfer window to be the selling party of their performing assets in the middle of the park and Claude Puel should keep an eye on this youngster with tremendous potential.
Moreover, the Derby County midfielder is a type of player whose resale value would enhance over time, considering the potential he has: so he won’t be a bad deal, will he?
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
