A Tale Of Two Wonderkids

Saturday’s NPower League One clash between Tranmere Rovers and Southampton at Prenton Park would have been one that had scouts from all over the country flocking to see two of the hottest properties in the Football League go head-to-head for the first time.

The presence of Tranmere’s Dale Jennings and Southampton’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the same field as each other was arguably worth the entrance fee alone and seen as the key battle between two sides who were desperate for the three points for different reasons.

Southampton were looking to keep pace with the league leaders Brighton in their quest for promotion to the Championship whilst Tranmere needed the win or risked losing touch with the sides around them in their battle to avoid relegation to League Two.

Both Jennings and Chamberlain have hit dizzying heights since debuting for their respective sides earlier in the season. The teenage pair have gained reputations as tricky and pacey forwards who beat defenders for fun, scoring some spectacular goals and gaining admirers from the Premier League along the way.

Jennings, particularly, has attracted widespread attention for his goal against Plymouth on November 13th last year when he ran from the half-way line, beat four men on his way into the box before slotting the winner past David Button in the Pilgrims’ goal.

The pre-match hype was focused on both youngsters but it was an old-head, Tranmere captain John Welsh, who got the ball rolling for the hosts with the opening goal in the 13th minute. Hesitation in the Saints defence allowed Welsh to pounce for his third goal of the season and gave Tranmere a priceless lead.

Given that he has been valued at £10m by the press, there has been more pressure on Chamberlain than there is on Jennings to deliver the goods but, it has to be said, his performance at Prenton Park was below par.

The most notable contribution Chamberlain made in the match was upon a Tranmere player for which he was rightly cautioned. There were occasional signs of danger but nothing more as the 17 year-old failed to make an impact.

Jennings, also, did not have the best of games but he had the last word over his counterpart; scoring a delightful goal from 30 yards out to seal a 2-0 win for Tranmere and add a few more noughts to his value that previously stood at a reported £500,000.

There are striking similarities between the pair in their footballing qualities and maturity yet a vast difference in their valuations. Chamberlain is reportedly worth twenty times more than Jennings despite both being in the same league and of a similar age.

Southampton have proven, in the past, that they can produce international standard players – Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott being the most obvious examples – but that does not necessarily guarantee that Chamberlain is of the same mould.

Tranmere, themselves, have produced quality players though many have not gone on to play for their countries. The likes of Ryan Taylor and Jason Koumas, who have plied their trade in the top tier of English football show that Tranmere have an academy that can bring through players who are worthy of commanding high transfer fees.

Given the performances and impact of both players on the game today, it was Jennings who looked more like a £10m player. However, it may be Jennings who leaves his club first given the differing financial situations of Tranmere and Southampton.

The Saints can arguably afford to say no to offers for their young star but Tranmere’s relegation fears could see them cashing in on their prize asset sooner rather than later. Relegation to League Two would certainly see the end of Jennings’ time at Prenton Park whereas promotion for Southampton would do a lot for their bid to keep Chamberlain away from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

There is no doubt that both players have the potential to do great things in the game but, perhaps, staying at their current clubs would be the most beneficial move for Jennings and Chamberlain regardless of what happens between now and May.