Prodigies that never did it

[Nic83]

Richie Partridge?

In fairness, he was hit hard by injuries.

I actually played against him once in a friendly match.

Quality player even at that age.

[Nic83]

Freddie Adu. Where is he these days?

[Shaggy]

Freddie Adu. Where is he these days?

Is he not still about 14? He was three when he signed his first professional contract, you know?

[dww]

Can't be all bad - he was quoted the other day saying he was disappointed with the quality of Chelsea on their US tour. Played for the MLS all-stars in the team that beat them I believe.

[PTP]

Because Le Tallec is on his way very soon, I got to thinking about those much hyped wonder-kids that never actually lived up to their reputations.

Whatever happened to Cherno Samba?
Who remembers Sonny Pike at Ajax?
Would Wayne Harrison ever have made it at Anfield?

What other kids are out there that never really made it?

Thats one I'd loved to know what happened too. He was raved about for ages, every club round Europe went for him and eventually he went to Ajax I think - I remember he was on baddiel and Skinners Fantasy football ages and ages ago.

[Le Chef]

Because Le Tallec is on his way very soon, I got to thinking about those much hyped wonder-kids that never actually lived up to their reputations.

Whatever happened to Cherno Samba?
Who remembers Sonny Pike at Ajax?
Would Wayne Harrison ever have made it at Anfield?

What other kids are out there that never really made it?

I actually know Wayne Harrison, nice guy and from what I remember I think he would have made it. Now works for Robinsons Brewery delivering beer. one dream job to another

[G_Man]

Rafael Van der Vaart. What happened to that world beater?

[dww]

Helped Hamburg to the CL in the Bundesliga I think - apparently been very good for them.

[BobSkinstad]

Yes, he has been very good for them but there were very few buyers in for him when he left Ajax.

First post, by the way. Hello everyone.

[andyinswinton]

Gianluigi Lentini was the most expensive player in the world at one point going from Torino to Milan but I think got into a car crash and his career went into freefall.

Wasn't Denilson the most expensive player at one point?

[Shaggy]

Gianluigi Lentini was the most expensive player in the world at one point going from Torino to Milan but I think got into a car crash and his career went into freefall.

God almighty...Lentini! I remember being absolutely gobsmacked at the time by the fee - was it something like £13m?

[Nic83]

Didn't boro pay over 10mil for Maccarone?

[Shaggy]

Didn't boro pay over 10mil for Maccarone?

£8.5m if I remember rightly.

[paulcooper4]

remember boro`s new maradona carlos marinelli? he was ****e, what happened to him?

[LFCman]

Freddie Adu. Where is he these days?

He's hardly a talent to 'never do it'. He is still only 17 I think and is at DC United in the MLS.

Also Max Vieri for Australia. Cristian's brother and everyone was raving about him. Then he played a game for Australia and was ****e and haven't heard anything about him since.