Talented or troubled?

When West Ham signed the highly sought after Ravel Morrison I think most West Ham fans would agree there was an air of excitement and optimism surrounding the player who had promised so much within Manchester United. His technical ability and spatial awareness were key attributes. But, were any warning signs of his behaviour already present?

Although the promising midfielder came with glowing reports from Alex Ferguson regarding his footballing abilities, it was his poor attitude and disregard for discipline that proved his downfall at Manchester United. So, if Alex “hair dryer” Ferguson could not tame Ravel, was this deal doomed from the start? Reports surfaced that Ravel was unhappy at Ferguson’s plans to develop his talents gradually as he felt he deserved regular first team appearances. In response to this Ravel began to miss training. This behaviour and reported demands for wages of £30,000 proved too much for the club and permission was granted to seek possible transfer moves. Are these reports the behaviours displayed by a petulant child who has “thrown the toys out of the pram” when things have not gone his way, or a result of his continued frustration that his talent and abilities have not been fully harnessed or recognised?

Having accumulated many court trials over his off field antics not least including assault, witness intimidation and criminal damage, does this further fuel the argument that he is destined to always be a troubled young man?

However the player is still only nineteen and according to many, he has the ability to succeed in the professional game. After a positive start of his Birmingham City loan move with Lee Clark stating the need for a change in his attitude, this relationship has soon soured and his loan spell has come to an end – is this a blessing in disguise?

New signing Andy Carroll had similar issues during his time with Newcastle United and was also labelled a ‘bad boy’ at his club. However, Carroll has managed to get his career back on track and begin to rectify his reputation in the footballing world hence, his call-up to the England squad. Could a reformed character such as Carroll provide Morrison with an unlikely role model?

I feel that West Ham provide a great foundation for Ravel to succeed, we have a strong, no nonsense manager in Sam Allardyce, a club with a reputation for developing young players to ensure they reach their potential, and a core of experienced players to help him mature into the player he was envisaged to be.

In my opinion the best route to take with regards to Morrison’s career would be to send him out on loan again but to a League One club where this will either make him or break him. It is a tough, relentless League that requires prolonged dedication and commitment to the club. Many of the clubs have players ranging from the young, gifted rising stars to well-travelled experienced players which would provide a platform to showcase his talents. I feel for him to be playing regular first team football in such a league would allow him the time to develop the skills required for a high level footballing career such as – professionalism, progression, motivation and team working. Playing with other similar age or older players who may never progress to the level Ravel has already achieved may prove a humbling experience. It has worked for Jermaine Defoe during his time at West Ham with a loan spell at Bournemouth, during which time he broke records for his goal scoring and was called up to the under 21 England team.

At his signing Ravel Morrison stated that he was “a player to get the fans on their feet”, can he make it? Can he be our new Paolo Di Canio? Personally I think yes, but only with a lot of hard work and a trust in the judgements of management in the progression of his career, he is definitely a diamond in the rough!

Lets hope he can get though these terrible teens!!

Carl Bateson

Follow me on Twitter @BatesonCarl