BEN PEARSON

AGE: 23 CLUB: PRESTON POSITION: MIDFIELD VALUE: £1.5m 2018-19 APPS: 4 GOALS: 0 WHAT HAS HE GOT?

WHEN this long-haired central midfielder was allowed to leave Manchester United in 2016, some may have thought — maybe including himself — that his career was taking a downward turn. But this may not necessarily be true. First-team opportunities are everything after a certain age because disillusionment can set in. Pearson has not shown any negativity as he has competed for Preston with increasing effect. Mainly sitting as the deepest midfield player he breaks up attacks and I can easily imagine him being the target of opposing fans’ frustration as he consistently interrupts the flow of play. Loving a tackle, he can also be a pest of a marker. He is an anchor with energy that he uses to maximum effect in possession. He is right-footed, has fair pace and understands the game. At 5ft 8½in, his diminutive appearance belies a determined character who seems to enjoy his power and his timing in a challenge. In possession he knows his limitations but keeps the ball running smoothly. And when he saw a longer forward pass available he produced a lovely angled high ball.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

WHAT he is learning is to be more composed on the ball. In a recent game when harried by the opposition forward he calmly shielded the ball and changed direction before supplying a simple pass out wide. Although small, against bigger players he challenged in the air and prevented opponents from making a clean header. Then, twice in the space of three minutes, he harassed an opponent into a mistake, then showed a no-nonsense attitude by whacking a leftfoot clearance into touch when danger threatened. He certainly has recovered from his United experience and has not gone into his shell. Indeed, his 100 per cent performances could be a springboard to a good career.