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A<\/span>t this point everybody knows the talent to be found in non-league football. Year after year, player after player makes the step up from England\u2019s semi-professional leagues into the pro game, demonstrating not only the sheer strength in depth of English football\u2019s pyramid but also the level of ability to be found across the board in semi-pro football.<\/p>\n While Jamie Vardy<\/strong> is the shining light, going from non-league at Stocksbridge Park Steels to winning the Premier League title, FA Cup and playing for England, there are countless examples of players making that jump from non-league to pro.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nowadays, when it comes to scouting and recruitment, if your football club is not keeping a close eye on non-league then you are way behind the curve. All Football League clubs should be monitoring non-league for those next emerging gems, and indeed many of them now are as Covid-19 and budget cuts affect club\u2019s finances. Finding the next unpolished gem simply makes business sense.<\/p>\n In 2017 I picked 7 non-league talents I thought would go on to play professional football<\/a><\/strong>. Six of these ended up making the jump, an 86% hit rate which I was quite proud of. Bear in mind this was before the days of easy video access via scouting platforms like Wyscout<\/a> \u2013 you had to put in the hard yards and actually go out to games to find talent.<\/p>\n Nowadays it is a little easier and players can be monitored not only in-person but via video scouting platforms too. Finding non-league talents has been democratised, meaning more players are known earlier. That said, it still takes a good eye to be able to spot the ones that can go pro.<\/p>\n As a follow up to my 2017 piece, here are 10 players I feel can emerge in the 2021\/22 season and make the grade in professional football.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the purposes of this article I am choosing National League players age 23 or under ONLY<\/strong><\/u>. Reason being \u2013 In the time since the 2017 article I have since co-founded a consultancy, Future Global Sports<\/strong><\/a>, whose founding aim is to work with, nurture and help guide the best young talent at semi-pro level and help them find opportunities and pathways into the professional game.<\/p>\n During this time we have had great success in helping discover players like Sorba Thomas, Priestley Farquharson, Sam Barratt<\/strong> and others, and continue to work in this space with the next crop of exciting young players.<\/p>\n Long story short, we keep our knowledge of the best talents at non-league Step 2 and below in house now. If you would like to access that information or learn more about our work<\/a> feel free to drop me an email privately: business@just-football.com<\/strong>, on Twitter @JFfutbol<\/strong><\/a> or check out our website Future Global Sports<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Released by Fulham this summer, 21-year-old Jayden Harris<\/strong> is an exciting prospect you may well hear a lot about this season.<\/p>\n A combative player who can play in defence or midfield, Harris is different from many U23 academy players in that he is not afraid of the physical side of the game, and willingly makes tackles and defensive duels etc in midfield.<\/p>\n \u270d\ufe0fNEW SIGNING: We are delighted to announce that @FulhamFC<\/a> midfielder @jaydenharris38 has committed to Aldershot Town for the next two years!<\/p>\n Click the link below for more details! \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n Welcome to the Shots Jayden!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\ud83d\udd35#TheShots<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Aldershot Town FC (@OfficialShots) June 24, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Harris adds bite and a threat when playing in central midfield areas but is also useful on the ball. He defends his box well from defensive set pieces e.g. corners and free-kicks and has a very committed, all-action style.<\/p>\n With a good physique, tall, long legs and the ability to play in multiple positions \u2013 he operated as a right-back, central midfielder and centre-back at Fulham, Harris is a player you can see enjoys the physical side of the game and embraces it. This should make him right at home in the hustle and bustle of National League<\/strong> football.\u00a0<\/p>\n Though he does have a tendency to make the odd foul or two on occasion, the youngster is one to keep an eye on.<\/p>\n Chances of making it pro?<\/span>\u00a08\/10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n At 22 years old Joel Senior<\/strong> is a player who can definitely make the step up above non-league level. The former Burnley youngster is a physically robust full-back who operates predominantly as a right-back but can also play on the left hand side.<\/p>\n Energetic and strong in the challenge, Senior times his tackles well and is very good at reading the game to make timely interceptions. Going forward he can also create chances with positive forward play, an accurate long ball and decent crossing ability.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite his young age he already looks a seasoned campaigner at National League level, and while he may not be the quickest he can certainly get forward as an attacking outlet.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6 Supporters\u2019 Player of the Season \u2b50\ufe0f @JoelSenior_<\/a> is an absolute star.<\/p>\n You can now watch our awards presentations here \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/Th6LEYn9D3<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HPme9PSOFS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Altrincham FC (@altrinchamfc) May 30, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chances of making it pro?<\/span> 9\/10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Supposedly the tallest outfield professional footballer in Britain, young striker Kyle Hudlin<\/strong> is unlikely to be in non-league football much longer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Though his enormous, basketballer-like frame is what first catches the eye, it belies the striker\u2019s deft ability and impressive penalty box presence. The 21-year-old sniffs out chances and has a good instinct for sensing where the ball will land, capitalising on any errors from defenders or keepers and intuitive enough to grab any opportunity to pounce.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cardiff City & Manchester City both interested in Britain’s tallest outfield player, 6ft 9in striker Kyle Hudlin? \ud83e\udd14 <\/p>\n It’s in the gossip \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/0DwTDq5ycd<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mUIZPXCJhz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 17, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This time last year the forward didn\u2019t even have a club. He was at Solihull United in step 7 of non-league football (English football\u2019s 11th tier!) and went to trial at Solihull Moors in the National League in October after the season had already begun. He signed, scored 11 in 38 appearances, won the club\u2019s Young Player of the Season award and Goal of the Season. A sign of just how quickly some players can step up when given a chance.\u00a0<\/p>\n At 6ft 9ins it is easy to see why big clubs are taking a look at Hudlin. You can launch the ball up to him and he is good at receiving the ball on his chest and playing others in, as well as being an adept finisher. His extraordinary goal away to Halifax Town last season will tell you that \u2013 Hudlin controls a long ball on his chest, turns and fires an outstanding effort past the keeper from outside the area.<\/p>\n The links with Championship clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough have been there for a while, but the rumour that Premier League champions Manchester City are scouting him certainly raised eyebrows.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Chances of making it pro?<\/span>\u00a08\/10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Probably pushing it somewhat naming Joe Sbarra<\/strong> as a non-league talent \u2013 I have absolutely no idea what he is doing in non-league football given his ability \u2013 but a non-league footballer he currently is.\u00a0<\/p>\n The intelligent central midfielder has made nearly 50-odd appearances at Championship and League One level for Burton Albion, but dropped into the National League at Solihull after being released by the Brewers in 2020, penning a two-year deal at Damson Park.<\/p>\n Sbarra has noteworthy technique, can unlock tight midfields, is a tenacious hard worker and can also find the back of the net. Still only 22, he can push to much higher levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\ude05 \ud835\udfd7\ud835\udfce+\ud835\udfd1 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc24\u2026<\/p>\n \ud835\udde6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfd \ud835\uddf3\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude04\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf1 @JoeSbarra1<\/a> \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udc99 #SMFC<\/a> #YourSolihullYourClub<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GBsWImn7c5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Solihull Moors FC (@SolihullMoors) February 7, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chances of making it pro?<\/span> 9\/10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A product of Barnet FC\u2019s fruitful academy, Ephron Mason-Clark<\/strong> appears to be something of a hidden gem in non-league football. Despite this, the youngster is approaching close to 150 appearances for the Bees \u2013 and is still only 21 years old. Mason-Clark has been around the block and still has room to develop.<\/p>\n With a tidy turn of pace, good balance, the ability to accelerate past players with ease and also put in accurate crosses and through balls, the attacking wide player is a versatile young prospect who can aim to push up the divisions. Is also an England \u2018C\u2019 international.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Bees were buzzing after Ephron Mason-Clark put @BarnetFC<\/a> ahead versus @OfficialShots<\/a> last season \ud83d\udc1d\ud83e\udd29 pic.twitter.com\/qQ8OZmHqFa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) September 18, 2020<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chances of making it pro?<\/span>\u00a08\/10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A very smart signing by Dagenham and Redbridge, Josh Walker<\/strong> seems like a bit of an underrated player at this level and I was surprised not to see him snapped up by an EFL club this summer.<\/p>\n Walker scored 12 goals in 56 appearances for Barnet FC, but the former Fulham youngster never really thrived at the Bees due to the turbulent nature of the club during his time there. Save for a brief period under our one-time podcast guest Darren Currie<\/a> who seemed to get the best out of him.\u00a0<\/p>\n The former Fulham academy player has pace, bright movement, can beat a man 1v1 and knows how to finish off both feet. I like him and think if he stays injury free he can move up the ladder.\u00a0<\/p>\nBest non-league talents \u2013 10 to keep an eye on<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Jayden Harris (Aldershot Town)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Joel Senior (Altrincham FC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\ud83c\udfc6 Young Player of the Season
\ud83c\udfc6 Manager\u2019s Player of the Season
\ud83c\udfc6 Goal of the Season<\/p>\nKyle Hudlin (Solihull Moors)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ephron Mason-Clark (Barnet FC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Josh Walker (Dagenham and Redbridge)<\/strong><\/h2>\n