Competitive fixtures for Scottish teams are back this week. NTOF have decided to take a look at three young players that could have an impact on their club’s upcoming campaign. There’s a plethora of Aberdeen midfield players looking to play their part at Pittodrie and elsewhere.
The Dons will be looking to improve on an underwhelming fourth placed Premiership finish. There’s been a bit of a rebuild taking place in the Granite City, with Derek McInnes losing the likes of Graeme Shinnie and Gary Mackay-Steven.
So who are the latest batch of young prospects to come through up north?
Dean Campbell (Central midfield)
After making his professional debut for Aberdeen at just 16 years, 1 month and 23 days old, Dean Campbell became Aberdeen’s youngest ever player. The academy’s former Player of the Year three times in a row, young Campbell is held in high regards by the Dons’ faithful.
Campbell could make the Dons a lot of dosh. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Now still only 18, opportunities may be coming thick and fast for the teenager as a result of injuries sustained by Stephen Gleeson and new signing Craig Bryson.
Graeme Shinnie has left some big boots to fill in the heart of the Aberdeen midfield. Campbell, and a few others, must try and make the fans forget their former captain even exists.
Lewis Ferguson (Central midfield)
Graeme Shinnie’s former midfield partner enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at Aberdeen, having arrived from Hamilton Accies. He made a name for himself in the Europa League, scoring a phenomenal overhead kick against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Ferguson is fearless in the heart of the Dons’ midfield. (photo by Conor Molloy/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Since then, his reputation in red has gathered momentum. Rangers’ Ryan Kent pipped him to the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award last season. So Ferguson must do everything in his might to better the last campaign and help the Dons to a successful season.
Connor Mclennan (Winger)
Peterhead-born Connor McLennan has a tricky task ahead of him to become the Dons’ next wing wizard. With GMS having departed for New York, and no real replacement of any sort signed just yet, McLennan may have hit the jackpot when it comes to first team minutes.
A bit of McLennan magic may make him Aberdeen’s next wing wizard. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Pressure is on to create for the likes of Sam Cosgrove along with new signing Curtis Main and the returning James Wilson. At 19 and playing week in week out at a club of Aberdeen’s stature, McLennan may not realise how lucky he is. Here’s hoping he makes the most of a fantastic opportunity.