2 players that could save Plymouth Argyle millions of pounds | OneFootball

It’s that time of year where football clubs are on the hunt for the hottest talent on offer ahead of the next season, with statistics scoured and numbers crunched ahead of a busy summer of business.

But not all top players will cost a club a pretty penny, with the next generation of homegrown talent about to get their chance in the big time once August comes around.

Plymouth Argyle will be no different in this regard, with some promising teenage talents ready to be thrown into the deep end for the following campaign, and add another dimension for new boss Wayne Rooney in the season ahead.

Here we take a look at two of the most-likely prospects to feature for the Greens in the following campaign, and save them the money and effort of paying through the nose for a new signing to bolster their ranks.

Freddie Issaka

Freddie Issaka may only be 17 years of age, but the teenager feels like he has been hovering around the Argyle setup for quite some time now, having made his debut as a 15-year-old back in 2021.

That appearance against Newport County in the EFL Trophy came just 15 days after his 15th birthday, and made him the youngest player to ever play for the club, and highlighted just how well-thought of he is by everyone at Home Park.

Since then, the Wales under-17 international has featured sporadically for Argyle, with his first start coming in the 3-1 victory over Sutton United in the FA Cup at the start of the calendar year.

Although he has only been seen in flashes so far, there is plenty of hope within the Green Army that the teenager can follow in the footsteps of Michael Cooper and Adam Randell and become a regular in the Argyle setup in the future, and he certainly has the talent to do so.

With his blistering pace likely to give defenders a scare on the flanks, Issaka could be a valuable option to have as part of an attacking trio for Argyle next season, as well as his eye for bagging a goal or two from out wide.

Star man Morgan Whittaker’s future is still up in the air this summer after reported Premier League interest in January, and if the former Swansea City man does depart Devon, they may have a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings.

Many Argyle fans were yearning for the young star to be utilised during their run-in during the previous campaign, where the goals were drying up and confidence was running low, but director of football Neil Dewsnip resisted the urge to burden the academy prospect with that pressure on his shoulders.

That move could pay dividends going forward, with Issaka likely to be more involved with the first-team this season, having signed his first professional deal with club last summer.

Upon his signing, head of development Kevin Nancekivell said: “It is fantastic news that Freddie has signed a pro deal,” said Argyle first-team coach and head of player development Kevin Nancekivell.

“Freddie has done great since he has been here as an under-12. This pre-season he has flourished even more with the first team, and thoroughly deserved his pro contract. He really deserves his contract, and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.

“It’s testament to all the hard work that goes on in the Academy. The Academy coaches work endless hours for not a lot of praise, so credit to them for producing yet another good player that hopefully we can help develop further.”

Caleb Roberts

Having come up the ranks alongside Issaka, Caleb Roberts has finally got his chance among the Argyle first-team, and the young midfielder will be looking to kick on in the season ahead.

The 18-year-old signed a new deal with the club last August that runs until the summer of 2026, having signed his first professional contract in October 2022 when he turned 17.

Having made his debut in the EFL Trophy against Arsenal Under-21 in November 2021, Roberts has been patiently waiting in the wings for his taste of first-team football at Home Park, as he continues his development.

Having started in the Green’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Leeds United at Elland Road in January, the teenager proved he has what it takes to mix with the top talents that the EFL has to offer, and will be looking for even more game time in the months to come.

A tenacious and skilful midfielder, Roberts - alongside Issaka - has impressed for the under-18 side that won the South West division of the South Alliance League last season, with his last-minute penalty against Swindon Town earning them the silverware in the final match of the season.

Those performances have given Argyle enough food for though to offer him an extended deal at Home Park, with director of football Neil Dewsnip ready to see the midfielder flourish in the years to come.

Dewsnip said last year, as Roberts signed a new deal: “It is crucial to the ongoing development of this football club that we not only produce players like Caleb – and several other young footballers we have coming through – but keep them, nurture them and develop them to the fullest of their ability.

“We have made a commitment to Caleb - we think he has a very bright future, and we want that future to be at Home Park. It is very pleasing to have his immediate future secured.”

Having been part of the academy since the age of six, there will be no sweeter feeling for Roberts than becoming a mainstay in the Argyle engine room in the years to come, and everyone at the club has full belief in him to reach that potential.

With the likes of Adam Forshaw and Jordan Houghton to learn from, and fellow Plymouth lad Randell there as inspiration, Roberts has the perfect opportunity to harness his ability as time goes on, and Argyle will be hoping to reap the rewards as he develops.