I think McCarthy will be an excellent player in the future and I think it's Diego on here who also really rates him.
Indeed I see a lot of quality in
James McCarthy. He's a very clever midfield with lots to offer, but plays for a team where it's difficult to catch the attention of the majority.
Same goes for
Antonio Valencia, when he played for Wigan. I've been following this guy since he stood out in the World Cup 2006 for Ecuador. He was one of the best wingers in the league for Wigan but did not get enough credit till he moved to Man Utd. In fact, when the move happened, a lot of people said he was sh*t or overpriced - I was perhaps alone in saying I wanted him at LFC instead.
Also from Wigan, I like
Figueroa. Think he's a solid defender, however unspectacular. Wouldn't call him a 'top' player but in my opinion he could be playing in a bigger stage.
I agree with some other players mentioned here.
Gareth Barry - yes, he wasn't going to be a real replacement for Alonso, and no he isn't a top player, but I think he's a lot better than a lot of people give him credit for. He is a 'tactical' player, praised more by managers than fans.
James Milner - give me a David Silva over Milner any day of the week, of course. It doesn't mean that Milner isn't a valuable player. I was a fan of him during his time at Newcastle and still think he could have done a good job for us. Unspectacular wide player who can also do a job in the middle - doesn't have some of the attributes most wingers have but is capable of offering other things to the side. Not great but not rubbish either.
Steven Fletcher - that's one of those cases... "I hate to say I told you so"...
A while ago I was crazy enough to watch the SPL (there was something terribly wrong with me) and I've been following Fletcher since his time with Hibs. He's been a valuable player wherever he's gone, offering goals and versatility. Wouldn't be a top class player in our team but I've been crying for us to get him as backup to Torres for a long time. These days he would probably secure a place in the starting XI anyway.
James Morrison and
Chris Brunt - I remember watching a lot of WBA under Tony Mowbray and they were both already very good players then. I said it so when we were getting Downing that I would prefer Brunt instead - not that he is a top player but would offer a similar option without costing £20M. I stand by that. Morrison is also a quality player with the ball, I enjoy watching this guy.
Franco Di Santo - His goal ratio could be better but his all round game is very good and if the lad could get onto the score sheet more regular a lot more people and pundits would be bigging him up as the next player to be moving on from the feeder club that is Wigan.
100% agree... his linkup play is very good, but his finishing leaves much to be desired. If he can solve that, he would be quite a player.