He's not very good. Overrated by the media, would be my guess.

He went on trial at United when he was young (but a household name among footy fans) and they didn’t pursue their interest then. I think he just had decent enough technique at a time when American football was ready for any new idol and think he probably just had a growth spurt at a young age so was bigger than those around him but he’s hardly a physical specimen now and never really seemed to improve. Overhyped and then when he stepped up to play against men and was exposed for what he is, a very average player.

There's no doubt lots of reasons why he didn't fulfil his potential, but I don't think you can underestimate the amount of pressure that the boy must have been under.

Can you imagine being a 14 year old boy and being told that you are the next Pele and that the hopes and dreams of a nation are resting on your shoulders?

Couple that with people pushing and pulling him in all directions and it's no wonder he lost his focus on playing and started getting caught up in everything else.

The boy got crushed under the weight of expectation. He isn't the first and he won't be the last unfortunately.

Not the first time this has happened

Anyone remember Sonny Pike

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/15/theknowledge.sport

I played against him once when i was a youngster at a tournament in Bournemouth
Bradley Wright Phillips was also there

Sonny pike was a minor celeb when he was 13 and was tipped to be the next gazza

so much expectations so young

was never that good

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