2011: Ones To Watch Out For

It’s time to get out that crystal ball again in a vain and possibly futile attempt to predict some of the sporting stars of 2011.

We’ve tried to cover all bases here and we apologise in advance if one of them doesn’t deliver the goods, but we’re confident that these guys will do well in the next 12 months. Let’s get underway, shall we?

Football – Jack Wilshere

Touted heavily as England’s saviour for the national side, Jack Wilshere has come on leaps and bounds in 2010. His loan spell at Bolton gave him his first big chance in the Premier League and he didn’t half grasp it, performing well at the heart of Owen Coyle’s side.

Arsene Wenger liked what he saw and decided to integrate him into the first team this year, and once again Wilshere has adapted superbly. He’s made his England debut too, against Hungary in August.

In Arsenal’s fluid system, he works as a box-to-box midfielder, using his vision to either providing short passes to his team-mates or ghosting in to score in an attack.

One thing he needs to cut out is his Paul Scholes-esque rash tackling, but hopefully with more experience, he’ll develop more rationality. Wenger has constantly described him as a future star and we think he might just live up to his potential, and become a key cog in England’s qualifying games.

Golf – Rickie Fowler/ Rory McIlroy

It’s difficult to separate these wunderkind golfers. Effectively clones of each other, surely one will break out this year to win a major.

McIlroy has been the hope of European Golf for some time now and he’s impressed in majors, especially in the last two majors, tying 3rd both times.

The Northern Irish superstar has been commended for his maturity on the course and his one of a kind golf swing (said to be better than Tiger Woods according to Gary Player). McIlroy has been the Top 10 rankings, at the age of 21. He’s destined for big things certainly.

His doppelganger, American Rickie Fowler is always easy to spot on the course. He always wears orange on the final day of a major. He was the Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour this year, finishing 2nd several times and finding the step-up remarkably easy.

Fowler’s more of a maverick than McIlroy, but his gambles often pay huge dividends. He’s certainly a diamond in the rough (not literally) but will he push on this year?

Tennis – Juan Martin Del Potro

A change of pace here. Del Potro isn’t a rookie by any stretch but after missing the majority of 2010 due to a wrist injury, he sets out on the long road back to the Top 10.

After winning the US Open in 2009, beating none other than Roger Federer, the Argentine struggled with fatigue and injuries. But the stage is set for a glorious return

A master of hard and clay, Del Potro is certainly a dark horse for any major as he won’t be seeded highly. He’s very aggressive on the court, using his brute force whilst serving to power past opponents. Del Potro is certain to have a better year than he did this.

F1 – Paul Di Resta

It’s hard to predict who’s going to be the star of F1, with not all drivers positions finalised. But DTM Champion Paul Di Resta certainly has the biggest potential.

If his relatives are anything to go by, Scot, Di Resta has natural pedigree. After all he’s the cousin of Dario Franchitti. On the track, Di Resta has consistently been one of the top performers in the DTM series, whilst also being Force India’s test driver in F1.

He looks set to step up in 2010, and with a bit of luck could be the rookie of the year.

Boxing – James De Gale

When your promoter waxes lyrical about his latest investment, usually it’s just hype. But Frank Warren’s certainly right to rave about James De Gale, even calling him the best boxer he’s ever had.

De Gale decimated hometown hero Paul Smith in Liverpool to win his first competitive title as he became British Super Middleweight Champion. De Gale has come a long way since his Olympic gold in 2008, and has all the making of the next British World Champion.

Rugby Union – Courtney Lawes

With the Rugby World Cup this year, it seems right to pick out an England hopeful. Northampton’s behemoth Courtney Lawes has powered his way into contention.

Lawes has certainly forged a reputation for monstrous tackles but also possesses tremendous speed for a ferocious lock. He’s at home in either of the second or back rows showing his adaptability.

He could be the key to England’s success in the Six Nations and World Cup, if he continues to improve at such speed.

FemaleFirst Chris Mayer