Ravel Morrison, the once highly rated prospect, has been given a career lifeline by former teammate Wayne Rooney. Rooney is letting Morrison train with Derby County in a bid to gain fitness for the next season. Morrison has been without a club since he was released by Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
Ravel Morrison Training at Derby Country Under Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney Gives Morrison Lifeline
Ravel Morrison started his career with Manchester United, at the same time that Rooney was in his prime for the club. Rooney would have seen first-hand the quality that Morrison possesses. In fact, he had so much talent, that Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he was ‘the best player he had seen at that age [14]’.
However, Morrison never lived up to his potential and was plagued by off-the-field incidents that tarnished his career. He became a well-travelled journeyman, playing in teams stretching from Sweden to Mexico.
But, importantly, he is still only 28. There is still time for Morrison to rebuild something of a successful career. His former teammate in Rooney clearly wants to help him, hence letting him train with his Derby team.
Derby are currently under a transfer embargo, due to various accounting issues. However, under EFL rules, they are allowed to sign free agents, as they have less than 23 professional players on their books. So there is a chance that Morrison could put on a Derby shirt this season.
Where Did it All Go Wrong for Ravel Morrison?
Ravel Morrison showed so much promise in his early years, so it’s disappointing he hasn’t been able to live up to his potential. After he struggled to implement himself at United, he joined West Ham United. He will forever be remembered by Hammers fans for his stunning solo goal against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Again, things didn’t work out for Morrison. His career since has been defined by short spells at clubs willing to take a chance on him. Lazio, Atlas, Ostersund, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and ADO Den Haag have tried, but all failed, to revive his career.
There are many quotes about Ravel Morrison, all of which follow the same pattern:
Sir Alex Ferguson: “A brilliant footballer. Brilliant ability. Top class ability. Needs to get away from Manchester and start a new life”.
Sam Allardyce: “It’s not that he has to impress me as a footballer, we know about his talent. It’s about playing the talent and himself to a disciplined life in general, is what needs to happen with Rav”.
Igli Tare (Lazio director): “he has undoubted quality and is world-class, as well as being a little mad”.
There may, and hopefully is, still a good player left in Ravel Morrison. He is still only 28, with hope remaining of rebuilding his career.
Main Photo
