Ravel Morrison: The Oldest 'Next Big Thing' in Football Finally Has to Step Up at Middlesbrough

Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce, Chris Wilder, Simone Inzaghi and Sir Alex Ferguson. Can you guess what one thing they all have in common?

...

No? 

...

Ok, I'll tell you then: none of the aforementioned managers could get a tune out of the 'mercurial talent' that is Ravel Morrison.

At the tender age of 27, Morrison has now been at an incredible 10 clubs in search of a mentor who possesses the ability to unlock his potential, but that has - so far - seemed like an impossible task. 

From Mexico to Sweden to Italy and back to England, the former Manchester United man has clocked up his fair share of air miles in his stuttering career. But, no matter he has done to date, Morrison has never came close to becoming the player people thought he'd be. 

Morrison’s round-the-world tour is currently docked in Middlesbrough under the stewardship of Jonathan Woodgate. So what makes this time any different, I hear you ask?

First of all, Boro boss Woodgate, like Morrison, is no shrinking violet himself. The former Real Madrid man was convicted of affray and sentenced to 100 hours of community service back in 2001. But now much older and wiser, using his experience of learning from his own mistakes, Woodgate could just be the perfect mentor for a loose cannon like Morrison.

Secondly, Boro’s style of play is perfect for Sheffield United loanee. Following 18 months of Tony Pulis football, the Teessiders are embarking on a period of transition, with Woodgate looking to keep the ball on the ground and play with tempo and a style not seen at the Riverside for many years. 

Plus, Boro are screaming out for a number 10 following the injury to Patrick Roberts, so this may just be the opening Morrison has been waiting for.

For any of you sat there thinking that it’s ridiculously far-fetched to suggest that this season could be the springboard needed to FINALLY launch Morrison’s career, look no further than former Boro man Adama Traore. 

Brought through the academy of a European giant before being released, a failed attempt to make it in the Premier League before arriving at Middlesbrough where he tore apart the Championship and is now being crowned Premier League Player of the Month. 

Could lightning strike twice?

Maybe...

Technically blessed with both feet, upper body strength, a turn of pace and an instinctive nature to his game which cannot be taught, under the right leadership Ravel Morrison can be a star, just like Traore. 

Hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as having “as much natural talent as any youngster we [United] ever signed” and more recently described by Chris Wilder as having the potential to become “a £40m, £50m, £60m player”, Morrison’s talent has never been in question.

The midfielder may well be on his last chance at Middlesbrough, but under the guidance of Jonathan Woodgate the midfielder once again has his destiny in his own hands. This should finally be his time.