Jeff Hendrick

Arriving at Burnley's training ground for the first time! This picture was made shortly after transfer deadline day 2016. (Image: balls.ie)

He was born in Dublin and started his football career at his boyhood club St. Kevin's Boys. His talent was clear from the very beginning. But still, at first he had a couple of unsuccessful trials in England before he joined the youth academy of Derby County. This happened in 2008 at the age of 16, and only 3 years later he made his professional debut in April 2011 against Middlesborough. After a couple of games he already became a regular in the first team and also started in the very important 2014 Championship play-off finals against Queens Park Rangers. Derby missed out on promotion with a 1-0 loss. A couple of years later he signed a contract at Burnley and finally managed to play in the Premier League. He signed a three-year contract at Burnley and became with a 10.5 Million Pound deal the most expensive player in the history of the club. He made his debut for Burnley in September 2016 against Hull City (1-1 draw). He quickly became a regular starter for Burnley and is nowadays regarded as one of the most important and promising players of the club. He also represented Ireland at most of the youth levels and made his senior national team debut in February 2013 against Poland. He immediately showed his capacities by preparing the 2-0 and giving an assist for Wes Hoolalan. He is known as very hard-working, very tactical and an amazing short passer. This lad can play as an attacking midfielder but also in a defensive role as a central midfielder. His biggest skill is winning the second ball from aerial duels.