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Over the years, there have been several young players who have made it to the top level from non-league football. Here is a selection of players to watch out for in the non-league:
Josh Kelly – Maidenhead
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Josh Kelly made it to the headlines after with a sensational goal for Maidenhead not too long ago. Since then, he has been a key player for Maidenhead in their attempts to stay in the National League. Kelly has been with Maidenhead since 2017 and he has already been able to get among the goals since the 2018 campaign. Kelly prefers to play as a second striker and he has scored more goals when playing in this position. As a center forward, Kelly has had the experience of playing in a few matches.
Joe Raynes – Bath City
Joe Raynes is a midfielder who has been with Bath City since 2018. Prior to joining the club, he had played for the likes of Odd Down, Larkhall Athletic, and Frome Town. In the last two years, Raynes has ended up making more than 80 appearances before suffering a major injury in March 2020. A quite flexible player, Raynes has featured for Bath in a number of positions already. He has become a firm favorite at Twerton Park.
Wes Fonguck – Barnet
Wes Fonguck is another player who has been recognized as a potential asset by the England setup. He has already featured for England C team. The midfielder has been a star asset for Barnet, where he has been since 2014. The midfielder has had several loan spells over the years as he has played for the likes of Hendon and Hampton & Richmond Borough. Since his last loan spell in 2017, though, Fonguck has started establishing himself more in the first team of Barnet. His debut for England C came in 2018 and he has since featured in two matches.
Kane Smith – Boreham Wood
A right-back by trade, Smith is known for the attacking runs that he makes with aplomb. After spending two seasons at Hitchin Town, Smith became a regular and soon he earned himself a move to Boreham Wood on a free transfer in 2019. A widely capable player, the 24-year-old can play in a variety of positions apart from right back. He can also play as a centre back. The defender has had some highlights in his career like reaching the National League play-off final with Boreham Wood.
Kurt Willoughby – AFC Fylde
Willoughby came through the ranks at Fleetwood Town before joining the FC United of Manchester. The striker spent a few seasons playing in the Vanarama National League North before he caught the eye with a special campaign in which he scored 19 goals. This earned the striker a move to the Mill Farm on a free transfer in the summer of 2019. His exploits with FC United of Manchester for him make his debut for England C in 2018.