Adam Wharton`s career has seen a rapid ascent since joining Crystal Palace.
The midfielder transferred to the Eagles in January 2024 from Championship club Blackburn Rovers for £22 million.
The 21-year-old Wharton is now getting ready for the most significant match of his club career to date.
He and the Palace team are scheduled to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday.
This won`t be his debut final appearance, as he was part of the England squad for the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Interestingly, had his path diverged earlier, that same opponent, Spain, might have already been well-acquainted with the young player.
During a youth tournament, he caught the eye of Barcelona coaches, who offered him a place at their renowned La Masia academy.
Daniel Stubberfield, his coach for five years in his early development, shared that the midfielder`s career trajectory could have been quite different.
Stubberfield recounted: “He was the player of the tournament during a trip to Oldenzaal in Holland.”
“In a seven-a-side game, he scored a half-volley from what seemed like a long distance; it flew in like a shot from an adult.”
“He was exceptional against Barcelona when he was just eight.
“So much so that the Barca coaches told his parents: `If you ever come to Spain, call us, we would love to have him.`”
During his time in the academy, Wharton played against players like Jobe Bellingham.
A photograph captured the two competing for the ball in a youth match between Blackburn and Birmingham City.
Wharton has since earned his first international cap for England, playing 28 minutes against Bosnia at St James` Park last year.
He was a key player for Oliver Glasner`s team in their FA Cup semi-final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium in April.
However, this wasn`t his inaugural appearance at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
At the age of ten, he had already played in a school`s cup final held at the 90,000-capacity venue.
Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the 2015 National Primary Schools Final.
Footage from the match showcased his remarkable skills, including a `Maradona turn` that drew gasps from the spectators.
His former teacher, Stephen Bird, recalled: “There were about 10,000 people in the stadium then. The crowd simply gasped.”
“They showed appreciation when the replay was shown on the large screens.”
Last month, exclusive reports indicated that Liverpool were targeting Wharton in a potential £50 million deal.
Liverpool`s recruitment staff reportedly believe the midfielder`s passing range would be a valuable asset to the team.
However, before transfer speculation intensifies, Wharton`s immediate focus is on helping Crystal Palace achieve FA Cup success this weekend.
