Following the transfer of Mason Bloomfield from Dagenham and Redbridge to Norwich City, here at Everything Orient we wondered, which Leyton Orient players could make the jump from non-league to the very top? Therefore, the only logical thing that we could possibly do is to compile a list of Orient's 'brightest' sparks. Brace yourselves...
1. George Elokobi
Yes, he is 32-years-old. We know. However, what a player Elokobi is to have in your dressing room. The powerful central-defender has been a strong asset to Leyton Orient this season, on and off the field. In particular, George is renowned for his light hearted persona and positive attitude that he brings to the club. Therefore, this will give Elokobi the opportunity to pass on his wisdom, much like John Terry did in his final days at Stamford Bridge. Bearing in mind he featured on over 80 occasions for Wolves at the top level, the big man certainly has a few things to pass on. Don't get me wrong, I love George but he won't be able to cut it in a top side nowadays, however, he would be an excellent player to keep in the reserve side, who could eventually progress into a coaching role considering his age.
2. Josh Koroma
Probably one of the brighter sparks in the Leyton Orient side, Koroma has been setting the wings alight this season. Koroma is a skilful and energetic player who usually contributes with the occasional worldie to keep fans on the edge of their seat. Not bad for a 19-year-old. With the rest of his career ahead of him, it wouldn't surprise me if a football league side snaps him up sometime in the future.
3. Sam Ling
Sam Ling, who has recently re-signed with the O's, may be taking a few steps closer to joining a football league side very soon. The young defender recently featured in England C's 3-2 victory over Wales C, which is a great platform to showcase his talent. As much as I wouldn't like to see yet another Leyton Orient youngster leave E10, it really wouldn't come as a surprise if he did. During his short spell, it's fair to say he has been a class above the rest. Whether he will join a Championship side like Bloomfield did? We're not to sure, but by all means, aim high Sam...but please dont leave us high and dry.
4. Charles Clayden
To tell you I personally know a lot about this player, I would certainly be lying. Clayden caught the fans attention last week with his Messi like run against Greenwich Borough, which Leyton Orient later posted on their Twitter page. From this clip, Charles looks like a positive and forward thinking wide player who isn't afraid to take a player on. Sadly however, much like many other Leyton Orient youngsters, we probably won't have very him for much longer - joining Teddy Perkins, Henry Ochieng and many others on the one-way train out of east London. A real shame for all O's fans.
5. Theo the Dragon, yes, that's right...
In the words of French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, he says 'commitment is not just a word, it's an act' and there is certainly no question about Theo's commitment to the cause. Whether we're winning against Dagenham or getting battered by Bromley, Theo is always in good spirits. In my personal opinion, any Premier League side would be lucky to have our star man as his desire, engagement and enthusiasm for the game is simply unrivalled, if only half our players showed as much passion as our very own Theo.