Doncaster Rovers: Ben Whiteman and co '˜coming of age' says John Marquis

John Marquis has praised the impact of Ben Whiteman and can see Doncaster Rovers' younger players coming of age.Â
Ben WhitemanBen Whiteman
Ben Whiteman

Whiteman, 22, opened his account for the season with the winning goal in last weekend's hard earned win over Luton Town.

The former Sheffield United midfielder has been handed a key role in Grant McCann's team.

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And Marquis, who also praised young defenders Niall Mason and Joe Wright, is certainly impressed by what he has seen.

'Ben's made the holding midfield position his own,' said Marquis. 'He's done well in there.

'He dictates games and plays with an arrogance which I think the manager likes, I like watching and I like playing alongside him.

'He's arrogant in a good way in that he always wants the ball.

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'If he gives it away he wants it again and he won't shy away, and he plays positively, he plays forward and that's what you need in a holding midfielder.'

As Rovers look to improve upon last season's 15th place finish in League One, Whiteman is not the only young player to have started the new campaign impressively.

'Ben, Niall [Mason] and Joe [Wright] have been really good,' said Marquis.

'Niall's playing on his favoured side now which he obviously feels a lot more comfortable with. Having Danny Andrew back at left back has helped Niall.

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'Joe had a really good last year. He was unlucky with a couple of injuries when he just starting to hit form.'

'Alfie May also looks like a new player. He's really got some confidence. He's a little bit older but he's still quite new to league football. He's banging on the door for a regular spot.'

Rovers travel to unbeaten Walsall tomorrow.

'We won't go there fearing anything,' said Marquis. 'If anything they should be fearing us and the quality we have. On our day we can beat anyone in this league.'