Nick Powell

Nicholas Edward Powell (born 23 March 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or as a striker for Stockport County. He began his career at Crewe Alexandra, initially as a forward, making his debut at the age of 16. After impressing for Crewe Alexandra during the 2011–12 season, including scoring in their 2–0 victory in the League Two play-off final, he moved to Manchester United in July 2012. Unable to break into the Manchester United first team, however, he went on loan to Wigan Athletic, Leicester City and Hull City before being released in June 2016. He joined Wigan Athletic in July 2016. He spent three seasons at the DW Stadium before joining Stoke City in June 2019. He has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels. Club career Crewe Alexandra Born in Crewe, Cheshire, Powell attended Sandbach School and started his career at home-town club Crewe Alexandra, joining their youth system as a five-year-old. He made his debut for Crewe on 19 August 2010, in a League Two game against Cheltenham Town, which ended in a 3–2 defeat at Whaddon Road. At the age of 16 he came on as a second-half substitute for Clayton Donaldson, becoming the second youngest player ever to appear for Crewe.