"I have Luke Littler third at the minute" - Former world number one ranks Littler just behind the greats

Darts has a new benchmark for fast‑rising prodigies in Luke Littler. Yet the next wave is already knocking on the door. Former world number one Colin Lloyd sees several teenagers ready to make their mark on the pro circuit in the coming years.

Lloyd joined the Odds-On Podcast and spoke at length about today’s biggest talents. Michael van Gerwen, Littler’s place among the all-time greats, and the potential of Cameron Menzies were also discussed.

Asked who might become the next Littler, Lloyd doesn’t hesitate. The former World Matchplay and World Grand Prix champion believes two players stand out right now, while he is also closely tracking an even younger prospect.

“There are two outstanding players, possibly three,” begins Lloyd, who first names the Scot Mitchell Lawrie. “There’s a young man up in Scotland called Mitchell Lawrie. He’s actually breaking all of Luke Littler’s records in the youth… I think he’ll be at Q-School in January.”

Kaya Baysal from Burnley also ranks highly on Lloyd’s list. Both players, according to the former top pro, are serious candidates to secure a Tour Card in the near term. “Kaya Baysal’s an extremely good player also. So they’re the two biggest names that are possibly going to be pushing through and trying to get a tour card for next year.”

Yet it may be the third name that captures the imagination most. Lloyd points to Jack Johnson, better known as ‘Jackie Boy’. The Englishman is only thirteen or fourteen, but Lloyd believes he has everything to make a name for himself in the coming years.

“There’s another young man, but he’s only 13 or 14 at the moment, and his name’s Jack Johnson, Jackie Boy Johnson. And he’ll certainly be a player to look out for in the future.”

Lloyd highlights what Johnson has already achieved. The teenager recently won the WDF UK Men’s Singles and, during that event, beat two players currently active on the PDC circuit. “He beat two players who play on tour in the PDC ranks at the minute. He beat Martin Lukeman, and he beat Owen Bates.”

Lloyd has little doubt about the trio’s potential. “They’re players for the big stage, and they’re certainly the three big names to watch out for coming through the youth system."

Michael van Gerwen’s situation also came up in depth. The Dutchman no longer dominates as he did at his absolute peak, but Lloyd is far from writing off the three-time world champion.

Van Gerwen has also dealt with matters away from the oche. Lloyd won’t speculate on that. “Michael’s had some things in his private life going on. It’s no one’s business. Only Michael can deal with that.”

On Van Gerwen the player, Lloyd is more forthright. He admires the Dutchman’s professionalism and drive, and expects Van Gerwen can still add major titles to his résumé.

“Michael is the consummate pro. He’s always got time for the fans. And he’s also a 101% player when it comes to playing darts because he knows it’s given him a good life. He still loves the game of darts. And he’s just too good."

Lloyd adds that Van Gerwen has shown his top level hasn’t vanished. “He’s proved that this year already. He won two World Series earlier this year. I still think there are a few majors left in Michael."

On his best days, Van Gerwen remains one of the most electrifying players to watch, says the Englishman. “As and when he does turn up, he’s still an absolute joy to watch, and he can still produce the brilliance that we’re used to seeing.”

Lloyd was then asked which three players, at their peak, he considers the greatest of all time. His answer was clear: Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler. “Taylor, Van Gerwen, Littler. I have Luke Littler third at the minute."

That Littler, despite his meteoric rise, is not higher yet is mainly due to the vast body of work of the other two, says Lloyd. The young Englishman has only been at the very top for a few years.

"He’s only been on the circuit for two-and-a-bit years. You’ve got to look at someone like Phil Taylor – he had 25-30 years on the tour. MVG’s been on the tour a long while as well.”

Finally, Cameron Menzies was discussed. The Scot undeniably scores heavily, but his emotions can still get in the way on stage. Asked if, with more control, Menzies could even become a top‑three player, Lloyd was cautious in his response.

“He’s class, but I don’t know about top three. He could definitely be in the top 10. He’s a very, very good player, Cammy. He’s a very heavy hitter.”

Lloyd sees parallels with Gary Anderson. His scoring power was beyond doubt for years, while finishing often hampered him in the early phase of his career.

“When he’s clicking out his doubles, he actually reminds me of someone like Gary Anderson… Anderson has always been a fantastic dart player, always scores heavily. But in the early part of his career, his doubling used to let him down. He still won events, but he could have won so much more if he’s hit his doubles.”

When all the pieces finally fell into place for Anderson, he turned into one of the dominant players of his generation. “All of a sudden, when the game came together, back-to-back world champion… one of the most feared dart players in the world.”

Lloyd doesn’t automatically expect Menzies to build a similar résumé, but he does see enough potential for him to contend regularly at the top end. "I don’t think Cammy can achieve what Gary’s done. But he can certainly put himself in the frame where people are talking about him and talking about him for all the right reasons for being a great dart player."

Lloyd also stands up for the person behind the sometimes fiery stage persona. “He’s not a bad lad. He’s one of the nicest fellas you’ll ever meet in your life. He’s always got time for the fans. He’s always signing autographs, always standing there smiling. He never just walks past someone.”

In the end, Lloyd believes the key lies with Menzies himself. Outside advice can help, but on stage the Scot must learn to control his emotions and take his chances. “You can always give people advice, but ultimately, you have to do it yourself. You have to control your emotions, and when you get opportunities you have to grab them yourself because no one’s going to grab them for you.”