When I see Anakin in the Phantom Menace, I see every fan of that age (give or take a few years) who saw A New Hope for the first time.
The most intense fans wanted to be a starfighter pilot and were sure they had what it takes to be one. Little kids love to tinker and ride their bikes like it was an X-wing or P-51 or a real dirt bike. They wanted to be adults and were sure they could handle being a hero in the Star Wars universe. (Just me? Okay. I wondered. :-) )
Just explaining how I rationalize Anakin. :-)