Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallMonday debate - first team experience of first class grooming?
Everton manager David Moyes has suggested clubs should be limited in the number of players they can sign at youth levels so the talent is more evenly distributed among the league clubs. The argument continues that it would allow young players to gain first team experience rather than languish in the academies of the ‘big teams’. Which is better first team experience or first rate grooming?
YES - That scenario would give a larger number of players what they want, an exposure to first-team football at an earlier age. It would open the eyes of youngsters to the requirements of truly competitive football with players surely making rapid progress in physicality as they face up to seasoned pros and learn important lessons. Lower league clubs would benefit through access to better players and potential earnings.
NO – By scooping up the best talent from across the globe, the elite club’s of the Premiership offer the best education for young players of all nationalities. The quality of the facilities, coaching and back-up is far better than can be offered from lower league teams. The exposure to top rate coaching and ideas can develop players of greater technical and tactical aptitude. These are the defining element of a player’s future potential. Elite academies also reveal to youngsters what is necessary to become world class by watching international players around the club and measuring themselves against peers from all over the world at an earlier age.
VERDICT – Proof is in the outcome. Arsenal has consistently produced the brightest English prospects over the last few years with players like David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere coming through with potential to reach the top of the international game.
YES - That scenario would give a larger number of players what they want, an exposure to first-team football at an earlier age. It would open the eyes of youngsters to the requirements of truly competitive football with players surely making rapid progress in physicality as they face up to seasoned pros and learn important lessons. Lower league clubs would benefit through access to better players and potential earnings.
NO – By scooping up the best talent from across the globe, the elite club’s of the Premiership offer the best education for young players of all nationalities. The quality of the facilities, coaching and back-up is far better than can be offered from lower league teams. The exposure to top rate coaching and ideas can develop players of greater technical and tactical aptitude. These are the defining element of a player’s future potential. Elite academies also reveal to youngsters what is necessary to become world class by watching international players around the club and measuring themselves against peers from all over the world at an earlier age.
VERDICT – Proof is in the outcome. Arsenal has consistently produced the brightest English prospects over the last few years with players like David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere coming through with potential to reach the top of the international game.
