Spurs academy attracting the cream of the crop...

[TheSecretNonFootballer]

So are British kids just deteriorating as a group or is it our dominant academy set up that's the issue? Personally the lack of futsal on the British isles is partially to blame as many competitive footballing nations have had it deeply engrained into their youth set up for some time. We're about 20 years behind some countries...

I don't think we're deteriorating as a group, the coaching and youth selection process has been wrong for decades. We prioritised the wrong things. I played in a few youth teams (no-one of note) and the stronger, faster lads were always picked ahead of the ones who were considerably better technically. The problem being that the bigger, faster lads do dominate and win at that level but it doesn't then transfer to proper adult football. I knew quite a few players who were amazing technically as young teens, but were slow/late developers physically and had been pushed aside so often they just stopped trying. I imagine this was probably the way across the country.

Essentially I'm saying I was the future and got bored of watching oafs getting picked ahead of me because they could do the 100m faster than me at 15. I would have had this WC in the bag. Pity.

 

[spurs9]

Shane then our first team seems to be getting filled with hulking beasts rather than technical players just as we start to see the benefit of this

Eriksen, Lamela, Soldado, Chiriches, Holtby aren't beasts and have great technique. Pauliniho, Capoue and Chadli have size on their side but also have very good technique.

 

[mill]

Eriksen, Lamela, Soldado, Chiriches, Holtby aren't beasts and have great technique. Pauliniho, Capoue and Chadli have size on their side but also have very good technique.

Lol the post you quoted was from mid July eriksen and lamela definitely hadn't signed then and I doubt the other 2 had either

 

[spurs9]

Lol the post you quoted was from mid July eriksen and lamela definitely hadn't signed then and I doubt the other 2 had either

Lol, thought this was a new thread. I will find a hole to hide in.

 

[TheHoddleWaddle]

Particularly liked the sound of comment 3 and how we're now first choice ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal for the youngsters. Won't last long as both are sure to upgrade their facilities too, but lets make hay while the sun shines and all that...

I think, Spurs really need to show that they can develop youngsters capable of playing in the first team. Not just capable, but are willing to give them a chance. If that happens ongoing, it will be this, combined with the excellent facilities and coaching that will nab talent from under the noses of rivals. Which is why I would really like to see the next manager take this side of the club very seriously. It's all about forward thinking.

This sort of attitude will do nothing in my opinion but secure the club for the future, financially and in terms of team selection. I find I have far more interest in the 'home grown' player as opposed to purchases. Something which might sadly be lost on many a modern fan. Enjoyed this OP very much.

 

[Mullers]

Well it's one thing attracting early talent at a young age with state of the art training facilites but it's a completely different thing to develop that talent to be a first team player. West ham and Southampton don't have world class training facilities and have considerably less resources than us by yet have managed to develop their talent.