Billy69_uk
Well-known member
I thought this season there might have been more of a chance in that some supporters get behind youngsters except if they are strikers. There is a nervousness about homegrown forwards from fans and many are written off at 17 or 18, almost before they have stepped on the pitch. So, without any supporters it might have been an opportunity but there was no one ready it seems.
Could it be the most difficult position to step up straight out of the U23s/youth team? Is it easier to work your way up and bridge the gap in lower leagues and gain your technique and confidence. Maybe we give people slightly more time in other positions or they can be flexible like Tav etc and play in different parts of the pitch to gradually establish themselves.
I think you are not too far away from the truth these days there Rob. The model for developing young strikers at most big clubs now seems to be to loan them out to lower league clubs for a while to see if they cut the mustard for a few seasons before they even have a sniff of the first team.
I do wonder if clubs and fans see a 1 year loan of a Chelsea wonderkid to be less of a risk than a 19 yr old who has been through the academy?