I know where everyone is coming form on this - but it isnt that simple - one coach I know sees around 100 kids a week over the summer period the club itself reckon they will see around 3.5k to 4.5k over a summer period - they reckon around 2 in 100 catch their eye - then they have to get it thru a scouting scenario - where the scout truns up unnnounced at a match - a match where your player could be playing out of position/ been subbed /not had a good day.
What the academy managers really seem to like is to hold friendlies - and really test their existing squad against what they have already.
If you dont offer anything different to what they have ie equal then its a non starter and that kid who could equally hold there own will not be selected.
The other scenario is that club football ie passing and playing as a team does tend to knock creative play and individuality. Thats one of the reasons why we miss out - players abroad just dont have that pressure they play for fun! and learn from the game - we just simulate game play i n training sessions and then wonder why kids get bored - its a real dillema and the piece in the times is just one of many taking a pop at the whole system - one thing is for sure if Benitez and Wenger etc could get local talent then undoubtably they would - but they cant and arent finding it on the doorstep - there is a big difference what this chap is doing though and that is getting local talent into proffessional clubs that will bring players through the ranks and these clubs need to develop from within to survive cos they sure as hell cannot shop at the same places as the top 10 in the prem.
A clear divide of money and a global market means cream will rise to the top and if foreign players want it more and have the ability needed then thats who will get signed.
Don't get me wrong Im as pissed with the situation as anyone else out there who without knowing the bench marks that clubs use to fully assess player potential has to second guess like everyone else.
Time for the FA to challenge the clubs on what is going on and where we are falling short - dont forget the Lewis report has now been published and the clubs that did respond cited lack of investment (ie handouts form the FA and the Football Foundation) as to one of the biggest threats they faced in youth development - pathetic and yet another example of "greedy" prem clubs taking the absolute piss in this country
Anyway rant over
