Not As Young As We Think

[cellone]

Just read an article on prem v other top leagues in Europe and the English teams play fewer youngsters than their counter parts. I was surprised to see Saints only come 7th in England.

 

Twas a sky article.

[Saint Charlie]

Only JWP who is really young who would get near our starting XI so not a huge suprise and he has played in 3 PL seasons now.

[cellone]

True I guess I've been falling for our own hype.

[Lighthouse]

The part about English teams and youngsters doesn't surprise me. Who was the last academy player to hold down a first team place for Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City. The big clubs just don't have the patience to blood young talent, the Premier League is one of the worst in the world in that regard. With hundreds of millions riding on Champions League football or avoiding relegation, teams just wont risk inexperienced players when they can bring in the finished article from abroad.

 

In the last 5 years AOC, Chambers and Shaw have made their Saints debut and played for England. We aren't being hyped, that's an excellent return for an academy.

[cobbysouth]

If we sell every amazing youth prospect we have ala Shaw and chambers then we won't have that young of a squad.

[Donatello]

Note, Liverpool and Spurs aren't leading because they've produced players (save for perhaps Sterling, and even he was brought North with a big fee attached).

Point being, this isn't an exclusive examination of academies. It's much easier to pick already ripening fruit.