Football is around a hundred and twenty-five-year-old sport. The game has gone through multiple transformations and transitions, leading up to the present generation. One of the key aspects of the game is its greater emphasis on club based football. The earliest of the people who envisioned the future decided to play international football as second fiddle. Thus, establishing a club run system throughout the world. Among these, the first ever such association was the Football Association(England) established in 1863. Throughout the course of the history, we have seen the game evolve at multiple levels. Be it the offside rules, the inclusion of a referee or the multi-tier club football structure in general.
Another very key aspect is the ability of clubs to create their own identities. Their ability to inculcate into players the feeling of being one, being united under one club banner. That again, isn’t an easy task, especially for the clubs who haven’t started on winning notes. On such parameters, clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan have a considerable advantage over other clubs. They have a better chance at attracting young talents and nurture them into becoming bigger and better players. Therefore, these are the clubs who have garnered significant glory over the years.
Losing identities:Â
As football has evolved, new methods have replaced the old. Newer tactics have emerged and varied strategies evolved. Among these, there has been a sad case of lost identities. There were teams who went from formidable champions of the continent to bottom teams in their own leagues. Let us, for example, take the case of the Italian giants AC and Inter Milan. Both the Milan clubs had squads that could strike fear at the core of the hearts of their opponents. These clubs had their own set of legends and stars. They had a dominant presence in Europe. Till as recently as ten years ago, AC Milan had the best starting XI in the game.
The same goes for Inter Milan, who were the 2009 Champions League winners. These teams had a winning mentality, a never back down attitude. But once their main men retired, these teams failed to replace them. There was never in place a plan to secure the future of the club. There was never any investment in the youth setup to produce young talents on a consistent basis. It can be argued that post the betting scandals, a lot of Italian clubs have been affected. The young talents from South America and Africa prefer moving to other big leagues of Europe. The scouting networks haven’t been as efficient as others.
Youth: The answer to many problems
Let us go back by around two decades to 1992. The time was very critical for the Dutch side Ajax FC. They had just gone through multiple managerial changes. It wouldn’t be long till their manager would depart to Real Madrid owing to a lucrative deal. That is the time the world was getting ready to witness something spectacular. A not so famous coach, Van Gaal was appointed as the manager of Ajax. No one would expect what the Dutch manager would go on to achieve.
In light of the recent transfers where all the big stars left the club, Van Gaal introduced youngsters from the Ajax academy into the squad. A proponent of total football(with his own modifications), he revolutionised the was football was seen from the perspective of youth. He developed a closely knit unit of youngsters with a hunger to win. In the Champions League, they were up against the mighty AC Milan. The team had just defeated Cruyff’s “Dream team” of Barcelona. With the odds stacked up against them, the Golden Boys of Ajax brought the trophy home. Van Gaal had done something very remarkable. He had proven to the world that under the right guidance, a well-managed youth system can work wonders.
Another case can be made out of Fergie’s Class of 92. The likes of Neville brothers, Giggs, Scholes, Beckham and Nicky Butt were an era-defining batch of graduates from the United academy. It has been proven time and again that investing in youth will always be beneficial. The most recent example would be AS Monaco who gave up their splurging ways and reverted towards enhancing the youth skill set. As a result, they have with them a bunch of young individuals who have taken Ligue 1 by a storm. They sit top at the table, above PSG who have one of the best starting XIs in the world.
Another case can be made of Anderlecht, who are undoubtedly Belgium’s best football club. The evidence of their work at the youth level can be seen in the Belgian squad for the 2014 World Cup. The team didn’t go past the quarters but the sheer potential of the squad is praiseworthy. The club has been instrumental in promoting football among the youth and ushering in a Golden Generation. The club follows a policy of instilling the idea of “passion into a profession” among the teenage players. They play 3-4-3 to encourage excitement at young levels while shifting to a more mature 4-3-3. Their famous comeback against Arsenal where they came from 3-0 down to 3-3 was noticed by all. The energy and enthusiasm were visible and gives the young players a winning mentality.
What steps can be taken by teams?Â
Even though Inter Milan and AC Milan have been making efforts to revamp their youth academies, they need to do more. One of the best youth academies with a proven record in recent years has been that of Southampton.
The Southampton administration has done a commendable job managing young players. With well-planned investments and infrastructure, their training facilities are top notch. Another significant factor is the communication between the scouts and academy coaches. The system in place is very responsive and they immediately act once they spot a potential talent. That has been the key to them producing so many good players year after year, despite the veterans leaving the club for more money or ambition.
Sporting Club de Portugal has one of the best youth facilities in the world. The 250,000 sq. feet complex has extensive facilities for the young players. The players are trained to be technical in their approach with sound training methods. The likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Figo have emerged from this club. They are a primary source of inflow of young talent into the Portuguese national team. It is clear that the developed facilities have a better impact on the youth.
Hence, teams looking to revive their fortunes must actively work to boost the youth setup. Nothing can beat home grown in terms of passion and dedication. The two of these are the primary drivers of success in every exceptional story.
