It started with Manchester Utd in the 90's with the likes of Giggs, Scholes, Beckham and Butt (and i suppose the Neville's) proving that Utd had the best youth set-up in the land. Later we saw West Ham take this crown, producing the likes of Lampard, Cole, Defoe and Carrick (and i suppose the Ferdinand's ;-) Outside the top flight Crewe produced and continues to produce talent already giving us Danny Murphy and Dean Ashton. But today which clubs production line is the best? i suppose its a case of giving the youngsters a chance as Utd and West Ham did in the past having a balance between buying in and promoting the youngsters and when the times right selling them for a healthy profit. Today i think the main contenders are Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Man City (outside the top flight Southampton having recently produced Walcott and Bale) but what do you think? and why? perhaps I've got it wrong and the youth production isn't quite what it was five years ago.
Whether they can go on to be as big names in football as the ones you have mentioned I am not sure but I like the way Boro play alot of youngsters week in week out.It can only be good for English football.
Arsenal have the best youth but ours isnt looking too bad. We have some skilled players in out youth.
I wouldn't say Arsenal have the best youth setup, most of those players are drafted in for millions each and then just sit on the bench, only playing in cup games. Just because they're young doesn't make them youth, adding to that they're all foreigners so that tells us something about the mighty Arsenal youth. Compared to Chelsea's academy, Arsenal have nothing on them. West Ham, Liverpool/Everton (Fowler era) also have good youth set-ups.
I think Boro must be up there with the bes t youth set up after seeing some of their young players this season.
LOOOOL arsenal? Arsenal's academy is very poor for a team at the top. All they do is buy young players from other clubs. Name one class player that has recently come out of the Arsenal academy... I'd say Middlesborough have the best, considering a few years back they fielded a team where all the players were born within a certain proximity of Middlesborough. Man City also seem to have a good academy, bringing through some nice talent such as Micah Richards, Sturridge, etc.
<div class="quote_poster">dan Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Compared to Chelsea's academy, Arsenal have nothing on them. </div> You've got to be kidding me?
Arsenal look like they have the best Youth Team in England at the moment but United did on 1998/99 with Beckham, Giggs, Scholes and the Nevilles. Chelsea dont look like they ever have a good young team. They bring one or two through now and again but never about 5 or 6 at a time
Arsenal. we have the best youths in england. Ryan Smith= Right back that could replace G.Neville in a couple years. Hoyte=Brilliant for his age. Walcott= Englands next greatest thing We have also had a few good players in the past e.g cashley cole
