Which nation has the best youth development program? Apparently the argentine schools are pretty tough. Holland has a famous youth system too. Ajax is famous for their youth development schools.
Well, Holland and Argentina, as you mentioned, but pretty much every big footballing nation has one, otherwise how else would they produce players? England, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc, etc. I think different countries produce different players dependent on national mentality, upbringing etc. Also, I think they specialise in certain postions too.
<div class="quote_poster">soilborn Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well, Holland and Argentina, as you mentioned, but pretty much every big footballing nation has one, otherwise how else would they produce players? England, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc, etc. I think different countries produce different players dependent on national mentality, upbringing etc. Also, I think they specialise in certain postions too.</div> thats true. the dutch are famous for technically gifted attack minded youngsters
All the English youth systems have tailed off due to the 80-minute rule and it's really hurt the production in this country. It's the sole reason why English players, especially promising youngsters, are so ridiculously priced.
I don't think kids in this country are allowed to express themselves as much as kids abroad and you can see that when they get older. Everything is rigid and to a game plan over here and the skills seem to get knocked out of them in favour of sticking to rigid tactics. You only have to look at Howard Wilkinson to see that. Kids aren't allowed to play as much football over here once they get into the academies. They get taken from there sunday league teams of playing every week then they are only allowed to play for the academy team and school because that is part of their education, but at the professional clubs they don't get to play enough competetive matches and are taught to play that one way.
