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When I read this I thought well Trapattoni agreed and Martin O'Neill insisted on little more too, if capable or not. It's a fair point made Bowler, if the fundamental skills are not apparent by 16 or so there isnt likely to be much more to come unless growing 6'6 and a battering ram, also excluding the odd player that may be moved to a different role/position and with playing to individual strengths can make a very good player. I think Thierry Henry could be a reasonable example on this (though undoubtedly had the basic key skills in the locker), he was pretty average when he was a winger and Juventus, couldnt cross a ball if he painted an X on it! Signed by Wenger on the basis of particular attributes that were better suited to a central striker and was world-class at it. Its rare but happens, Ian Wright and Jamie Vardy possible fit in too - damn all technique and raw when landed in to the higher levels from non league. Australia had a general policy on this type of thing - identifying skillsets that suit a particular discipline and moving athletes to a better suited sport, sprinters that would never medal on a world stage but could be close in a bobsleigh team eg.Originally Posted by The Bowler
Its as much about embedding belief in their own technical ability with young players, that they dont panic when passed the ball and immediately look to get rid of it with an aimless hoof. Could be ok at the basics of defending but not able to be composed and play possession football also. That comes with it drilled in to players over and over in formative years so it is second nature. I think the ship has sailed if that development pathway has been missed or disrupted as it sounds like is happening under the current mentors at UCD. Yoro and his ilk wont be long getting found out if they dont have ability to play catchup even at a late stage.
If anyone wants to do the total nerd thing on long term player development stuff then Istvan Balyi is probably the leading guru on the subject and its worth a look at some of his papers, some very interesting general material so not completely nerd reading.
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