Via countless Valley Gold promotions and other fanfares, the club is often congratulating itself on its 'successful youth policy', and indeed we've had a few top-level products in the last 2-3 years. But that followed a few lean years (Sam, Basey, Campbell-Ryce - OK they've made a living, but they're not really Parker or Shelvey, let's face it).
So with our current crop, how good are they really? If any of them are that good, shouldn't they be pushing for a place on the bench at least in league games, or attracting some rave reviews out on loan.
I'm not able to get to youth/u-21 games. Anyone here closer to events able to say whether there's anyone with genuine Championship/Prem potential there?
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A couple of names I have heard that are highly likely to do well in the game are
Joe Gomes - young, v strong ball playing centre back. Massive amount of potential from what I hear
Diego Poyet - Seems highly rated though I've personally never seen him excel in the few games I have seen with him. England youth so clearly talented though
Harry Osborne - 2 years ago I thought he was the dogs danglies but a broken leg last season may have hindered him. Really liked what I saw of him.
Joe Pigott - Old school centre forward. For his age looked very good with his back to goal. Shearer style physicality but obviously a lot to learn.
Tobi Sho Silva - Lightning fast. Eye for goal
Ade Azeez - Runs like Michael Johnson (upright) very fast. Doesn't look to have the skills and tricks but blisteringly quick and very strong. Big bugger too
Callum Harriot - A coach told me he had unbelievable potential but needs an attitude adjustment. Could be amazing or could be the next Leon Knight
I wonder also, whether we struggle (or, to be fair, struggled in the past) more at U-21 level, i.e. we fail to convert promising 16-17 y/olds into 19/20 y/o squad players. The subsequent re-purchase of Haynes, Green and Wilson suggest that - let's hope we do a better job with the current lot
Ade Azeez seems to be the one that is going to get the push.
Bover- deadwood.
More a case of surplus bodies than academy failings in my view.
I think both Haynes and Green have subsequently admitted that their attitude was not always the best when at Charlton the first time too which could also have been a factor.
I liked the little i have seen from him, but i must admit I thought he would have seen the bench a bit more by now if he was the real deal!
Who knows but Azeez sounds like the most promising at the mo, im suprised Cousins hasnt stepped up yet although with Solly there its hard to see where he would fit. But maybe he can play CB or CM, cant see anyone else breaking in this season other then Azeez
Lots of names being banded about, but who is really knocking on the door? Mind you, the same could have been said of Jenkinson this time 2 years ago
Anyway, I hope that if we are reasonably safe come April that SCP considers giving one or two of these guys a run out. He seems a bit reluctant generally - is that him, or are the players not really good enough?
Once the safety target is met, we may well see the shackles taken off the tactics and 1 or 2 promising youngsters blooded.
We just need another 7 match unbeaten run soon, including a couple of back-to-back wins or 3 wins in a row. Well possible.
being a year younger than the rest (i think), he looked very assured.
Of our current crop, I imagine Poyet will be more saleable because of his name and father...
On another thread, I expressed surprised that Cousins didn't play in defence against Spurs yesterday, he seems a long way from being considered Solly's understudy at RB?
;o)
In terms of Valley Gold I'm quite happy that my contribution is bearing fruit: our current player of the season came through the ranks as did Arsenal/England fullback Jenkinson. The money brought in from Jenkinson and McGinty sales has had a massive part in keeping us going, developing our squad. We're punching well, well above our weight at this level.
If anyone is interested in finding out for themselves there's the youth cup game at the Valley next week.
Azeez and Fox seem like they're doing well. Bench appearances for them both.