18 Jul 2019 12:00:06
Just a general observation. Why are most premiership clubs happy to pay 20-40m for 20 year olds from abroad who have already got about 80 first team games behind them. Yet clubs up and down the country seem to claim most of their academy players of the same age aren't ready for the first team. Why aren't our players as ready as other countries, or is it just the stakes are so high with TV money etc that managers are just too afraid to give the kids a chance. They send them on loan to the championship and even if they impress it's then said it's not the premiership so off they go on loan again and probably then get sold at 23 or 24 as they've never been given a chance. The lower leagues are littered with some of our players who fans had high hopes of but never got to see. Not just us but just about every top club.
18 Jul 2019 13:03:15
I find this very sad and is very unfair to our own players.
We have many overeas owners and managers and I am sure this is a factor.
Also many fans these days seem to feel that it is better to have overseas players it is more 'fashionable' maybe.
A good example here was Sandro, useless but supporters wanting him to get more of a chance.
Reading here all I see is people suggesting we buy overseas players, why? A good example is Delf, not being greeted with much enthusiasm yet I bet if he was French or Spanish fans would love him.
Continental managers seem to get more time with fans than British managers, for me this is a sickness in the game.
Really want to see at all clubs, especially at Everton a more homegrown approach but know I am in the minority.
18 Jul 2019 13:58:34
Im with you on this DC if Davies was european i'd expect PL clubs would be clamouring to sign him for ridicules money.
18 Jul 2019 14:10:30
DC - I would love Everton to take a more homegrown approach. At the moment I don't think we have an identity as a club - for the first time that I can remember. I would love us to take a homegrown approach.
Ricktee - you said "Why aren't our players as ready as other countries, or is it just the stakes are so high with TV money etc that managers are just too afraid to give the kids a chance. "
It's definitely the latter. And I think our youngsters are getting fed up of it. There is an exodus of exciting young prospects at 18-21 moving to Europe to get game time, and I think it is going to do them the world of good.
18 Jul 2019 14:52:56
It's mainly because they spend years in the under 23s.
Either play them, get them out on loan or sell them. Brands seems to be doing that this season.
Under 23s was the worst idea. They end up too far behind in experience at 21 to 23 playing non competitive football. Get them in a league somewhere playing football and learning about true pressure of fighting to get in a 1st 11.
Would you pay 20m or give a chance to someone who i playing 23s or someone playing competitive in a league. Onyekuru is a perfect example.
18 Jul 2019 22:33:44
DC I am with you 100%. I have for years now (that old now I forget how many lol) said I would love to see Everton build a team of home grown British talent. Not only build a team, but a team that would go on a 10-15 year run of sustained success by continually bringing in players through the system. Pipe dream I know but would love to see it.