It often seems that times are grim. Technically superior sides playing us off the park. Unimaginably highly paid players strolling around and putting little effort in. Little pride taken in club or country’s good names by their respective boards/authority members. Power struggles and corruption at the top of the sport. Agents taking huge wedges of cash from, ultimately, the fans on the ground. Grass roots football hugely underinvested in compared to the affluence at the top of the game. It’s tough being a football supporter nowadays. Always was but, in my opinion, there’s even more to contend with when following the modern game. So when something positive happens it’s worthy of focus and attention.
The last two England Internationals has seen the introduction of a number of players from the, highly successful, younger age groups. In a year that’s seen England win the World Cups at U20 and U17 level more players are being introduced, by way, or not, of absence of players who might be considered first choice, and are gaining valuable experience.
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You could argue that Germany are the most successful international side of all. Yes – Brazil have won 5 World Cups but Germany have more appearances in finals and haven’t failed to be involved in, at least, a semi-final since ’98 when they were knocked out in the quarters. Since that QF ‘failure’, which England would currently consider progress, in France they have introduced a system of production of top level youth athletes who also have the technical ability to compete with the best in the world. They have then brought these gifted players through to the full international squad together – creating a great understanding within their squad.
Back here in old Blighty youth development, at the very elite level, has seen some serious investment. The players who won those World Cups this year have all benefitted from St George’s Park and Sir Trev deserves much acclaim for his work on the plan to get our elite youth competing with the best in the World both technically and athletically. I might be very critical of what little investment that there is below elite level but I can’t argue with the results we’re starting to see at the top of the game. Over the last two ‘Friendlies’, Gareth Southgate has begun to call in the likes of Dominic Solanke, Lewis Cook, Tammy Abraham and Angus Gunn, the excellent Jordan Pickford, who was outstanding against Germany, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was England’s MOTM against Germany and Joe Gomez who, in my opinion, had the best performance of all, over both games but, especially against Neymar and Brazil.
Ahh – but these are not top Premier League players I hear many say. How can they go on to compete with the world’s best when they don’t ply their trade in the top leagues? Well – if Gareth Southgate is going to be brave enough to put two or three youngsters in to the World Cup squad then two or three more in the Euro Qualifiers thereafter I believe it won’t be long before those players are sought after by clubs in top European leagues, even if the likes of Chelski, Arsenal and Man City won’t play them, and we’re in the same situation that Germany have been for the last three World Cups – where they’ve made every single final.
I’d love to see Tony Martinez get a crack at the whip and Nathan Holland, who Moyes will have no doubt seen in his time at Everton, hopefully unleashed in one of the cups
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I think it’s likely that Declan Rice will feature a few more times this season but I’d love to see Tony Martinez get a crack at the whip
I was as annoyed and disheartened as the next Hammer when Tony Carr was released, then subsequently stripped of his ‘Club Ambassador’ role, by the board. Terry Westley was not a West Ham man before he joined the club and, understandably therefore, many fans didn’t take to him immediately. Looking at the U23s (PL2) squad there are many players who are making strides in a competition which gives academy players much needed experience against men who have been full professionals for a number of years, in the Checkatrade Trophy, as well as the country’s other elite academy teams. A glance at the results, and further viewing of some of the matches played in the accompanying videos, on the club site which you can find when you click here . shows some very encouraging signs. Considering the range of types of goals that Martinez scores, many on view at the development squad page, I believe he has all the attributes to make it as a top level striker. The image below is of a goal against Bristol Rovers that, when viewed on the video footage, shows TM’s hunger and bravery after he was second favourite in a one on one with their keeper. West Ham’s PL2 squad, unlike many in the league who field a number of first team players, is almost totally made up of academy products still to make their first team bow. David Moyes hinted, in his first press conference, that he is open to giving the kids a chance. I think it’s likely that Declan Rice will feature a few more times this season but I’d love to see Tony Martinez get a crack at the whip and Nathan Holland, who Moyes will have no doubt seen in his time at Everton, hopefully unleashed in one of the cups when he returns from his hamstring injury (we would need to be the later rounds as he’s reportedly out for 3 months). In time it would also be good to see Samuelson realise his undoubted potential. For me there are too many critics of how kids are not given experience against fully developed men. With the Checkatrade and PL2, along with U23 & U21’s, I feel that things are heading in the right direction.
Considering the range and types of goals that Martinez scores, many on view at the development squad page, I believe he has all the attributes to make it as a top level striker.
At a time when many fans are asking if we’ll ever see our youth players come through in numbers there would seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope so – both for England and for West Ham.
Lastly apologies for the similarities within this piece to SJ’s yesterday (although it does come at the subject from some different angles). I started writing the article a few days ago and so the crossover wasn’t intentional.
COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!