I think that there are a few things that are preventing the breakthrough of young, British, Asian players at the moment, but most of them will disappear over time. There definitely is some discrimination involved, some cultural pressure against it from within the communities themselves and, although this is a generalisation, the focus on athleticism over skill in the youth system. I think that it won't be long until we see football's first Amir Khan.
Also, in terms of Brit Pak-Muslim, amongst this community there are those who want the first breakthrough guy to be a "westernised" laddish sort who can melt into the UK celebrity culture, and also those who want him to be a model devout guy who can project a positive image of their hybrid culture and religion. I know Pakistanis who hate(d) the likes of Imran khan and his playboy ways, and also those unhappy with the recent overt religiousness of the current crop. It would be quite a sub-plot if 2 guys were two emerge, one from each camp. Amir Khan for example. I know Pakistanis who were none too pleased, and actually turned against him, when they learnt that he didnt observe Ramadhan, and were unhappy at his wife's western ways. It's a complex situation. On the field itself, in the stadia, it'll be a lot easier for the new lot given the path blazed by our black players.
