Is this where UK / English footy is going wrong? First two lines from a football agent flagging availability of one of his players. "Hi Everyone I have a highly rated 17 year old 6ft Scottish central midfielder that needs a trial in League One or Two. Please email me at..." My issue is the emphasis or importance given to his height. Seemingly more important than knowing if he's an attacking mid, or box-to-box type, with x number of assists / goals etc. I honestly wonder if all the chat about the size or strength of a player in UK sets us back as footy evolves. I accept that a CB / Goalie could use some height and it didn't harm Peter Crouch's career but to make height a primary feature to describe a footy player these days makes me wonder how much quality / creative talent England is missing out on amongst those overlooked due to height.
Its not just height either, speed, strength. Countless times I read on these boards posters describing players and it virtually all state physical abilities first, footballing/ technical ability second (often it is not mentioned at all). How many times do we read the term "technical midfielder"? Its pacey, powerful or towering.
I think the problem for England on an international level is that they are trying to take players who are strong, quick and physical and make them play like Spain. Until we actually have some talented players coming through the ranks that have more focus on technical ability, they should really be playing to their strengths. Which is to be strong and physical when off the ball and counter them quickly with the ball. In our team I think we have 4 really good technical/intelligent players; Wes, Howson, Hooper and Redmond (Though he needs to improve his intelligence to match his technique).
I agree Colk that you play to your strengths, but with youth being pitched as above it still looks like we're showing a preference for size and strength over other attributes. It could be a while till we see that creativity come thru.
Things have to change at youth level, definitely. It just seems that most in this country are disinterested in it.
