Talent levels compared to past generations....

mfw13 · 06-30-2021, 12:05 PM

So....started thinking about this after everyone started claiming that Holland getting knocked out of the Euros by the Czechs was some sort of upset.

Because in reality, it wasn't. Holland simply doesn't have a very talented player pool right now, which is why it also failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and WC 2018. In fact, when you look back at past Dutch teams, it could be argued that this is the least amount of talent Holland has had since before Cruyff....60 years ago.

Then I started looking at the rosters of some of the other "powers", and realized that the same thing is happening all over. Germany has the least amount of talent since pre-Beckenbauer, in the 1950's. Italy hasn't had a world-class, superstar level, player since Pirlo retired. Argentina hasn't produced another superstar since Messi & Aguero (now both in their 30's). Brazil's only star is Neymar, who is now almost 30.

Only France and Belgium (and possibly the US) seem to be producing new talent.

So the question is why?

My theory is that part of the problem is young players moving to big clubs too quickly (and at too young an age), and then seeing their development stagnate due to decreased playing time.

Prime examples would be De Ligt and DeJong (Holland, moved from Ajax to Juventus & Barcelona respectively) and Werner/Haavertz (Germany, both moved to Chelsea). Paul Pogba's career has certainly been hurt by his premature move to Man United a few years ago. Ousama Dembele's career died when he moved to Barcelona. Joao Felix has stagnated at Athletico Madrid due to their defensive style, and barely got on the pitch for Portgual at the Euros. And now I fear that the same thing is about to happen to Grealish (likely to move from Aston Villa to Man City) and Sancho (likely moving from Dortmund to Man United).

Thoughts?

06-30-2021, 12:05 PM	#1
mfw13 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 17,572	Talent levels compared to past generations.... So....started thinking about this after everyone started claiming that Holland getting knocked out of the Euros by the Czechs was some sort of upset. Because in reality, it wasn't. Holland simply doesn't have a very talented player pool right now, which is why it also failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and WC 2018. In fact, when you look back at past Dutch teams, it could be argued that this is the least amount of talent Holland has had since before Cruyff....60 years ago. Then I started looking at the rosters of some of the other "powers", and realized that the same thing is happening all over. Germany has the least amount of talent since pre-Beckenbauer, in the 1950's. Italy hasn't had a world-class, superstar level, player since Pirlo retired. Argentina hasn't produced another superstar since Messi & Aguero (now both in their 30's). Brazil's only star is Neymar, who is now almost 30. Only France and Belgium (and possibly the US) seem to be producing new talent. So the question is why? My theory is that part of the problem is young players moving to big clubs too quickly (and at too young an age), and then seeing their development stagnate due to decreased playing time. Prime examples would be De Ligt and DeJong (Holland, moved from Ajax to Juventus & Barcelona respectively) and Werner/Haavertz (Germany, both moved to Chelsea). Paul Pogba's career has certainly been hurt by his premature move to Man United a few years ago. Ousama Dembele's career died when he moved to Barcelona. Joao Felix has stagnated at Athletico Madrid due to their defensive style, and barely got on the pitch for Portgual at the Euros. And now I fear that the same thing is about to happen to Grealish (likely to move from Aston Villa to Man City) and Sancho (likely moving from Dortmund to Man United). Thoughts?