UEFA European Under-21 Championship
- Thread starter Kay Age El
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Soton doing it for us ... obviously.
It beggars belief really.
Even if we have somehow decided as a club that there are no-one of interest to us at the tournament, what would the cost be to send a few scouts, give them some food and a hotel room - and if nothing else let them determine whether there are indeed no-one of interest to us?
Some of the biggest potential names are not taking part of the Euro U21 as they've either been blocked by their home clubs or suffering from fatigue after a long season, but even so, there are words from Italy that it's their strongest squad for more than +20 years and all of the big countries are present (France aside) why it's likely there'll be a few upcoming stars to track.
I don't get it.
Watched him against Denmark the other day and wasn't too impressed with him really, as he really seemed to lack any kind of speed. On several occasions he lost his direct duels with Martin Braithwaite, who's fast alright, but no world beater.
Maybe he's just tired, but it was less than impressive viewing.
No, they are not (well, perhaps Italy and a few from Spain aside) but even so, we are talking some of the best youngsters from 12 European nations still.
That Schick-lad represents Czech, a Lewandowski-light from Poland, Kownacki, is there, probably most of Portugal, Spain and Italy's squads are filled with potential, and I am sure there are some pretty decent young Germans too (Dahoud among others).
PS The Denmark squad doesn't have anyone I would suggest we should be in the market for as of now but there are a few potential stars of the future in there, if they can continue their developments; Andrew Hjulsager (Celta), Mikkel Duelund (FCM), Kenneth Zohore (Cardiff), Joachim Andersen (Twente) and perhaps Christian Nørgaard (Brøndby). Ingvartsen (FCN) is perhaps their player in demand but I am just not convinced he'll become a top striker (especially not when compared to one Dolberg).
Yeah, I'm not saying we shouldn't scout the tournament. We surely could have sent one of our overpaid scouts to see some football. But not the one covering Spain..
Given the fact that 7 clubs in the PL said no, and that there are quite a lot of other European clubs who have said no, it might suggest that the quality isnt the best or that the clubs feel they have a decent overview already. Maybe. I dont know.
There are a couple of Spain players that are really interesting. Vallejo and Gaya.
You could be right, it just seems, well, lazy, that we can't even bother to send a scout to the finest Youth tournament in Europe.
I mean it's not like we have excelled in signing the stars of the future, apart from a few UK talents I don't recall we have made even ONE single signing of a Youth player that have actually developed into a first teamer - or do I miss someone?
Sterling
Yeah, he's one of the UK talents I referred to. Ibe as well though he's obv not exactly improved us.
England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain: Who is best at breeding success?
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/fifa...y-italy-spain-who-is-best-at-breeding-success
England
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/fifa...y-italy-spain-who-is-best-at-breeding-success
England
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Not surprising that we're not sending anyone. Our transfer strategy is to buy Africans, South Americans and South Amptonians.
Grujic starting for Serbia U21s now against Portugal U21s. Also a chance to watch rumoured target Ruben Neves (Portgual), although that's an unlikely deal because his agent is Jorge Mendes. Ruben Semedo is also playing (he's gone to Villarreal).
Saul giving Spain the lead v Macedonia
Asensio with Spain's 2nd
Asensio with Spain's 2nd
Vallejo for €5 million and Asensio for €3.9 million. Lucky or smart? Seems like the latter. Their progress were seemingly well charted (remaining on loan at their respective clubs before moving on to mid table teams to gain top flight experience). Interesting to see if Barca/RM picks up Dani Ceballos
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I think it is more lucky. In my opinion RMs policy to youth has changed over the last few years, similar to chelsea's approach. Take Morratta for example they sold him for a good fee to Juve with the agreement they could buy him back at a set price. they brought him back and now look to make a massive profit x2 on him.
regarding Asensio, i recall reading that someone high up in the club stating that whoever recommended him should be rewarded. Which suggests a one off. they have just punted stupid money on that young Brazilian.
In my opinion the fluctuation in transfer prices will encourage clubs to buy the potential stars because they know games inflation will ensure they dont lose money.
regarding Asensio, i recall reading that someone high up in the club stating that whoever recommended him should be rewarded. Which suggests a one off. they have just punted stupid money on that young Brazilian.
In my opinion the fluctuation in transfer prices will encourage clubs to buy the potential stars because they know games inflation will ensure they dont lose money.
England have a very weak team at these U21s compared to Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany. If they get even close to the semis it will be a miracle. It has to be remembered that some of our best players that qualify for this competition are already in the full NT and are rightly not involved.
EDITED - thanks K !
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I think he pulled out ...
Chile might struggle however due to the lack of Europeans in their side..
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Haha - oops. Mixing up my tournaments there ! Would make the event far more interesting though - UEFA would be totally perplexed..
Bernadeschi looks really, REALLY, amazing.. anyone seen much of him?
First impression of Berardi however, not so good..
If they finish second in their group and United qualify for Champions League via winning the Europa, they'll knock us out of the next AFCON.
Then there's no point in buying Salah.
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