lomekian
Essays are my thing
Who was he blocking? Hutchinson had already refused to re-sign and was in talks with Chelsea by then. The only other player we had in that position was a 16 year old who was about to have a good season in the u18s but hadn't yet done anything of note by that point. You don't not take a cheap punt on a player because you've got a 16 year old who might one day turn into something, but is hardly a jewel in the crown.Thanks for taking the time to write this all up, appreciate it. But to not push this into further essays about individuals - it's not Marqunihos signing that irked me, it's the manner of the signing and how he was (with more or less the same talent) pushed up the pecking order blocking any young attacking individual from coming on.
This wouldn't be an issue if not for the lack of system in place to brood in youngsters already at the club.
And I don't understand the naming of all those players who haven't made it. 90% of youngsters won't make it at the top level, but you just HAVE to give them a chance.
Klopp debuted 19 teenagers in the Premier League league only in his 8.5-year stint. That's not counting 20-year-olds. Only Trent, Elliot, and Jones "made it" but it still didn't stop him? Do you know how many teens Teta debuted in the league since he came? One. That was Nwaneri in that absurd moment that is now looking more like a political move or setting a personal record or something.
And you don't HAVE to give youngsters a chance if they clearly don't have the talent. When you are improving the first team, and playing in tight games where every point counts, what is the point in chucking in some kids who don't even stand out at u21 level? The comparisons with Liverpool just show ignorance of the relative levels of players in the age groups in recent years, bar the couple of special talents a year we've produced. That's fine of course - getting 1 or 2 first team or £30m sale players a crop is still a huge success, that reducces the significance of the others not being at the level. But to be clear these weren't guys who dropped down to the championship or to become regulars in decent league one sides, and thus could command a fee worthy of mentioning - most have dropped down to the subs bench at the lower professional levels. Watching the u21s in recent years its been clear as day that bar a few gems, the majority were simply not at the level.
As for Klopp debuting kids - look at the circumstances. Injuries meaning no choice or home games with padded score -lines to throw players late on. We've really not had many circumstances in recent season where that applies.
As for our ONE...your comment looks a bit stupid after this weekend.