₦airaland Forum

safarigirl:
even Messi can be benched, so whaz your point? They will start from the bench in their first match in the events that they play the opening match at all

Well, that's exactly what happened in 2005. Barcelona didn't release d wonder kid in time so he reported late to camp. The coach decided to keep him on the bench for the first game (which they lost to d USA ). The coach realize his mistake and the rest they say is history(they won the next 6 matches) That said Iheanacho is no Messi nor is any other player. It's nice seeing a lady whose passionate about football and demonstrates a good understanding of d game. Thumbs up!

mikron:
David de-gea, xavi, iniesta etc

They all represented Spain at U-20 level but at different times.

EagleScribes:
how did Kanu have a club successful career? Was he the only one in his set?

I insist this issue is multi-dimensional. Coaching expertise is just one out of so many

I totally agree. The Factors are numerous. Others (I think) would include desire, hardwork, Player's life style, choice of club, willingness to accept correction, Player's true age and the ability to handle pressure and criticism.

EagleScribes:
But Portugal won nothing at senior level barring the appearance at that Euro 2000.

Remember our 1993 U17? That was where we had Kanu and Oruma, to say the least

Yeah, I know they didn't win. But that generation put Portugal on d map again. Qualified Portugal for world cup for first time in 16yrs. Semis in Euro 2000 & Germany 2006 and Runners up in Euro 2004. Played top flight football and many of them enjoyed successful club careers (d likes of Figo, Rui Costa, Paulo Souso, Fernando Couto, João Vieira Pinto, Jorge Costa, Rui Bento)

EagleScribes:
Great answer. I wanted to mention that initially. Does that mean Argentina is the only country getting it right?

Don't worry. Watch out for this same flying eagles. You will get more than 5 top senior players from them

I really hope so. This team is very good with the added advantage of being truly young. As for your question, a study(if hasn't been done) needs to be done as to why promising young stars fade away quickly. Argentina is not alone as Portugal once had a golden generation with at least 9 players from their 1989 and 1991 U-20 winning squads starring in Euro 2000.

EagleScribes:
2) How many players from a country's U-20 are up to 5 playing top flight football today?

Do these names sound familiar: Pablo Zabaleta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Garay, Lucas Bigilia, Fernando Gago.

These are players who won the 2005 FIFA U-20 world