75 | Nico O'Reilly - 2024/25

[Manchester_lalala]

We have a lot of talent in the academy, IMO. One academy player starting each game would give an opportunity for others to rest, and an opportunity for the academy player to stake their claim. I said the same before the season began. My only caveat is that with the exception of one or two, I think that the best talent is 18 or below, including layers like Mfuni, Mukasa, Headley, Braithwaite, and Heskey, as well as Nico and Jacob Wright

The next crop coming through are some of the best we’ve had.

 

[sir baconface]

The next crop coming through are some of the best we’ve had.

Well, let’s hope our next manager will be an enthusiast of player development.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

The next crop coming through are some of the best we’ve had.

To be fair the same was said about the last generation - palmer, delap…

It just depends on if they get given a chance or not.

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

We have a lot of talent in the academy, IMO. One academy player starting each game would give an opportunity for others to rest, and an opportunity for the academy player to stake their claim. I said the same before the season began. My only caveat is that with the exception of one or two, I think that the best talent is 18 or below, including layers like Mfuni, Mukasa, Headley, Braithwaite, and Heskey, as well as Nico and Jacob Wright

Definitely agree with this.

Would add McAidoo and Gorman into that list.

We need to find a way of keeping the best ones and somehow turning them into viable first team options.

They seem to be able to do it at La Masia. Especially in years of transition with aging players.

 

[dhruvblue]

The next crop coming through are some of the best we’ve had.

You mean best for pure PSR profit?

 

[oldius]

Definitely agree with this.

Would add McAidoo and Gorman into that list.

We need to find a way of keeping the best ones and somehow turning them into viable first team options.

They seem to be able to do it at La Masia. Especially in years of transition with aging players.

Agreed on McAidoo, a very dangerous player. I like Gorman, but think he is very slight - like a young McAtee. So was Phil, but his talent was glaringly obvious.

For some seasons, I have suggested that one Academy player could be part of the starting line-up. Lewis and Foden are no longer that - they are fully fledged first-team players, so I am talking about those who haven't made the step-up, but who have been training with the full squad. ATM, that would include a number of players including Lakyle Samuel, Jacob Wright, Simpson-Pusey, and others. If you have ten top-quality first-team players, and we do and have done, I think there has to be room made, and I don't believe that we sacrifice winning as a result.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Agreed on McAidoo, a very dangerous player. I like Gorman, but think he is very slight - like a young McAtee. So was Phil, but his talent was glaringly obvious.

For some seasons, I have suggested that one Academy player could be part of the starting line-up. Lewis and Foden are no longer that - they are fully fledged first-team players, so I am talking about those who haven't made the step-up, but who have been training with the full squad. ATM, that would include a number of players including Lakyle Samuel, Jacob Wright, Simpson-Pusey, and others. If you have ten top-quality first-team players, and we do and have done, I think there has to be room made, and I don't believe that we sacrifice winning as a result.

The perfect season for us to do a planned introduction of youth as you suggest is one where we have little chance of winning the PL.........

 

[sir baconface]

Agreed on McAidoo, a very dangerous player. I like Gorman, but think he is very slight - like a young McAtee. So was Phil, but his talent was glaringly obvious.

For some seasons, I have suggested that one Academy player could be part of the starting line-up. Lewis and Foden are no longer that - they are fully fledged first-team players, so I am talking about those who haven't made the step-up, but who have been training with the full squad. ATM, that would include a number of players including Lakyle Samuel, Jacob Wright, Simpson-Pusey, and others. If you have ten top-quality first-team players, and we do and have done, I think there has to be room made, and I don't believe that we sacrifice winning as a result.

We’ve had an obsession with winning the next match which, of course, has brought great success. The flip side is vulnerability when things start going pear shaped, like we see now. Like many Blues, I imagine, I’d like to see just a moderate shift in emphasis.

 

[Manchester_lalala]

You mean best for pure PSR profit?

Exactly.

 

[Goater=Legend]

Will probably be loaned out in the summer, then probably sold on.

Absolutely bizarre that he's not been seen since spurs in the cup whilst asking Gundogan to be there on his own.