Again, I didn't say that at all. I don't even know if one would have made it (I suspect several would at least be squad players but I have no idea without seeing them) & I think they have to be played at the right time or they go stale & lose it (in answer to your 'other clubs' question).
You said we graduate them based on 'holding their own' in training. I disagree & am making the point that they do, 'hold their own' in training. Even Boyata etc & players from that era. They are really good & training is not like real games. Hence my '40 players' comment.
The decision to play them in the first team is not based simply on that, they then 'guess' how the player will do, if he's promoted, under pressure, harder tackles etc. And usually play safe rather than even a sub place. That needs to change imo.
Re Sanchez, I would rather make up his squad place with 3 or 4 academy kids rather than sivn him.
I accept it is likely to be a stronger option to sign him, but I would go with Diaz, Foden, Pat Roberts & any of the EDS who stake a claim, competing for that spot.
If we had no money left, that's what we would do & just maybe, we would strike gold. It would create a buzz around the ground & extra energy.
But it's dead easy & safe to play Sanchez instead, so that's probably what we will do if we can get him.