Stato
Well-known member
- Dec 21, 2011
- 7,823
I think we all have a tendency to underestimate the standard of League One. Taking the EFL Trophy as an indicator, since 2016/17 when the EPL Team Academies began entering the competition, none has made the final, one has made the semi finals and four others have made the quarter finals.Fabian has said he already has the physicality of the PL and understands the ‘process’ so I can’t see why he can’t continue playing in our U21s and PL2 whilst seeing if he can integrate with the first team more permanently next season?
Surely that’s a lot closer to our PL1 in terms of our DNA than a League 1 (which he’s obviously too good for) or the CL and gives him the opportunity to play off the bench with the first team/cup games.
I'd agree that ensuring loanees are sent to clubs who will be sympathetic with our approach to football and development is important, but the step up from academy football to playing regularly in the EFL/EPL is a massive one. Those capable of making the direct step to the EPL are very rare. Some young players very much benefit from a full season in a squad playing competitive football and from the growth that can come away from the top of the range facilities available to EPL academy graduates.