UK academy kids need to rethink pathway - Vincent Kompany

Having grown to become the most entertaining competition in world football, the Premier League can attract players from all over the globe. The stellar signings and big names that arrive in England increase the success of the Premier League as a business and as a product sold to fans worldwide. Yet, the downside to the ever-present foreign stars in Premier League sides can slow and perhaps prevent young English players getting a look in.

Recent figures from the Premier League revealed 113 players were used in the first 2 months of 2018. Come the opening weekend 2019 season, that figure dropped to 83. Of course, clubs will counter this argument and defend their policies. If a player is good enough, they will say, regardless of age they will get a chance. But in the majority of cases, most youngsters are not. For all the talent clubs are producing, routes for full development may need reworking.

Foreign players have long been blamed for hindering opportunities of talented UK youngsters. There's an argument that suggests European players are a cheaper option than English counterparts; perhaps there's an element of truth in that. How often has a home-grown player been sold for a premium – more than a generally perceived value? Wan Bisska, John Stones, Raheem Sterling are just some examples of young English players who transferred for over £40 million.

Investment

Of course, they are proving worthy of such fees, but when the likes of Vincent Kompany cost a fraction of the price, you can see why clubs look for the 'cheaper' option. A £40 million investment in one central defender ploughed into an academy to create five or six top-class footballers, critics would say is good business. And that is valid too when looking to Europe. Ajax in Holland, for instance, invest heavily on that model.

But it would point to an overhaul of how England, as a nation, coaches players at the grassroots level. It would mean a new long-term approach for it to be sustainable, and in the cutthroat, money-reliant era of Premier League, football success needs to be instant.

Many are quick to point out the problems of youngsters failing to break into Premier League teams, but not many offer a viable solution. Former Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, takes an informed view on a solution for English football.

I think the mistake is that people look too much at football separated by countries.

Ex-Manchester City captain - Vincent Kompany to football4football

It's an intriguing option. Indeed, many young players go out on loan to lower-league English teams where they can develop their talents. The challenges of a foreign league and country could be hugely beneficial also. Manchester City is an example of the polarity involved. For English youngsters Phil Foden breaking through at the club, look at the success of Jadon Sancho in abroad.

This route is something Kompany knows only too well. As a youngster, he left Belgium club Anderlecht as a teenager to join Hamburg of the German Bundesliga. His belief is domestic players in the UK should look at progressing their careers in other countries. It would provide a competitive environment beyond what development squads and reserve games can offer.

Think different

Players in other countries have a pre-conditioned view that they will likely one day ply their trade in places beyond their origin of birth. In England, this isn't a consideration for the scholars in the academy system. Some think to move across the country a hard adjustment. Even though they see numerous imported teenagers enter many a youth team's dressing room season-on-season, it remains the case.

The attraction of being associated with a Premier League club for some is important. Some even in their late teens or early twenties and are no closer to breaking into the first team; they like the short-term security. The changing landscape of club football in the UK could see agents, academy managers and players having a rethink about effective career pathways.