Academy rejects ?

[Chez]

15 hours ago, david in sweden said:

Good point Chez. There is a long list of those who looked like Ronaldo at age 16, but never graduated to the first team.

The problem is not just "looking good" in the  B team / U23'. but the huge gap between that level and the Prem. is similar to

that experienced by clubs who move up from the Championship and totally fail to establish themselves at the higher level. 

its pretty tough for young kids coming through these days, in that they not only need to compete with the best of British, but the best from around the world. It's hardly surprising therefore that only the off player gets and stays in the first team. When a player does, we should celebrate them, and give our academy a big pat on the back (which by and large we do) so long as those players are genuinely improving us and not just filling a shirt (cheaply).