nottsblue wrote:Could be very wrong here and out of line but I think attitude is probably the driving force for the club. To get in the door at our academy you need to be half decent. To play for the EDS on a regular basis and get into match day squads for the first team you have stepped up a notch or two. The talent undoubtedly is there. So there must be other factors at play.
Are these lads getting too much too soon? Rumours of 20/30/40k a week contracts before they are first teamers. Is the hunger still there?
Are they as dedicated in training as the older pros? Are they willing to adapt to the managers style of play? Rumours Roberts isn't a good trainer are abound and I'm sure he's not the only one. Gone are the days when a player was able to do nothing in the week and rock up on the weekend and play.
Do younger player understand the importance of lifestyle decisions off the pitch? Young lads with cash on the hip and the status they have are surely more likely to fall foul of outside influences, I know I would be.
Great point Nottsblue, but I think the staff at City, as with most clubs, will be well aware of the potential problems. Working and assessing kids on a daily basis, they will have insight, not just about each player's ability but also his attitude as a player and a human being. I am certain that we have seen some very good youngsters cast aside because they failed to prove they had the right mental approach.
On the flip side, there will be those who like Zaba, who are not as naturally gifted but with sheer hard work, guts and motivation, will get through the system, become chosen and go on to have incredible careers for the club.
