Letting youngsters go shouldn't be so easy - look at Rickie Lambert, it's worrying that someone of his technical and all round ability was let go.
Does it suggest that our youth system back then was looking at basic things like physicality and fitness rather than the chance to harness a players technical ability?
We need to be looking at our youth system being the most progressive in the country. We cannot rest on laurels of just unearthing talent which coincides with the English mentality of football. That needs to change desperately, and I think Rodgers knows that too.
I mean, if Southampton can do it so successfully, why can't Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal - clubs with a history of developing young talent?
I'd be bitterly disappointed, and feel sorry for Southampton, if us top clubs were to continually poach the youngsters from the south coast club. If rules were put in place of increasing the number of compulsory youth players to be included in first-team match day squads, I'm all for it because that would compel all clubs to invest in their youth systems and coaching, and without doubt, help the national team.
'Screw the national team, who gives a f**k' I hear many say. But clubs being able to invest heavily in the youth system would allow local lads the chance to play for their clubs, not just watch them (which in itself is becoming increasingly difficult due to ticket prices). At the very least, it would bridge some of the gap between supporters and players by creating a bond due to the inherent understanding and passion that is instilled in players who were born and bred in the local community. It was that very thing that made us love the likes of Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, and Steven Gerrard in addition to their immense ability.
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