Harry Redknapp was angry last week when Chelsea offered in the region of £24 million for Luca Modric and rightly so in my opinion, or to put it into Harry's words "..some of the players bought in the last few weeks for £20 million are not fit to lace his boots"
Harry was of course referring to recent signings Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson from Blackburn to Man Utd and Sunderland to Liverpool respectively. Man Utd and Liverpool have taken big gambles on these youngsters considering their lack of both Premiership and International experience. Both players come highly recommended off the back of fine seasons for their clubs but will they progress to bigger and better things ? Unfortunately the bigger clubs will have to gamble on such youngsters over the next season to find out. A young English player is a valuable commodity. With new Uefa regulations on the way, it is imperative English clubs get their house in order and invest in youth. That is the main reason you are seeing vast amounts of money being spent on these players. So back to the question then, are they worth it ?
Well in my opinion "NO" they are not. Now before I start getting posts (which I welcome by the way) giving out about previous big transfers for older players I'll state my opinion. Believe it or not I personally believe Jones and Henderson will go onto great things as will Jack Rodwell if he moves, but I still dont think they are worth the money. I base my opinion off the great Barcelona team we have the joy of watching currently. The current La Liga and European champions have some of the worlds greatest players in their midst and best of all they didnt cost a penny/dime/cent !
Compare Henderson to Xavi or Iniesta and we are talking about apples and oranges, which is why over the next few years you are going to see alot more focus on the director of football and the academy set ups. I'm sure every chairman, board of directors, and shareholders if they were not persuaded before they are now that youth is key. Clubs must build a solid foundation of history and tradition and make kids apart of it, which is why Barcelona's current crop have been so successful. They have grown up together and have grown up with the club and fans in their hearts. Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal all have great acedemies but we need a culture change. Ashley Cole left Arsenal for Chelsea some years ago for what was lets be honest more money, and angered alot of fans. Would Messi join Real Madrid ?
The big question is whether clubs can build these foundations of youth and keep them together and from the clutches of bigger clubs, while still competing at the top level !
So are these young players worth the big money, no they are not..... but the kids definately are !!!
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