The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Dowman and Ngumoha: The pathway for academy players
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Aug 28, 2025 Dive into the intriguing journey of academy players stepping up to professional football. Explore the tactical hurdles they face and how mentorship shapes their success. Discover the evolving landscape of youth development, contrasting past legends with today's rising stars. The challenges of Premier League transitions and the vital balance between education and football are also unpacked. With real-life examples, this discussion sheds light on the complexities of nurturing football's future talents.
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Talent Needs Long-Term Protection
- Young stars like Max Daman and Rio Ngomoa show exceptional talent but need long-term care to reach full careers.
- Mark Carey warns against overhyping teenagers and stresses nurturing their physical and mental development.
Position Shapes Breakthrough Chances
- Breaking through is easier for forward players because they can have high ceilings and low floors in performance.
- Liam Tharme explains defenders and goalkeepers need a consistently high performance floor before trusted.
Academy Actions Don’t Always Reflect Ability
- Academy players often show different behaviour in matches than in training because they adjust to limit risk.
- Mark Carey notes coaches may not see a player's full skillset due to tactical instructions at youth level.