Has Wenger faiiled to develop our young players?

[Power n Glory]

Has Wenger failed to develop our young players? I’m talking the academy level players. The kids that turn up around the age of 16 – 18. I think Wenger has proven his chops when it comes to improving more established players or those in their early 20s but when it comes to the very raw players, the blank canvas types, I think it’s worth looking at his record. He’s been here for a long time and I think it’s fair to say we’ve produced underwhelming players. Seeing the flaws in Ox’s game and Ramsey’s during the SToke game sparked this conversation. In fact, NQ made a point in the match thread.

Theo USED to have that fluidity to his game. Ox USED to have that fluidity to his game. Ramsey USED to have that fluidity to his game. That's why we got all excited about their potential. Wenger will coach it out of Iwobi too. Can it really be that all these players just aren't up to scratch? The Arshavins, Velas, Podolskis, Afobes, Gnabrys, Akpoms. The Wilsheres. Yeah, the majority won't make the top level but who has Wenger really made? Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Ozil? These are self made players. Alexis is another one. The old back four, George Graham's. Campbell? Coquelin? Wenger wanted rid. Chambers was on fire when he first arrived, now he's burnt to a crisp. I hear Monsieur is thinking about signing back a Turkish kid he got rid of who, lo and behold, has suddenly found his feet in spectacular fashion - at another club. I believed Ox was going to be the next big thing in football when I first saw him play. Now look at him. Well on the way to becoming the next Theo Walcott.

One common factor.

We know these players can pass, move, perform at pace. We've seen them score and participate in some of the best goals you'll ever see. The talent is there. But look at Ox, is he a winger or a central midfielder? Ramsey, same question. Walcott, same question. I'm shocked Wenger didn't start Cech on the wing when he first arrived. Wenger is all about slamming square pegs in round holes. Playing tactics that disadvantage us and favour the opposition. Playing systems that isolate and put our players under pressure. We put in a decent performance, what, about 1 in 8 games now? That's because Wenger's one-trick pony is bound to find suitable opposition every once in a while.

We played right into Stoke's hands yesterday. Of course. Never once utilised the advantages we had over them. Played that ponderous crappy style that Wenger loves so much. We lost the key player who can make Wenger's tippy tappy flow with a purpose. What we really saw yesterday was another example of the players not being able to make Wenger's crackpot system work. But I bet they'd be twice as effective under a manager who could knit them into a team rather than leave them isolated as individuals. Great spirit, Wenger said. Well great passing, great movement, great purpose, those would be useful too.

This season he's being propped up by the general decline in standards across the league and the fallout from the mercenary cultures at chavland and gypoland. People are confusing this with Wenger being a decent manager. He's not. Hasn't been for a long time.

Decent bloke, of course. Decent manager? Watch us play and decide.

Thoughts? Is this accurate?

[Marc Overmars]

I think it's a fair point to raise. With the exception of Ramsey who is obviously a better player now, I don't think we have any other players schooled by Wenger that look better 3-5 years down the line than when they entered the first team set up.

Give Wenger an ordinary player beyond his formative years and he'll most likely elevate their game to a new level, not sure he has that midas touch with youngsters who may not necessarily be the most naturally gifted and require a lot of coaching.

It will be interesting to see how Bellerin turns out in a few years.

[I am invisible]

I agree that they're not exactly filling their full potential yet, but we're still talking about players who are functioning at Premier league and European level here - that still puts them at a very high standard, even if they often leave us feeling a little disappointed in them because we know they could (and should) be even better still?

In terms of why they're failing to hit their full potential, then you'd have to look at Wenger, and the general standard of coaching at the club as one of the reasons - that's only fair. But I think you've also got to look at things like simple hunger and motivation - at focus and willingness to listen and learn (or adapt where necessary). Are these young players earning too much, too soon? Do they have too many phonies whispering in their ears, telling them that they're great, and that they deserve this or that when they haven't actually achieved anything yet? Do the British lads feel a little too safe because of these ridiculous quotas that we have to meet - have they lost the fear? Are we simply trying to develop too many players at once, and failing to give each one the attention they really need? Is there too much competition for places now? Have we lacked experience and mentors in the senior squad? Is there just a bit of a shortage of truly top class players coming through at the moment? Could be a lot of things (and probably is)...

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Maybe just maybe they weren't that good in the first place.

If we take Walcott as a paradigm case, would he have ever really become world class under someone else's tutelage....sometimes you either have it or you don't.

[Marc Overmars]

Maybe just maybe they weren't that good in the first place.

If we take Walcott as a paradigm case, would he have ever really become world class under someone else's tutelage....sometimes you either have it or you don't.

No surprises that some of the players under question are the expensive English acquisitions.

[rodders]

Even Wengers biggest fans have doubts about his coaching ability.

[Letters]

What happened to all those young players? Some years back we were playing kids in the league cup who were beating PL sides, it boded (bade?) well for the future.
Not sure where they all went.

[Niall_Quinn]

It all went to shit when we switched from Project Blitzkrieg to Barca Lite. Our early teams under Wenger and the type of player he brought in was the opposite to what we have now. The football has suffered, the results have suffered, the entertainment has suffered and the trophy cabinet has dropped dead. He changed his philosophy and he;s been too stubborn to admit that change has been one giant failure. A failure by comparison at least. In terms of being consistently average, it has all been a great success. The spectacular moved from the pitch to the boardroom and the balance sheet. Big shame.

[fakeyank]

I think Wenger has special difficulty working with British players. I am still on the edge with Ramsey but other than him, I look at Theo, Ox and Wilshere. They all have/had potential but are utter crap now.

Wengers saving grace with regards to young players are Bellerin and Cesc. Both Barca rejects who have done exceptionally well.

[mastermind84]

Maybe just maybe they weren't that good in the first place.

If we take Walcott as a paradigm case, would he have ever really become world class under someone else's tutelage....sometimes you either have it or you don't.

The correct answer

Not every young player we sign is a world beater.