So...considering the fact that we are late bloomers based on an international level......we should go easy on our expectations on Jones as a striker den?
Cuz..i was thinking...but i couldn't get any evidence to back it up. I remember hearing that Drogba started off as a centre back. Cant cite a source right now.....but....lets say its true. According to Wikepedia....
Furthermore, Drogba's complicated family life meant that he had never attended a football academy and only began daily football training at 18 years old.[6]
By age 21, Drogba realized he had to establish himself as a player soon or else he would have little chance of becoming a professional footballer.[7]
So basically...Drogba got into the rigors of professional football late. But...with the right spirit....and determination....he's a world class striker who probably hit his peak...(based on statistics) around 2006/07 season at the age of 28. Now..it arguable about the quality of service he received...but....it worth consideration too right?
I also remember reading an article about another Chelsea player...i believe it was lampard..who said that his not being selected for world cup 2002 made him work harder. Assuming my memory is correct...he only got selected for his first international tournament in 2004....at the age of 24...(mostly due to the retirement of scholes.)
The point i trying to make is this.
Attitude is important. Youth coaches and youth development are mostly aimed at making a player peak at his peak physical strength..which is usually put around the ages of 23 to 26. However there are players who hit their best after that. If you dont work hard...it doesn't happen. Attitude is another factor we lack...it ties in to our discipline as well. Until that is rectified..we will forever be a footballing nation with potential..but little end product.
Caribbean kids are not allowed to freely develop because of parental control for to long,it affects their development in different walks of life.If you listen to an 11 or 12 year old English child compared to a Caribbean child of similar age you would understand.They express themselves later than kids from the developed world.
I doh think so. I more think it has to do with sports not being seen as viable a career, and more emphasis is placed on an education. Compare the time that most football academies in europe spend per day with teenaged players....some instances up to 8 hours a day. Academics has a place...but it isnt the main focus..it jus done as a contingency just incase. Many footballers still could play some kinda lower league football..supplemented by a part time job to get by in England.