Snakebauer007 said:
http://thechels.net/2014/04/how-many-will-play-for-the-first-team-though/
A nice take on the Chelsea youth system and some honest to the point questions.
On a side note, Chelsea youngsters made their 3rd straight FA youth Cup final
First team plays tomorrow too, I think
I understand why the article features such fawning adoration but it is difficult to wade through for someone without Blue-colored glasses.
That said, what Chelsea is doing is really interesting. I have no doubt that whomever conceived the Courtois-to-Atletico move three years ago deserves a raise. Courtois will take over for Cech (at some point) and Courtois will do so having lots of CL/top-flight experience. Frankly, I think there might be a problem if Courtois goes to Brazil and emerges as Belgium's #1 reason for a long run in the tournament - Cech is a club legend and only one goalie can play. But it is definitely one of those "nice to have" problems, right?
As for Lukaku, I don't think he'd have had the same season had he stayed at Chelsea. He's been clearly the first choice guy at Everton and their run has given him invaluable experience in a "title chase". I disagree with the article writer that Lukaku won't be around next season though; first, he'll be homegrown for CL roster purposes and second, Jose is going to dump every striker he has and Lukaku as a #2 would be useful (so long as #1 stays healthy and productive).
I kinda wish the article spent more time on what Chelsea has done with Vitesse as well as looking at the potential profits they can realize by buying teens, developing them elsewhere and then turning a profit when they are deemed to not be good enough for Chelsea's squad. Matic is an interesting case study here, although one you can argue Chelsea flubbed by not having a buy-back negotiated with Benfica when he left. Matic spent time at Vitesse and certainly improved his game there and now is featuring prominently in the first team. That there was a sale and "managerial philosophy change" (or five) in between is irrelevant to the point of the article - Chelsea's buy & develop strategy is working for them. That it also helps them with FFP regulations is also great for the team. There will eventually be a lot of micro-profit sales of these guys who come in at 16 or 17, spend the time out on loan, develop and then get sold elsewhere with buy-backs in case they blossom elsewhere.
99% of these guys won't see first team duty with Chelsea. But given the changes to the financial landscape, their strategy should be applauded.