We look at how Arsenal, a club known for promoting youth from within their ranks, are losing that touch, and how it’s reflective of the norm across England.
It is slowly dawning on me that, at 27 years old, I may not, in fact, ever play for Arsenal Football Club. Yes, it may be time to give up on that particular dream. But we’ve all had it, right? I mean, what football fan hasn’t dreamt about playing, scoring, or single-handedly winning a match for their beloved team?
Close your eyes and think about it now, just for a second. Imagine you’re eighteen, a striker, and for the first time just made the bench in a cup game. Your team, which is expected to win this one relatively easily, go one-nil down early on. The minutes are ticking and, playing poorly, your side is in desperate need of a goal. Deep into the second half, the boss tells you to get ready. More minutes go by before finally, finally, your numbers are held up.
What would be going through your mind right now? This, right here, is your debut. You’ve got ten minutes if you’re lucky. Ten minutes to make an impact, save your team from being knocked out, show them what you’ve got. No pressure.