Would Gerrard & Owen be the players they are/were under Rafa?

[The Birdman]

If we had any world class 17 or 18 years olds they would be played, we don't so they aren't.
Pretty simple really.
Or alternatively tell me other clubs in the Top 4 of their respective leagues and Champions League that blood 17 or 18 years olds every season??

[Taxi]

If we had any world class 17 or 18 years olds they would be played, we don't so they aren't.
Pretty simple really.
Or alternatively tell me other clubs in the Top 4 of their respective leagues and Champions League that blood 17 or 18 years olds every season??

None do, its a stupid thread. Rafa knows petebest.

[elrichio86]

Rafa knows petebest.

That would explain a lot

[Craig_H]

Ridiculous thread.

Didnt you start it?

I think it's very difficult to chuck kids into the firing line when you're on a bad run and up against it. Most people, myself included, would probably stick to the 'tried and tested' experienced lads in these circumstances, when a choice is available.

[Exiled_red]

Didnt you start it?

I think it's very difficult to chuck kids into the firing line when you're on a bad run and up against it. Most people, myself included, would probably stick to the 'tried and tested' experienced lads in these circumstances, when a choice is available.

[kris90210]

With Gerrard and Owen it became apparent very quickly that they were special. I think if those two were in our reserves now they would have been given a chance.

Rafa has invested a lot of energy into the youth set up. It's crazy to think that he wouldn't utilise players who would be good enough for the first team. He almost lost his job fighting for more of a say in the running of that part of the club.

It looks like we have some good players coming through (fingers crossed). I'm sure we'll see them when the time is right! We've got to trust the people who work with them day in day out to make that call though.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Word on the street today is that Gerrard has agreed a deal with Madrid for this summer.. I personally don't believe it but the the person that told me seems pretty certain.

[Gazmo1]

Word on the street today is that Gerrard has agreed a deal with Madrid for this summer.. I personally don't believe it but the the person that told me seems pretty certain.

Where do you live then?



Source?

[Roboklopp]

Given Rafa's outright rigid tyranny, I imagine they'd have spend the rest of their careers eating Paella & chasing bulls rather than have made it as footy players at all. Curse you Satan...I mean Rafa.

[reds123]

messi...

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Where do you live then?



Source?

What I thought.. just passing on what I got told.

[Vermilion]

Given Rafa's outright rigid tyranny, I imagine they'd have spend the rest of their careers eating Paella & chasing bulls rather than have made it as footy players at all. Curse you Satan...I mean Rafa.

.I wonder...do you think if Rafa was around in Roman times..he's have helped crucify Jesus...i think he would...he's that kind of guy...

[Tatterdemalion]

I suspect this criticism of Rafa's reluctance to play youth stems from the fact that until recently he has shown more willing to buy second rate spanish players than to bring through reserve players. More recently he hasn't had the choice, hence game/squad time for Insua/Pacheco/Kelly etc.

[Redspin]

Gerrard was never thrown straight into central mid, he did time on the right wing and even at right back. Owen was a completely different case, and looking back now, when he was breaking through (and between the ages of 18 + 21), they were clearly his peak years. You don't not play a top player in his peak. Especially when he could destroy teams with his pace. There's only really been a handful of players across the league in the last 10 - 15 years who have had the same impact as a new young player as Owen and Gerrard. Think Fabregas, Rooney, arguably Ashley Cole.

I reckon if we had anyone of that standard breaking through, they'd be in. The squad's not so strong that the management could ignore it!

Fabregas wasn't really a breakthrough player. It was obvious he was a top talent so Arsenal bought him, rather than brought him through the youth system, which they did with Cole

[Daniel 7]

Fabregas wasn't really a breakthrough player. It was obvious he was a top talent so Arsenal bought him, rather than brought him through the youth system, which they did with Cole

Which in turn backs up my point about the amount of young impact players there are / have been over the last few years, and just how good Owen and Gerrard were.

Although, there's been plenty of examples of top prospects not working out. Look at Pennant at Arsenal for one. Fabregas was 16 when he played in the Charity Shield. 16!