I'll try and explain what a youth player has to do to succeed

Okay - maybe a tad unfair to blame Jarvis for not taking his chance V Northampon. But the point is, better players get released at Arsenal on the strength of their performances on their debut.

Unless a young player has incredible talent that makes them stand out - i.e usually blistering pace, great strength, or superb ball skills; they are forced to take their chance when it comes along.

I take two examples. Alan Smith (Leeds) and Paul Scholes (Man Utd). Firstly Scholes got his debut with Man Utd, and at the time, wasn't rated as highly as Butt or Neville. But Fergie gives young players a chance (I could string off hundreds who have faded after a handful of games for Utd over the years - all who failed to take their chance, despite being good players). Now Scholes had his game. What does he do? He scores a goal. So Fergie has to play him again. What does he do? He scores again! And again! All of a sudden Fergie realises he has a gem. And he keeps on producing regularly! Take Alan Smith - 7 seconds into his debut, the ball falls to him - he doesn't stick it over the bar - he calmly scores. And he scores in his next game. He's on his way. Jarvis didn't. And never really has.

This is my point. As a young player - you need to take your chance when it comes along - as you might not get many more chances! You need to show something that makes you undroppable.

Now for the first team players. They have proven that they are successful at that level. That's why the club employs them. Their form fluctuates, but generally, unless they're past it, they will produce at the club. Young players may not.

Posted By: Poirot on December 13th 2005 at 22:28:04

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