A joke that anyone would call his development a blueprint. So many things along that way that can't be replicated - genetics, pro coach parent who knew what to do, money, EU passport...
A joke that anyone would call his development a blueprint. So many things along that way that can't be replicated - genetics, pro coach parent who knew what to do, money, EU passport...
Yea - so the blueprint is to have a couple of collegiate soccer player parents - at least one of whom is a legitimate coach, connections that enable you to play in europe as a youth and lots of money. As good as Pulisic is (and he is real deal), he is a better example of what is actually wrong in our development pipeline. Look at most of the top US players, not even ones that make european leagues, and you will see money and connections rather than any grassroots development.
Pulisic did play DA and it was the platform that European clubs saw him play in. He would not have caught anyones eye beating up on some second or third tier league. His dominance within a strong platform being seen against quality competition is what raised eyebrows. So, yes, DA played a role in regards to exposure.
Pulisic did play DA and it was the platform that European clubs saw him play in. He would not have caught anyones eye beating up on some second or third tier league. His dominance within a strong platform being seen against quality competition is what raised eyebrows. So, yes, DA played a role in regards to exposure.
Yea - so the blueprint is to have a couple of collegiate soccer player parents - at least one of whom is a legitimate coach, connections that enable you to play in europe as a youth and lots of money. As good as Pulisic is (and he is real deal), he is a better example of what is actually wrong in our development pipeline. Look at most of the top US players, not even ones that make european leagues, and you will see money and connections rather than any grassroots development.
Most (almost all?) youth soccer players are aiming for a college scholarship. If they have aspirations of playing professionally, it is after playing in college. I think most people understand that playing 4 years of collegiate soccer is not development. In almost every other country in the world, the path is to go pro immediately. That's just a fundamental difference in pathway that probably won't ever change. And it's part of the reason US soccer prospects don't develop like foreign players do.
Most (almost all?) youth soccer players are aiming for a college scholarship. If they have aspirations of playing professionally, it is after playing in college. I think most people understand that playing 4 years of collegiate soccer is not development. In almost every other country in the world, the path is to go pro immediately. That's just a fundamental difference in pathway that probably won't ever change. And it's part of the reason US soccer prospects don't develop like foreign players do.
This is true and another reason why DA is trying to hook up with pro clubs. In time I see U.S. soccer trying to cut out the middleman of College all together. It will still take years for a minor league structure to be in place similar to baseball or hockey where players can be developed full time.
Most (almost all?) youth soccer players are aiming for a college scholarship. If they have aspirations of playing professionally, it is after playing in college. I think most people understand that playing 4 years of collegiate soccer is not development. In almost every other country in the world, the path is to go pro immediately. That's just a fundamental difference in pathway that probably won't ever change. And it's part of the reason US soccer prospects don't develop like foreign players do.
There are in fact a growing number of USYNT members who are opting out of college. These are Pulisics contemporaries
If you look at the recent U20s and 17s USYNT teams a great number of them are already pros. Many of them playing in Europe or North America.
There are also many who leave college after 1-2 years to turn pro
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