The true hallmark of a club’s growth is characterized by the development of the club rather than the success of it. A fine example of it would be watching Leicester City. The club who were playing in England’s third-tier football competition in the 2008-09 season oversaw a dynamic rise to fame by clinching England’s most prestigious domestic league title in a time span of seven years. While Leicester’s one title win in the club’s 133-year history maybe one too few, it cannot be argued about how the club has grown in the last decade.
A major ingredient in a club’s development is the ability of the club to produce and more importantly retain good players. In the modern era, where big money transfers have become the norm and a scouting network that has spread like a web to an extent that even a prospect with a glimpse of promise is snapped up in the blink of an eye, it is important for clubs to hold on to their players who understand the culture and values of their respective clubs.
It is after reflecting upon such thoughts that the news regarding the signing of U16 goalkeeper Matthew Turner by Leeds United has come as a happy read for many football fans. Leeds bosses have been focusing on youth development since their turnover. New owner Andrea Radrizzani prioritized the focus on their youth academy ever since his takeover. This is what he said back then.
“It’s not my priority to sell young players. It’s actually the opposite. I want to keep young players. With Ivan Bravo joining the board we have an important executive who specialises in youth academies. He’s been working for six years in Qatar to build one of the best academies I’ve seen in my entire life at Aspire. They’re building the Qatar national team for the World Cup in 2022 so I’m confident that co-operation with Aspire will help Leeds to bring out more talent in the future.”
Turner used to play his football for Pontardawe Town Academy and he becomes yet another local talent scouted and acquired by the club. He was on trial with the club and travelled with the academy to train in Qatar. He impressed the coaches enough to merit a position in the Leeds United roster.
However, he is only a player for the future and will have to wait in line for a long time to get his first team chances unless he happens to pull off a Gianluigi Donnarumma.
