Good post BOF. Since this blog is titled "The Optimist", another positive aspect of this model is that it allows these younger players to develop together, chemistry if you will. I know Lambert likes to rotate and tinker with formations, but surely these are being worked on in training. With these players being young and adaptable, they can grow together and hopefully be with us for several years. You have seen this model work with Swansea and to a degree with Norwich as well as they have moved up divisions with little chop and change to the squad. At Villa Lambert will have the opportunity to create that same model with potentially a better squad as a starting point.
Lastly, this also allows us to link a strong academy more closely with the first team, something that has been sorely lacking the last 5 years. They will be young, hungry, technically proficient, and playing a style that is complementary from academy through the first team. Really looking forward to the progress.
The most interesting thing will be how Lambert views more senior players, and incorporates them into the system. He SHOULD have more opportunity to purchase some proven players with experience and quality here than he has in the past, and I think to date the biggest criticism (see: Morpheus) has been his inability or unwillingness to do so in the transfer market. I personally think this is really more of a TBD than a criticism, as he really hasn't had much time and only one window in which to act on this. January and next summer (pending Lerner investment) will ultimately provide the answer to that question.
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in The Optimist
A blog by BOF in General
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Good post BOF. Since this blog is titled "The Optimist", another positive aspect of this model is that it allows these younger players to develop together, chemistry if you will. I know Lambert likes to rotate and tinker with formations, but surely these are being worked on in training. With these players being young and adaptable, they can grow together and hopefully be with us for several years. You have seen this model work with Swansea and to a degree with Norwich as well as they have moved up divisions with little chop and change to the squad. At Villa Lambert will have the opportunity to create that same model with potentially a better squad as a starting point.
Lastly, this also allows us to link a strong academy more closely with the first team, something that has been sorely lacking the last 5 years. They will be young, hungry, technically proficient, and playing a style that is complementary from academy through the first team. Really looking forward to the progress.
The most interesting thing will be how Lambert views more senior players, and incorporates them into the system. He SHOULD have more opportunity to purchase some proven players with experience and quality here than he has in the past, and I think to date the biggest criticism (see: Morpheus) has been his inability or unwillingness to do so in the transfer market. I personally think this is really more of a TBD than a criticism, as he really hasn't had much time and only one window in which to act on this. January and next summer (pending Lerner investment) will ultimately provide the answer to that question.
Keep 'em coming.