Jalo and Nana

I've watched a few of the youth games now and must say Jalo looks a special talent. I understand the step up is huge, and he's evidently not ready yet. My question is, is he another Nana Yiadom? Who also looked a cut above at times in the U21, but then never really kicked on and has disappeared into the non league system...
Hope not..

 

I don't think so. I don't think Yiadom was ever as highly rated as we're rating Jalo either imo. I think he's definitely capable of coming off the bench and potentially influencing certain games. His finishing and composure seems fantastic for just 16.

 

That finish last night reminded me of Our Ashley in the 7-1 v Huddersfield.
Great stuff

 

Ruben Noble_Lazarus was another who promised much and ultimately disappeared down the leagues. Hardly played at all since 2018. I do wonder whether we started him a little bit too soon
I think he held the record as the youngest ever league player at the time of his debut

 

He has the talent - it just depends on attitude , application and a bit of luck now I think.

 

Agree. He also needs to develop physically yet, which he will given that he's only just coming up to 17.

 

100% this. Simon Davey gave him that debut to alleviate pressure on his poor results/performances for us. Something to deflect. He's been fairly injury prone too throughout his career

 

this kid is a real talent, he has no fear and get stuck in forward, backwards and within the box. I think that duff and the team are bringing him on at just the right pace, keeping him grounded,showing him first team experience, and using him in u21

 

It seems to me generally those who get pushed into first team action before they're fully developed have short careers. There's always a temptation because it makes a great story and is an advert for the club and academy but putting someone in too young is as bad as not allowing someone to play and develop who's ready. I'm sure someone will be along to point out the examples of 17 year old strikers who played in the first teams and then into their 30s but its the exception not the rule,

 

Alternatively, perhaps it just turned out they weren't good enough and didn't fulfil their potential as they got older. Some definitely are pushed too early though. Pep for instance handled Foden perfectly. I think we're doing a decent job with Jalo too

 

I agree. Re the exception. But to quote the best example, for me. Wayne Rooney. Who not only made his debut at sixteen, but became established in the side at that age.

 

Difference is that Rooney was built like a grown man at 16.
Not many 16 year olds are as physically strong as he was.

 

That may have been part of it but if memory serves Davy was trying to tie him to the club and get his parents onside as bigger clubs such as Man UTD we’re sniffing around and .

 

Loads of examples, George Best, David Hirst, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham,. What they had in common is that they were bloody great players. If they're good enough they're old enough. Never thought Reuben was good enough and neither is Jalo at this early stage. Hopefully he continues to improve and develop and we end up with a multi million pound asset.

 

I am not so sure he was the exception as Trevor Francis who started at Plymouth for example went on to have a glittering career , its just about how their career develops , some fall by the wayside others for example Bellingham push on ,but I think much of the players development is down to his initial manager/coach at the critical time & hoping they make the right calls for the lad & not for the club , Jalo is a real talent & prospect lets hope Duff looks after him well .

 

Wayne Rooney is only 37 now and hasn't played at the top level for 4+ seasons. He was finished at International and Premier League level by 33 and retired at 35.

Same with Michael Owen who retired in his early 30s.

If they had started with the first team 1-2 season later, could they have had 3-4 more seasons at the top level?

 

Fairly sure he has called it a day. tweeted in 2021 that he was taking a break from footy and looking for new direction. On LinkeIn it looks like he has been in a non-footy role for a couple of months. Met him once, really nice kid ....... still only 29.