Academies have always produced talent. What has changed is how early that talent is trusted. Several clubs now start teenagers in positions that used to be reserved for experienced heads.
Part of the reason is financial. Developing a player costs far less than buying one, and a strong academy graduate becomes either a first-team regular or a valuable sale.
More than a trend
The other reason is tactical. Younger players have grown up with pressing, positional play and video analysis. They arrive in the first team already speaking the coach's language.
Not every prospect will last. But the door is open wider than it used to be, and supporters love nothing more than one of their own.
