Top-10 Teams at Developing Stars
We look at the best clubs are developing players
Today at SillySeason, we are going to pay tribute to the clubs that are incredible at finding hidden gems, and also clubs that have incredible academy set-ups.
Yes that is right, we are going to look at the top-10 teams at developing players.
Now whether that be signing an unheard of player and turning them world class, or just developing them from a young age in their youth set-up, we are going to look at the teams who have got a reputation of creating/making gems of football.
So without further ado, lets take a dive into the list and see which clubs top our list for developing players, starting with number-10.
10. AC Milan
Yes starting the list is Serie A giants, AC Milan.
Although their reputation has declined drastically over the past few seasons, they have still got a rich history and have created some of the most deadliest players in world football.
Kaka (imaged above) became one of the world’s greatest footballers during his time at the San Siro, before he completed his switch to Real Madrid in a deal that failed drastically.
As well as Kaka, defensive legends Alessandro Nesta and Paulo Maldini had superb success in Italy with the Milan side.
During their peak days, AC Milan had an unreal side but sadly times have changed and they are now a mid-table side in Serie A.
9. Valencia
Just look at the talent in the above picture.
Juan Mata, David Silva and David Villa all came good during their time with La Liga side Valencia and all earned themselves mega-money moves elsewhere.
Mata went to the Premier League in order to join Chelsea, Silva followed suit at joined Manchester City, whilst Villa ended up at FC Barcelona.
However, out of the trio, Silva is the only one still at the same club as Mata moved to Manchester United and Villa is now in the MLS.
Imagine if Valencia managed to keep all those stars together?
8. Santos
A lot of the time Brazilian clubs make absolute gems before selling them on to huge European clubs and Santos make our list at number-eight for simply providing us with Neymar.
Yes they’ve had some other incredible stars throughout the years, but it’s Neymar that stands out the most.
Now at FC Barcelona, the attacker is labelled as one of the best players in the world and is certainly starting to show signs of improvement and consistency in his game.
Stunning at the World Cup in Brazil, brilliant for Barca last season and scored vital goals in their Champions League success.
7. FC Porto
Radamel Falcao and Hulk. You could also add James Rodriguez to this image as well.
FC Porto are sadly another team that need to sell in order to keep running smoothly and over the years they have sold some top quality players.
Pepe came from Porto, Fernando came from Porto, Joao Moutinho came from Porto and so did the trio mentioned above.
Imagine a front-three of Hulk, Falcao and Rodriguez.
Sadly for the Portuguese side, they do have to sell in order to reinvest and some of their big stars do complete moves away for mega-money.
However, they continue to find those hidden gems.
6. Atletico Madrid
Another team that just have an ability of finding hidden gems is Atletico Madrid, especially in the attacking region.
Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa all made their names in Spain with the La Liga side, and Falcao continued to develop during his time there as well.
Now more competitive in Europe and in La Liga, Atletico may start keeping hold of their stars, but sadly for them, in the past they have lost the likes of Torres, Aguero and Costa, with the latter leaving last summer.
However, the system they have at the club ensures them that they will always have a new star right around the corner.
5. Southampton
Our first English team makes the list at number five and it’s Southampton.
Just look at the above image and see some of the stars that spent time with the youth team at St Marys Stadium.
Wayne Bridge, Matt Le Tissier, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alan Shearer, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw.
One ended up at Chelsea, one stayed and became an all-time club legend, one is now at Real Madrid, two are at Arsenal, one is at Liverpool, one is at Manchester United and the other is the all-time leading Premier League goalscorer.
Not bad at all Southampton. Not bad at all.
4. Arsenal
Arsenal are fourth on the list and that is all down to Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman just has that ability to sign a nobody and turn them into world beaters and some of the greatest players to ever grace football.
As well as that, The Gunners have had a lot of success from their youth set-up, with several stars in their current first-team all graduating from the academy.
Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Francis Coquelin and Wojciech Szczesny to name four.
However, Wenger‘s knowledge of the game has seen him sign the likes of; Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri and many, many more.
3. Manchester United
United make it to third on our list and you could just use the Class of 92 as your defence.
Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham all came up through United’s youth set-up and all became vital first-team players.
As well as their own class of ’92, they helped develop stars like Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Times are slowly changing however at Old Trafford as Louis Van Gaal is going down the heavy-spending route in order to bring success back to the club after Sir Alex Ferguson‘s retirement.
2. Ajax
Look at that above image. Imagine that strike-force together.
Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have gone on to win major honours at club level, whilst Klaas Jan Huntelaar has gone on to become one of the deadliest finishers in world football.
Suarez is now at FC Barcelona and has won the Champions League and La Liga, whilst Ibrahimovic has won nearly all you can in the game at numerous clubs.
Other Developed Players : Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Suarez, Van Der Sar, Sneijder, Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp
1. FC Barcelona
In first place is FC Barcelona with their luxurious home grown squad.
Barcelona are no doubt the greatest club to produce talent, with the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodriguez and Lionel Messi.
All the above mentioned have gone on to make massive names for themselves at the Nou Camp, with nearly all of them earning themselves a legend status.
Yes Pique left to join Manchester United and then came back, but at United he wasn’t the player he is now at Barca, so that will have to go down to the Spanish giants.
You could also mention Cesc Fabregas who was at their youth set-up, however, he certainly made his name when he was at Arsenal before returning to Barca years later.