A working model for Aston Villa?

[Mister E]

Watching Ath Bilbao - as I am for the first time since I saw them live against the Villa in the 1970's - leads me to suggest that there is a tailor-made model for the future in B6.
 - a balance of youth and experience.
- each player technically gifted.
- a fantastic game of pressure and energy when not with the ball.
- a freshness and invention when in possession.

A squad constructed from the academy and with regional qualification-criteria, it may well not win anything this season, or even next. But, it is full of enthusiasm, skill and focus.

With our emerging core of academy-developed players, surely it's time to take a leaf out of the Basque book of footballing philosophy and play a fresh, energetic and positive game-play.

[PeterWithesShin]

Makes you wonder how they are only 7th in the league. Kind of pisses on the Sky theory that the PL is where it's at when the current favourites to win the league are currently getting cornholed by a side 7th in it's league after failing in another competition against a Basle side that conceded 7 against Bayern.

[Mister E]

Makes you wonder how they are only 7th in the league. Kind of pisses on the Sky theory that the PL is where it's at when the current favourites to win the league are currently getting cornholed by a side 7th in it's league after failing in another competition against a Basle side that conceded 7 against Bayern.

Yes, good observation re Sky.

[garyshawsknee]

They do have a highly skilled coach though,something which we lack.

[Mister E]

They do have a highly skilled coach though,something which we lack.

But it's the sheer energy and freshness that is so impressive; and - yes - it is about having a coach with a philosophy that encourages these things; but it's deeper than that - it's the club culture and values that develop the sort of footie I'm watching tonight.

BTW Bilbao should be 4-5 ahead, not 2.

[FiveKenMcNaughts]

They do have a highly skilled coach though,something which we lack.

They have never been relegated though, whether they have a great coach or not, there is something far more deep rooted than having a decent coach at the moment

[PeterWithesShin]

The closing down they just did this late into the game is breath taking and should have led to another goal.

[DB]

It's like an FA cup tie - lower league team, early round style. Pity their striker went off, they should have had a few more....

[MonsXI]

Impossible to recreate here, too many idiots involved in kids football who are more concerned with results rather than educating kids in how to play football the right way.

[Mister E]

Impossible to recreate here, too many idiots involved in kids football who are more concerned with results rather than educating kids in how to play football the right way.

know what you mean but things are changing ... and our Academy does seem to be doing something right.

[Legion]

Impossible to recreate here, too many idiots involved in kids football who are more concerned with results rather than educating kids in how to play football the right way.

Not impossible, but it would require a fresh start. I encourage and expect my kids to play 'total' football. I coach them to play like Barcelona, not Aston Villa! The result is not the be-all and end-all. Winning is nice, but the way the game is played is far more important.

[Legion]

Impossible to recreate here, too many idiots involved in kids football who are more concerned with results rather than educating kids in how to play football the right way.

know what you mean but things are changing ... and our Academy does seem to be doing something right.

Yes, our Academy are doing things right from U-9s to the reserves.

[PeterWithesShin]

So you're teaching them the Albion way then Leeg?

[MonsXI]

Impossible to recreate here, too many idiots involved in kids football who are more concerned with results rather than educating kids in how to play football the right way.

know what you mean but things are changing ... and our Academy does seem to be doing something right.

I don't see that things are changing that drastically, hopefully when this 9 aside till u13's fully kicks in it will take away the athletic kids dominating the game and the more skilful/intelligent players rising to the top.

[Legion]

It's 7-a-side until U-12.