One of the many criticisms of Julen Lopetegui during his stay at West Ham was his reluctance to use young players and that he blocked the development of academy talent. Much like David Moyes before him, Lopetegui preferred the tried and tested warhorses, sending youngsters Earthy and Potts out on loan and consigning Scarles, Orford and Casey to the bench or the academy squad.
Indeed, at Christmas, West Ham were the only side in the Premier League whose academy-sourced talent had not achieved one minute of game time.
That much, then, appears to ring true when looking at young Brazilian defender Luizao’s criticisms ‘back home’ in uol.com.br. Pre-Potter, the young Brazilian was consigned to academy appearances. However he loses credibility when claiming it was a Premier League – wide issue:
“I got first-team coaches who didn’t like using young players.” Luizao bemoans. “In the Premier League, since clubs have a lot of money, they end up buying ready-made players instead of preparing the younger ones.”
Brazilian Centre Back Luizao – not making the grade.
Graham Potter pretty well dispelled that misconception by promoting teenage Ollie Scarles (main pic) above Emerson Palmieri to a the starting XI in his very first game in charge: I suspect there is a somewhat different reason for Luizao’s failure to launch at West Ham. Could it be that he just hasn’t made the grade.
It is all very well blaming the club, the coaches, the Premier League for not wanting to give him his chance. Under Potter, the ethos seems to be if you’re good enough, then you’re old enough. Time for Luizao to read the signs before playing the blame game.