Daily Times

Get hyped up, fail to meet the high standards everyone thought you would, become a journeyman — for some, but others just drown in the league system eventually settling in a lower league. This routine has been repeated continuously by most English wonder-kids — Stewart Downing, Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Woodgate, Micah Richards and Joe Cole to name a few. But, when we delve deeper and pose the question — Why? – us, as fans, come in to question. While inevitably some blame must go to circumstances and work ethic, by hyping these players up, we begin to set our own standards for them. When they fail to reach the level we set, fans begin to perceive that player as a flop or failure which then applies additional pressure. It is because of this danger, we must be careful in the treatment of youngsters. There’s a reason why Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson, and other local German talents are thriving in the Bundesliga — where fans are both protective and welcoming of their future prospects. As a result of worldwide viewership, differing opinions and massive impatience, fans get on player’s backs. Though some are able to handle this additional pressure — and even thrive on it, because of a lack of maturity and general working experience, most young wonder-kids will find it a burden, which can reduce their performance level, and hinder their growth as a footballer and person.

Therefore, in general, Premier League fans need to begin appreciating the talented youngsters in the league, allowing them to be nurtured in the best player they can possibly be. With this support system from fans, youngsters will feel they can make mistakes without automatically being dropped the next game, and be provided with a platform to prove they have what it takes to survive at the top level.