It is said in some quarters that Arsenal need three expensive footballers to add to the First Team Squad for us to be able to compete at the highest level. It is also said by some that our Youth Academy is a waste of time as it produces too few players who make it at the highest level. Finally, these Sayers also think that we employ too many people, both in terms of Admin as well as a bloated playing staff. Streamlining may well sharpen our cutting edge, as well as freeing up sufficient cash to afford these expensive additions. Problem is, during this cull we need to retain elements that matter.
What I say is that only a Youth Policy can produce an Adams, a Jack or a Mickey Thomas.
What these players have in common is Arsenal DNA, and in my view this really counts. These are players that go the extra mile because they are Arsenal. To produce these types of men is what the Youth System should be all about, in my opinion.
Enter Ahtletico Bilbao.
This is a relatively small club that regularly punches above its weight. They are one of only three Clubs in La Liga never to have been relegated.
They only employ Basque players, although in recent years they have widened the net to include players who can prove Basque ancestry.
So, gather round lads, here’s the plan. We slash the Admin/Player staff by, I don’t know, about 40. We retain a new sleeker Youth/Under 21 side/academy, and this part of the Club employs only those with proven Arsenal DNA.
We can, however, embellish the First Team Squad with the cream of International Stars, but our bedrock and foundations will be all Arsenal.
Can you imagine the fun in coming up with the “Prove your DNA” during the selection process, and “No”, having Arsenal posters all over the bedroom wall of your Amsterdam suburb does not qualify!
Written by MickyDidIt89
Posted by peachesgÖÖner 
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