16 year old youngster

Hi

I just signed a 16 year old youngster wich is good enough to join the first team and has an extreme good talents if you believe the scouts. But the question is, is it to early to let him play on the first team? Or is this just good?

I would give them a game here and there or just in cup matches.

Stick him on your bench, depending on his position would depend on when to bring him on. First of all, I'd only play him in games that are home and dry, i.e. 3-0 up at half-time. Now, if the player is a defender, I'd only give him 20-30 minutes, if he was a midfielder, about 30-40, and if he was a striker, a full half. If you can bring him on during games that are easily won, it would ease the pressure on him when he plays and it's always easier to come into a game where your side is dominating, as everybody else is playing well, so it should rub off on him.

let your coaches pick your team, see where he ends up.

i have been using youngsters myself, one even called up to the england U21's

When you're good enough, you're old enough. That always is my motto.

I have an amazing 17 year old winger who already made some extremely important contributions in his short career.

With an already better winger of an older age before him in the picking order I try not to put too much pressure on the kid. But he starts enough games for my ajax side, just the other day in the CL versus Barcelona.

So yes, let him play. He can only get better. Or injured, lol

play him if he's good enough but don't overplay him. 20-30 games (inc sub apps) in his forst season would be a good target and see how he progresses after a year

If they have the attributes to play then play him, playing a kid is only damaging when they aren't ready and get extremely poor match ratings.

I would try to start him against weak oppositions first (I don't find playing them as substitutes improve them)

And once he reached 17 years old, LOAN HIM OUT.

To me, its the most effective way.

Which club?

In my save MOST of my starting XI were 16, but we were non-league with no 'pressure' games. I wouldn't manage the same way with Chelsea.

10-15 games a year as a 16 year old, against cup opposition and weaker teams, but only if they're really good and you want to fast track them. Tutor them during this period as well.

Then at 17 or 18, you'll need to loan them out so they can play an entire season of first team action.

Once they come back at 19 years old, they should be ready to challenge for a spot in your first team.