No offense to the coach that posted, but there are too many teams in the US where the mentality is not to put the best skilled players on the field, but those who have "paid their dues". Why shouldn't a freshman be starting, if they have the skills to go up against seniors? Look at the Premier league! You have 17-year-olds scoring against players 10 years their senior, not 2 or 3.
Look at HS, College, and even on the USMNT and you'll see playes who are highly skilled, sitting on the bench, while old, worn out players are out there. This is true for both men and, especially, women. I find it hard to believe that there not a 20-something that's better than Lilly, Scurry or Eddie Lewis.
Look at some of the National teams and the league teams from Argentina, Brazil, England, etc. You'll see that there are many with players in the teens and early twenties. In the US, most of these players would be relegated to the reserve squad, until they have paid their dues.
IF the kid can play, let them play! The coach should be putting the best possible team on the field, period. |