The Importance of Nurturing Talent: Alberto De Rossi on Roma’s Youth System
Alberto De Rossi, the former Roma midfielder and current head of the club’s youth sector, has been reflecting on the challenges and opportunities within the Giallorossi’s youth development program. In a recent interview with Il Messaggero, De Rossi emphasized the need for a more structured and comprehensive approach to nurturing young talents. He highlighted the evolving landscape of youth football, noting that the spontaneity and passion that once characterized street football have diminished over the years. De Rossi believes that reviving this passion and commitment is crucial, but acknowledges that the results of such efforts may only be seen a decade from now. "When we went out on the street, we played football for many hours, now it is no longer like that," he said, adding, "We insiders will have to propose it again. Then, probably, we will see the results in 10 years."
The Need for Passionate Leadership
One of the key points in De Rossi’s interview was the importance of having passionate and dedicated individuals at the helm of youth development programs. "It starts with putting people in charge who are passionate about the job and are not bureaucrats," he asserted. De Rossi believes that the success of a youth system hinges on the commitment and expertise of those responsible for guiding young players. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach that considers not just the technical and tactical aspects of the game but also the mental and emotional well-being of the players.
Bridging the Gap: The Leap from Primavera to Serie A
A central theme in De Rossi’s analysis was the significant gap between the Primavera (youth) and Serie A levels. "The problem is that there is too big of a gap between Primavera and Serie A," he explained. De Rossi pointed out that in foreign countries, young players have more opportunities to gain experience and develop their skills through regular playing time. In contrast, Italian clubs often prioritize immediate results, limiting the chances for young talents to shine. "If you play Primavera against Primavera, how do they evolve? A boy at 20 years and six months is handed over to senior football and has very little experience," he remarked. This gap, according to De Rossi, is a significant barrier to the successful integration of young players into the first team.
The Role of Second Teams
To address the gap between Primavera and Serie A, De Rossi strongly advocates for the establishment of second teams. "We should talk seriously about the second teams," he stated. A second team provides a crucial intermediate step for young players, allowing them to gain valuable experience in a more competitive environment. "At 20, some are already champions, like Yamal. He and many others have had the opportunity to play, ours don’t," De Rossi noted. He cited the example of players like Politano, who started in Serie C and progressively moved up through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience along the way. "Who knows how the perception of the player would change if, instead of making him stay in the Primavera until he’s 20, I immediately gave him the opportunity to compete with the big boys at 18?"
Structured Pathways for Player Development
De Rossi believes that players should transition from the Primavera to a second team at a younger age, around 17 and a half. This would allow them to start their development in a more competitive setting earlier, thereby accelerating their growth. "Players should be done with the Primavera at 17 and a half. Then they should join the second team and start from there," he proposed. He acknowledged that not all players are like Bove, Pellegrini, Florenzi, De Rossi, or Zalewski, who have shown exceptional talent from a young age. "Others need to take a longer route," he said, emphasizing the importance of individualized development paths.
Roma’s Mission: Bringing Players to the First Team
Ultimately, De Rossi’s vision for Roma’s youth system is clear: to develop and integrate young talents into the first team. "At Roma, we want to bring players to the first team. That’s our mission. I believe blindly that it is possible," he concluded. De Rossi is committed to creating an environment where young players can thrive and reach their full potential. He highlighted the current Primavera team, which includes several players born in 2007, two years younger than the typical age for Primavera players. "All the others in Italy are 20 years old, except Milan because they have the second team," he noted. De Rossi’s vision is not just about winning trophies but about building a sustainable and successful football club from the ground up.
