Often the hallmark of any successful team is striking that perfect blend of youth and experience.
And Adelaide United are one club that are living by that philosophy in the early stages of the A-League 2020/21 Season.
In fact, the Reds have been heavily investing in their youth and academy for a few years now.
But from what we’ve seen in the latter stages of last season and the first two rounds of this campaign, it’s beginning to pay dividends for Carl Veart’s squad.
Already this season Veart has used nine players aged 23 or under in games against Western United FC (0-0) and Melbourne City (2-0).
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Midfielder Joe Caletti (22), goalkeeper James Delianov (21), midfielder Louis D’Arrigo (19) and left-back Noah Smith (20) have all played every minute this season.
Ryan Strain – at 23 – is the most experienced of the young brigade and along with attacker Yaya Dukuly, the pair have also started both matches this campaign.
And then there’s the likes of super-subs Pacifique Niyongabire (20), Kusini Yengi (21) and Mohamed Toure (16) who have all made excellent impacts off the bench and are striving to force their way into the starting side.
So the kids – most certainly – are alright in the City of Churches.
There is plenty of hype around the Reds’ youngsters and skipper Stefan Mauk likes what he sees.
Speaking to Fox Sports after the win over City, Mauk said of his side’s young guns: “I think they have got a lot excitement about them, an X-factor.
“I think that they come on and they are not scared to make mistakes.
“They want to run at people and I think, as a defender, if you are tired, I’d be pretty scared.”
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As coach, Veart hasn’t been afraid to give his young brigade an opportunity and they have repaid that faith.
Veart remains undefeated in his seven A-League matches in the Adelaide dugout, with three wins and four draws since taking the reins from Gertjan Verbeek last season.
“They are brave, they have no fear. When we attack, they are exciting to watch,” Veart said.
“As a coach, you can just sit back and have a smile on your face because you know they are going to be positive and attack defenders.
“Now that we’ve got Tomi [Juric] here, he’s a great leader and role model for these young players to see what it’s like to play at the next level.”
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