Interesting read from Michael Owen's blog:
http://www.michaelowen.com/blog.htmlThe title is: "Too much too soon" – Website won’t allow me to cut & paste…
Cliff Note version: Mr. Owen suggests that between the ages of 19 & 24, 125 to 175 games need to be played by the typical football (soccer) player to make sure their body develops (about 25-35 games a season). In his early career, he played a lot of games for Club & Country and he has been labeled as injury-prone after sustaining a hamstring injury. On the other hand, Scholes & Giggs, both were brought in slowly and thus we’ve seen a sustained quality about their careers.
The College season is 20+ games in 3 to 4 months time. Reserve squad in MLS gets less, only 10 guaranteed games. This, during a crucial age too.
@ Mr. McBridefan – perhaps going to Portugal would be the best thing for your brother-in-law if he wants to pursue a professional career. College wouldn’t be so bad, especially with a degree, but being under their radar suggests that maybe they don’t know what to look for, considering a country with a solid League & solid National Team is interested in signing him.