Why is the U23 squad so fluid this season (2020/21)?

[Mark Pawelek]

Every U23 match seems to debut more U18 players.

Q1: Why are U23 match squads so fluid this year?

• Is it the coaches' decision or
• forced due to small size of U23s and large size of U18s

Q: Were some of U18s (by age) promised U23 elevation?

PS: I count 18 players aged 18 to 21 (at the season start: 12 Sept). But 6 of them are now officially in the 1st team squad (Brandon Williams, Ethan Galbraith, Ethan Laird, Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri, Teden Mengi).
I count 29 players 17 or 16 on 12 Sept. 2020.

 

[Mr. MUJAC]

Every U23 match seems to debut more U18 players.

Q1: Why are U23 match squads so fluid this year?

• Is it the coaches' decision or
• forced due to small size of U23s and large size of U18s

Q: Were some of U18s (by age) promised U23 elevation?

PS: I count 18 players aged 18 to 21 (at the season start: 12 Sept). But 6 of them are now officially in the 1st team squad (Brandon Williams, Ethan Galbraith, Ethan Laird, Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri, Teden Mengi).
I count 29 players 17 or 16 on 12 Sept. 2020.

It will be a mix of numerous things.

1. The agreement that some players won't make it
2. The need to push current U/23's on with loans
3. The talent at U/18 level
4. The volume of players at U/23 level
5. The need for players to get game time (I expect more friendly games to be arranged)

But I doubt any player is 'promised' elevation. It will all be a consequence of performances on the pitch and attitude in training.

 

[lysglimt]

And I also assume we are stockpiling U18 players because of brexit