Bundesliga's unique take on the progression of Youth - Why it's not successful in Europe's biggest competition

Who can finally break through the barrier?

Jerome Boateng

Its not so surprising to see that Bayern Munich, by far the some competitive European side from Germany, has the oldest squad in the Bundesliga. Even then, it should be considered that the main weakness within the European giants is within their defence which is also the youngest area of their squad with Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng both regulars and both either under or at the age of 23; Manuel Neuer, at the age of 25, is also relatively young for a goalkeeper.

The other Champions League positions are currently held by Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and surprise team Borussia Monchengladbach. While Dortmund do have a young side, it is well known that they have exceptional talent within their ranks, the main problem that they have faced, as discussed before, is holding on those young talents. Nuri Sahin has already left their ranks and it is becoming more and more difficult to hold off offers for arguably the most talented teenager in World Football, Mario Gotze.

The Bundesliga has held pride in the fact that they are currently housing the best youngsters in World Football, the performances of their exports in foreign leagues is testament to that fact. Even then, the Bundesliga is still only thought of as a seller and not a buyer.

Better scouting and youth development has lead to an increase in the overall quality and popularity of the league, that is explained with the success of the Bundesliga sides atleast within the second tier European club competitions but the perpetual selling of those young stars once they become household names has seen those same sides struggle to translate their success onto Europe’s biggest competition.

With the Seria A’s competitiveness increasing as Juventus finally break from their shadow cast from the Calciopoli scandal, the Bundesliga will have to find a higher standard in the Champions League if they are to maintain their place above the Italian League in the coefficients and gather a greater reputation within Europe.

That can only happen if teams switch their emphasis from creating young stars for foreign leagues and move towards a more ambitious approach towards consistent future success.