Scotland: Findlay Curtis shines at debut of new structure
According to Bbc.
Context
Findlay Curtis, Rangers winger, stood out in the match, showing the potential that could be fundamental for the under-21 team. His performance, along with that of other young talents, could be indicative of the team's future, especially with the SFA's intention to ease the transition to the senior team under Sebastien Pocognoli.
Why this matters
Scotland U21's victory over Azerbaijan not only marks a promising start under Tony Docherty's new management, but also reflects the Scottish Football Association's ambition to develop young talent. Findlay Curtis' performance and the team's offensive dynamics are indicative of a new identity that is intended to be established, in line with the style of the main team. This can have a significant impact on how players develop and their transition into the senior team.
Main conclusions
- Scotland: Findlay Curtis shines at debut of new structure.
- Scotland's under-21 team had a triumphant debut, beating Azerbaijan 5-2, with Findlay Curtis in the spotlight.
- Scotland: Findlay Curtis shines as revamped youth set up begins - BBC Sport.
The debut of the new era of the Scotland under-21 team was marked by an impressive victory over Azerbaijan, with a result of 5-2. Young Rangers winger Findlay Curtis put in a remarkable performance, contributing significantly to his team's triumph. Along with Tyler Fletcher, who dominated the midfield, and three forwards scoring, Scotland displayed vibrant attacking football and aggressive pressing, characteristics that new manager Tony Docherty and his assistant Steven Naismith demanded following the departure of Scot Gemmill, who had led Scotland's young talent over the last decade.
These changes are part of a wider plan by the Scottish Football Association (SFA), led by new director of football Craig Mulholland, to create a more efficient pathway for young Scottish players aspiring to make the first team under Sebastien Pocognoli.
Although this was just one game, and one that the under-21 team hoped to win, the performance made clear their desire to emulate the senior team. "My message to them was that I want them to create an identity for the Scotland under-21 team through their attacking style of play and high pressing," Docherty said after the game. "And I thought we did that in spades. The performance level, energy and enthusiasm of the players was exceptional."
The SFA aims for the under-21s to mirror the style and structure of the senior team, facilitating players' transition to the next level. Docherty was present at the senior team's training camp in La Manga ahead of the Nations League games, where Pocognoli presented his game model to coaches at lower levels. On Wednesday, SFA CEO Mulholland and national team assistant Alan Irvine were in Kilmarnock to watch how Docherty set up the team in the same 3-4-2-1 system that Pocognoli prefers.
Fletcher and St Mirren player Ryan Carr were responsible for the midfield, while Curtis and James Wilson played as inside wingers behind West Brom striker Barney Stewart. The Scottish team pressed high, suffocating their opponents and moving the ball quickly and effectively. This was the type of football that Pocognoli described upon taking office, and which his own team has only managed to demonstrate for part of the game against Slovenia so far.
Stewart, who scored two goals in the match, said: "They want us to mirror exactly what the senior team does. We sit and watch the senior team play. Everyone has something to say, 'see what they did there?' We look at the patterns of play, the pressure, whatever.”
Curtis and Wilson joined the under-21s after initially being at the senior team's training camp. This could be seen as a step backwards for them and for Fletcher, having already played for the senior team. However, neither of them showed any dismay on the pitch, with Curtis having a hand in all five goals, whilst Fletcher and Wilson also scored. “I came back with them from the training ground,” Docherty said. "They couldn't have had a better attitude and leadership in the group. The team's performance, including the substitutes, was really strong. But they deserve special mention because their attitude towards the group was brilliant and we need to make sure we continue that in the future."
The shake-up of Scotland's youth teams is not limited to the under-21s. Docherty and Naismith are just two of the new coaches, starting from the new under-14 team. Former Dundee United manager Tam Courts leads the under-19 program along with former Hearts and Rangers full-back Lee Wallace, who is back at Tynecastle as youth coach. Courts managed to guide United to fourth place in the Scottish Premiership in 2022 with a young squad before leaving for a brief spell at Honved in Hungary. David McCallum, who ran the academies at Rangers and Queen's Park, is paired with former Aberdeen and Celtic winger Jonny Hayes, now coach of the latter at under-17 level. Meanwhile, Rhys McCabe is in charge of the under-16s following his success as player-coach at Airdrieonians alongside current SFA coaches James Grady and Stephen Clarke. They will all have the help of former Aberdeen first-team coach Peter Leven and Neil McFarlane, who works as Brentford's first-team coach after leading their B team before that.
The aim is that, while each group has an age group to work with, they operate more as a team, so that everyone has a close eye on the entire journey. To help with this process, the coaches will be tasked with introducing a 'Scottish DNA'. Thus, while the under-21s mirror the main team, the lower levels will have more freedom to play differently from Pocognoli's team, but always supported by the same principles. Courts says this will build on Scotland's reputation for passion and hard work, but combined with technical improvement. "If we want to be a team that has credibility on the biggest stage, we certainly need to have more dominance and control of the ball," he said. "We need to develop more players who are technically capable of playing in tight spaces and also capable of creating and scoring goals, because currently, at the highest level of the game, spaces are limited, opportunities are scarce and we have to recognize that this is where the game is evolving. We need to develop players who can effectively execute in these situations."
It is no coincidence that the coaches chosen have significant experience coaching and managing at Scotland's biggest clubs, whilst the SFA seeks to align itself more closely with those who ultimately have a greater role in the progress of young players on a day-to-day basis. This contrasts with Gemmill, for example, who neither played nor trained for a Scottish club and therefore had no natural connection. And while player development is the main focus, this new model also creates opportunities and a potential path for young coaches like McCabe. After being thrust into management at the age of 29, whilst still playing for Airdrieonians, McCabe managed to find success, leading the League 1 side to the Championship playoffs whilst playing possession-based football. “There’s a lot of learning and personal development I want to do firsthand,” McCabe said. "Working with Sebastien and people who have been in the game at different levels and have had different experiences. I want to channel that and use it to ultimately become a better coach."
The success of these and other SFA changes to youth football in Scotland can only be judged in the long term. But one thing is certain, they are shaking up the status quo.
What happens next
With this victory, Scotland under-21s hope to build a solid foundation for the season as they prepare for the upcoming challenges. Continuing the offensive style of play and high pressing will be crucial to the team's success in the next competitions. The focus will be on maintaining momentum and developing chemistry between the players, which could positively influence their performance in future matches.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Scotland under-21s and Azerbaijan?
Scotland under-21s beat Azerbaijan 5-2.
How does Scotland U21's victory impact the table or rankings?
The victory marks a positive start to the new era for Scotland's under-21s, but there is no specific information on the table or rankings.
Who stood out in the Scotland U21 match against Azerbaijan?
Findlay Curtis, the young Rangers winger, put in a remarkable performance in the match.
What is the next game for the Scotland under-21 team?
The article does not mention the next game for the Scotland under-21 team.
Who is the new coach of the Scotland under-21 team?
The new coach of the Scotland under-21 team is Tony Docherty.