u17 FIFA World Cup Shows Bright Future

Big fan here of U17 WC and always try to catch both men's and women's online every 2 years. The last 2 men's u17 WC have been phenomenal soccer to watch. The Japanese women u17 team from 2 cycles ago was some of the most beautiful soccer I've ever seen played, any gender, at any level.

Key take aways for this years 2017 men u17 for me...

1. US Soccer is doing something right with the men's youth. The 2015 u17 were very good...they didn't get out of bracket, but they were closer to the world best than years prior. The 2017s were only a small notch behind the very best in the world at age, and showed sophistication and technical ability (in spurts) on par with anyone. They were only overmatched by the eventual champion England, but I'm sure we will see 3 or more players from this group in future on world stage (full team).

2. If we just have to copy someone...should we look to the "new" England and give up trying to copy Spain or Japan? The English u17s were outstanding. They didn't play tiki taka, but they showed technical, clinical players. Somehow they managed to groom skillful players most of whom were ALSO tremendous athletes. Extremely EFFECTIVE blend of directness and possession soccer. No reason the demographics on display in the English team couldn't work for U.S.

3. I don't know enough background of these players to make any claim about DA impact on our u17s style and level of play. Whatever they are doing appears to be headed in the right direction. Women's u17WC next year will show us where our girls' level stacks up with the world. We have a player pool big enough to put a few totally different types of squads together. Keeping fingers crossed that U.S. womens soccer has their eye on the youth progression of the English men.

If you think about it, post a topic prior to it starting next year for the women & link to where you watch it online. I'd love to see this. Appreciate your insight & thoughts.