kaufusi wrote:If this happens, this kid obviously doesn't have the potential that many thought. The dutch second tier really isn't that great, and at 18 he's at an age where his talents should be able to shine in a lower league, but not quite this low. I wouldn't say it is that bad. He turns 18 at the start of August. He is a little more than 3 years younger than Ikonomidis. So going off an age equivalent season 16/17 for Armenakas would be 13/14 for Ikon where he played 19 league and 8 cup games contributing 5 goals in Primavera C ( season stats). Ikon didn't really break out int he Italian youth leagues until his next season (25 games, 18 goals, 2 trophies). Armenakas was a bench player last year and if they accept this loan they probably see the Eerste divisie as better than Primavera B (Primavera broken into geographical regions B doesn't indicate a tier in any way). If he does this loan then played next season for Udinese youth then in 2 years was looking for senior football in Serie B he would be on a similar trajectory as Ikon. This is not to say we should be getting hyped about this move as Ikon really did have an amazing 14/15 where stepped up massively and youth loans like this are no indication that players are going to make it but I do think this is a fine move and should give him some good experience. Looking at the Eerste Divisie I agree it is not great but better than most youth football. There are the top 2 Dutch youth sides in Jong PSV (Where Deng will most likely be playing) and Ajax. They are mostly 18-19 year olds with some of the better players moving between the first and second team as the season goes on. Both are top tier in terms of youth for anywhere in Europe and both finished mid table last season. So I would say the large mid table group of the league is at or above any youth teams he is likely to face. The teams fighting for promotion are most likely better than any youth side and the bottom few a little worse. Even against these bad sides he should be getting experience playing against more developed physical players which will help if he gets any chances for senior professional football. Another advantage is if he does well there will be plenty for Eredivisie scouts around.
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