Our u16 joeys just lost 4-2 to Cambodia. A country who average yearly wage is less than the average NPL fee for a junior player. Everyone is freaking out understandably. 

From a talent development perspective maybe we are looking at this the wrong way.

We are all saying 'what are we doing wrong' that we can't beat Myanmar and Cambodia?' Countries that are poor and have no real football pedigree.
Maybe we should be asking the opposite 'what are these small countries doing right that they can beat a rich, sporting country, Asian cup winners etc like Australia?'

The answer could be that the internet has made elite training much easier anywhere in the world. Kids are doing the same drills, and coaches are learning the same tactics as first world footballing nations pretty much at the same time.

Also it might mean that much of that other stuff we think that is important just isn't. Proper pitches, new boots, European trips for young academies etc....could be overrated. 

Our kids move ahead of theirs after the age of 17 and that probably has to do with money, opportunity and self belief. 

Talent id before the age of 16 although interesting is probably overrated

Just a thought