+xAustralia in general is a very conformist / rules-based country. People with flair, individualism and who act differently are generally ostracized or looked on negatively.
It's a massive generalisation, but I think rings true, if this has any effect on how we produce footballers I don't know...probably minimal but it could make sense.
I also just think we don't have the culture and the kids in the streets playing that breeds this type of footballer. It's all 2500k marketing camps. Which is probably a much more likely reason.
yes mate, for sure there is so many pieces to the puzzle and the times.
Another strange thing with all the football exposure/kids wearing Euro kits etcetc you'd think we'd be heading for that BOOM we/I've been waiting on for the last 30+ yrs but here we are.
Yep $2500/3k wannabee camps, Individual training, seriously what a turn around.
Once upon a time my ol man would struggle to buy me good boots, forget a LFC shirt as a gift OR APIA shirt BUT we as kids would be down the local oval smashing balls, my Mums plants were smashed up at home.
I'm glad I encouraged my 2 sons (31/24) football is the game and they live and breath it as I do, they continously keep goign to kickabouts with mates.
Now these budding fully kitted up and comers have the skills you'd die for then when going into camps they are trained out of their abilty having mimicked CR7/Messi/Neymar or whoever.