retired_w0lfpack1

I use the "shotgun" approach, so I've often got a huge amount of youngsters working the ranks.

I've usually got three "decision points" for a youngster:

When he's too old for the U-18s, if I think he's utter naff, he's done.

At the 20-21 range, if he still requires loans down a division and is something like 4th or 5th in line at his position, I'll move him on - especially if I have a younger, brighter player whom he would be competing with.

By age 23, if he hasn't established himself as a regular in my XXII (I rotate a lot ), he's unhappy, won't sign a contract, etc, so I try to offload while I can still get compensation for him.

retired_halfshell69

Age 23 - i've been caught out by some players peaking after, but not too many, if they haven't made it by then, they're on their way.

Also depends on what league you play in - due to the fact england has a U18 league, there is more pressure for a good 19 year old. Whereas italy allows the player to be "youth" until the age of 20.

Although as italy lacks a reserve league, as the player passes 20 he does need to make the step up quickly...

retired_tigerlile

Yeah 23 is about right for outfield players. Some of them will tack on an extra point to most of their stats after that age with very good training, but for the most part they are as good as they will get at 23.

I've seen goalies improve up until like age 28 though.