The danger of too much too soon for Luke Shaw
At just 18-years old, Southampton and England left-back Luke Shaw is on the verge of one of the most memorable summers of his young life. If it was not thrilling enough for the teenager that he is with the national team in Brazil for the World Cup after beating out England legend Ashley Cole, reports are surfacing that the player could be on a 160k-a-week deal once his move to Manchester United is completed. While he is no doubt enjoying life, is it just all too much too soon?
Let us be frank on the matter, shall we? In the grand scheme of things, Shaw does indeed have a very high ceiling of potential. His season at Southampton this year was fantastic, propelling himself up the hierarchical chain of left-backs in the Premier League to the point where many now consider him one of the league’s best. But, have we all forgotten that it was just one season?
Shaw’s pre-World Cup appearances during England’s friendlies have shown that he is not truly ready for the highest level. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Shaw first put himself on the league radar the season prior, making 25 appearances for Southampton and looked promising. This season however, it was his coming out party – 35 appearances while being a key component to the Saint’s impressive spells of football under the now departed Mauricio Pochettino. Very solid at the back, deceptively fast, not afraid to get stuck in, has an eye for a pass and is even decent on set pieces. But, again, let us stress, that he is only 18.
The danger with Shaw however, comes two fold. First, in being that he is just only 18, having a massive club like Manchester United come in and offer him a 160k/week wage packet is just a bit over the top. Sure, things like this happen in countries like Spain and Germany as well, but not for this sort of money. To put this into perspective, should Shaw confirm his move to United, he will be getting paid substantially more than Bayern Munich’s David Alaba (21), who is widely regarded as the best left-back in the world currently. Despite the three year age gap, Alaba has won 10 trophies in three seasons in Bavaria, but only recently signed a huge contract extension – before that? He was only on 40k/week.
What’s the difference between the pair of them? Alaba has been proving himself in not only the Bundesliga, but in Champions League as well as for the Austrian national team – he has met high expectations with even higher results. Shaw however, will be given a massive wage packet on the back of not much at all. Both will have first featured prominently for a huge club at the same age (18), but Shaw will begin his tenure at United with a contract that is four times that of what Alaba had. So, what’s the trend? It’s all about the mentality of dealing with expectations.
Is Shaw worth more than David Alaba (center, behind)? Not a chance. Mandatory Credit: Matthias Hangst/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
The difference in mentality in England compared to other countries? In England, clubs will pay huge sums of money to a young player for what he may be able to do in the future. In other countries, they will pay a decent sum to a young player and then once the he proves himself, they will offer him an extension befitting his contributions and growth.
The second dangerous aspect in how Shaw is currently being handled, apart from the money that is set to be invested in a player who is unproven on a bigger stage, are the expectations being set for him. I admit I applauded Roy Hodgson selecting Shaw over Cole for this World Cup as he attempts to ring in the changed at the international level, and begin the changing of the guard. But the more I think about it, was this truly the right call?
The case to bring Shaw to Brazil is sound – expose him to the national team to get him comfortable with the set up so that he will be ready for the Euro qualifying campaign. After all, England do need fresh young blood in the camp. But the problem with Shaw, is that he has never played with expectations before. He has never featured in Champions League or Europa League at club level, and again it must be stressed, that he is only 18. Like it or not, English players have a history of being overhyped far too early. Granted it is always exciting to see a gifted young footballer shine through in a league that revolves around spending to buy as much talent as possible, but surely the nation has learned it’s lesson by now.
I will put it another way by using the following two examples:
"1. Tottenham were once on the verge of selling 19-year old Gareth Bale to a number of English clubs for just 3million pounds after he failed to live up to initial expectations – he now plays for Real Madrid and just won the Champions League.2. Jack Wilshere came through the Arsenal youth academy to much song and praise but truthfully has stagnated in his development – he has not improved on the pitch in the last two seasons and could see his place in the team under threat this summer."
What do these two stories tell you? That truthfully, a player will either rise to the occasion or hit a wall in their development. The only way to know, is by giving it time.
Is it entirely plausible that Shaw could turn into a sensational find and dominate his position in the league for the next decade. It is also possible however, that in three years time he can putter out and be a 160k/week mistake. I am not saying Shaw should not move to United, a move there can potentially aid in his career reaching new heights. What I am saying, is that when it comes to young players (especially in England), time proves everything.
History loves to givs us examples that lend to the notion that discretion is the better part of valor. In the case of Shaw, perhaps it is better to wait a couple extra years before claiming that he is the best thing to happen to England since coastal radar.