Millwall's youth team was undoubtedly brimming with talent, but there weren't many options left for Klinsmann and Jansen to choose from.
The issue lay in the players' ages; most of those aged 18, strong and physically mature enough to compete in the Premier League, had already been snatched up by Leeds United. There were still some players remaining, but they were mostly no-names, relegated to the role of mere fillers.
"Van Nistelrooy has left, so we need a striker first."
Klinsmann said this to Nagy while scanning the training ground.
Finding a perfect replacement for a striker of Van Nistelrooy's caliber was unrealistic, but at the very least, they needed someone who wouldn't be too far off, someone who could step up when needed, rather than just filling a spot.
Nagy glanced at the youth players and shook his head, "There's no one suitable here."
In terms of age, there were only two potential replacements for Van Nistelrooy's bench spot, and one of them, Drogba, had already been listed for loan.
Nagy pointed to the training ground in the distance, saying, "David Larmore, 22 years old. He used to shine in Liverpool's youth team but was released three years ago and joined us. Last season, he scored 24 goals in the reserve league. Aldrich has been keeping an eye on him, and I believe he's ready for the Premier League. Coming off the bench should be fine."
Klinsmann wasn't very familiar with this player, so he turned to Jansen, who seemed to be deep in thought.
This once-fallen prodigy had found rebirth at Millwall, but whether he could soar again was anyone's guess.
Jansen furrowed his brow and asked, "He seemed fearful of contact. How is he now? In the Premier League, regardless of size, physicality is a basic requirement."
Nagy replied, "It depends on the role we give him. If we focus solely on physicality, he's not the ideal choice. In training, we've aimed to shape him into a number Trequartista. His technical ability has surpassed that of the majority of technical players in the Premier League. His game reading and overall vision are exceptional; his only weakness is physicality. So, he might not be a direct replacement for Van Nistelrooy, but if we deploy him just behind the frontline as a connector and scorer, he could impress you."
"What's the standard for that weakness?" Klinsmann asked with a frown.
Nagy thought for a moment before responding, "Probably against Premier League's top eight teams' defensive lines with strong physical confrontations. Scoring 24 goals in the reserves shows he can handle general-level contact, and as I mentioned, he doesn't rely on absolute physical strength to make an impact. On the contrary, he's more of a team player; he can't be a fixed tactical point but can be a crucial piece in the complete puzzle."
Klinsmann understood; Larmore was a supporting player who, while not a star, could make the stars shine brighter.
After some further discussion, the trio decided to promote Larmore to the first team for the new season.
Nagy instructed a nearby young coach to summon Larmore from the reserves.
After three years at Millwall, Larmore had emerged from the shadow of his severe injury three years ago. The 22-year-old was lively and full of spirit.
Perhaps due to the fall from grace from prodigy to ordinary player, earning a weekly salary of three thousand pounds at Millwall—less than the starting salary of teams in the lower half of the Premier League—he felt satisfied. Comparing his current situation to the possibility of being stuck in a smaller club, he was immensely grateful to Millwall. Despite having interacted with Aldrich less than ten times over the past three years, he felt deep appreciation for this club and its young manager.
"Coach, what's up?"
Larmore wiped the sweat from his face, completely relaxed, glancing back and forth between Klinsmann, Jansen, and Nagy.
"For the upcoming season, you'll be reporting to the first team," Nagy said with a smile.
Larmore was taken aback for a moment but then casually nodded and asked, "Is that all? Then I'll get back to training."
"Yeah, go on," Nagy replied.
As soon as Nagy finished speaking, Larmore turned and jogged back to the reserve training pitch.
Klinsmann looked on in shock, while Jansen, equally astonished, asked, "Does he not want to be in the first team? Why that reaction? It's as if you just told him the weather for tomorrow."
Nagy sighed, "Adversity helps people grow. Don't let his age fool you; he's more mature than most of his peers. He was a prodigy, and now he feels like an ordinary guy. What he's probably thinking is: So what if I go to the first team? It doesn't mean I'll succeed. That's why he's going back to train."
Jansen relaxed, remembering Larmore's earlier zeal when Liverpool had splurged to sign him. That rapid transition from the heights of success to the depths of despair can transform a young player's spirit.
Klinsmann nodded in agreement, "Right, that mindset is crucial. Let's move forward; with Duff gone, we need to bring in a couple of new players for the first team—better to be prepared."
Nagy turned to look at the youth team and said, "Right now, the young players in the squad are all under 19. With a more demanding schedule next season, they won't be able to carry the team, and their form is hard to guarantee. I'm giving you four players to rotate and assess their conditions. In the meantime, let them play in the reserve league."
Klinsmann and Jansen discussed it briefly. Millwall was currently using both the League Cup and the FA Cup to give players experience, focusing mainly on the league and the Champions League.Having more young players will help avoid being shorthanded in the future when backup players are poached again.
"Which four?"
"18-year-old Joaquin, 18-year-old Vicente, 17-year-old Joe Cole, and 17-year-old Villa."
Jansen was well aware of the playing styles of these players.
It was no exaggeration to say that if Joaquin and Vicente's wing pairing developed as expected, they would become the envy of Europe as a golden duo!
Klinsmann asked earnestly, "Is there anything we need to watch out for?"
Nagy frowned, "Villa may be Spanish, but he's been here since he was under 14. His physical development has exceeded our expectations. Joe Cole is the same. My biggest concern is for Joaquin and Vicente. They possess exquisite skills typical of technical players and must avoid serious injuries over the next five years. In other words, when arranging for them to play in the first team, we need to consider the opponents' strategies. If they use aggressive tactics, it's better to lose than to risk playing them. It's not that they lack courage, but if one gets seriously injured at this age, we might ruin a talent. Training isn't a major concern; the first team's physical training is more intense than in the youth team, which will benefit them."
"You can rest assured on that; Aldrich has always handled this well."
Jansen's response was a relief for Nagy.
Nagy cherished every player in the youth team, but no matter how precious, they had to be seen by the world. He hoped each player leaving the youth team would have a glorious career, whether at Millwall or elsewhere.
Aldrich's decisions regarding player selection had always provided Nagy peace of mind; he wouldn't make reckless decisions. For instance, when facing rugged teams like Wimbledon, Aldrich typically sent a group of muscular players to match their physicality.
"Aldrich said Makélélé might leave within the next two years; I think we should add a young midfielder for the new season, just in case."
Jansen's suggestion was supported by Klinsmann.
Nagy shrugged, "Alright then, you can take 17-year-old Xavi Alonso with you."
As he glanced at the suddenly tense young players, Nagy felt a twinge of pride for them at that moment.
They had been eagerly awaiting this day—the day they would join the first team.
Villa, Joe Cole, Joaquin, Vicente, and Alonso.
Wow, last season, they made history by sweeping the youth league, finishing undefeated with a 90% win rate, winning the Youth FA Cup with a perfect record, and defeating all the elite youth teams in Europe along the way. Almost all of them were set to join the first team.
Along with Carrick, Metzelder, Barzagli, Robinson, and Mexes.
If Millwall winning the domestic double in 1999 was the headline news for the club, then the youth team of that same year was undoubtedly its greatest surprise and hope.
They were hailed by the media as a group of players "shining like diamonds"!
They were regarded as the foundation for Millwall's continued glory over the next decade.
Of course, Millwall needed to ensure that they wouldn't leave prematurely like Robinson.
"The first team surely needs to find replacements for Ferdinand and Mills? Metzelder and Barzagli can handle being backups just fine. Just keep an eye on Metzelder's fitness; he suffered three minor injuries last year. Although the recovery time wasn't long, the doctors advised us to take it seriously."
Nagy had nearly sent every player from the '99 generation to the first team, and he felt no sense of loss; instead, he felt a sense of relief and inner joy.
Being able to supply fresh blood to the first team and developing these promising talents fulfilled his job, leaving him content.
The young players tried very hard at the beginning, but their attention was involuntarily drawn to the three coaches on the sidelines. They saw Larmore being called over to chat for a few words, then walked back to the training ground to continue training, and there was no movement after that. The coaches moved their lips but did not call anyone else, which made the players more anxious.
Coach, pick me!
Pick me!
Tell me I'm heading to the first team as a starter!
"Uh…
I'll even take being a substitute!
As Nagy approached the edge of the training field, all the youth players became tense, their breaths growing shallow, as if they were on the verge of choking.
"Villa, Joe Cole, Vicente, Joaquin, Alonso, Metzelder, Barzagli, come here."
As soon as Nagy's voice fell, the seven players sprinted toward him, leaving the others looking slightly disheartened.
Damn, what luck did they have!
Nagy turned and led these seven to Klinsmann and Jansen.
Klinsmann dropped his smile and said seriously, "Tomorrow is the first team's meeting day. After you finish training today, pack your things. Tomorrow, head to the first team. I'll arrange for the staff to provide you with lockers in the changing room. New season, you are now part of the first team, but whether you get to play depends on your performance and attitude in training. Remember, you're still young. Don't dream that joining the first team today means you'll become a superstar overnight. Only by being grounded can you truly succeed. Got it?"
The seven young faces lit up with enthusiasm as they answered in unison, "Got it."
Deep down, they were utterly thrilled.
They couldn't even wait until the end of training to rush to the first team's locker room, claiming empty lockers without staff assistance, and labeling them with their names. They gathered inside for a group photo, cherishing this milestone moment in their hearts.