AZ Alkmaar: triumphant youth, a golden generation
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read
The AZ Alkmaar training center has established itself as a reference in the Netherlands. After winning the UEFA Youth League, several young talents – including Kees Smit – now form the backbone of the professional team. Development officials explain the secrets of this promising generation and hope to serve as a model for other clubs.
Why it matters
AZ Alkmaar's success in developing young talents, such as Kees Smit, underlines the importance of solid training in modern football. This golden generation, having won the UEFA Youth League, demonstrates that the club is capable of transforming its success into added value for the professional team. This could inspire other clubs to invest in their youth academies.
Key points
- AZ Alkmaar: triumphant youth, a golden generation.
- The AZ Alkmaar training center has established itself as a benchmark in the Netherlands.
- Zeven talents, zeven verhalen: de game grijpt de macht bij AZ.
Paul Brandenburg, head of training at AZ, and Fred Luesken, head of youth recruitment, testify to this success and provide their analysis of the levers that explain the phenomenon. “It’s a journey that we want to see imitated elsewhere,” confides Brandenburg. According to Luesken, the primary criteria when scouting a young player include technical and motor qualities, understanding of the game and the ability to make choices on the pitch. “These are aspects specific to AZ’s identity,” he insists. The case of Kees Smit is emblematic: “He has always excelled in these areas. »
Image
Brandenburg also remembers a memorable memory: “I still have a video of Kees when he played with De Foresters in U8. What he showed at that age was exceptional: his playing intelligence, his sense of teamwork, his vision. Such qualities are rarely brought together so early. » He adds that if the club's merit is real in the structuring and support of young people, certain exceptional talents would have broken through whatever the context: “Even if the lady in the canteen had trained him, he would undoubtedly be as far away today. His feet do what his head imagines, and in his head, there is already all football. »
AZ Alkmaar is therefore establishing itself as a pioneer, capable of permanently establishing its young pearls in the first team, a dynamic which already inspires numerous followers in the Netherlands and even elsewhere in Europe. This success also underlines the choice of a long-term vision, based on stability, intelligence in recruitment and the concern to nurture local talent.
At a time when the majority of major clubs favor costly external recruitment, AZ offers an attractive counter-example: banking on its training center to build its future. The exploits of their Youth League promotion now serve as a benchmark, and they intend to continue to fuel the high level with their nuggets.
The rest
With Kees Smit and other young talents integrated into the first team, AZ Alkmaar are well positioned to continue to compete at the highest level. Training managers Paul Brandenburg and Fred Luesken hope this approach will be adopted by other clubs, which could change the dynamics of Dutch football. Smit's performances in Youth League football competitions could also attract the attention of other teams across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What was achieved by the young people of AZ Alkmaar?
AZ Alkmaar's youngsters have managed to turn their success in the UEFA Youth League into real added value for the professional team.
Who confirmed the success of the training in AZ?
Paul Brandenburg, head of training at AZ, and Fred Luesken, head of youth recruitment, confirmed the success of training within the club.
Why is this achievement important now?
This success is important now because it demonstrates the ability of the AZ academy to produce players
high-level s who can contribute directly to the professional team.
What are the characteristics sought in young players?
Primary criteria include technical and motor qualities, understanding of the game and the ability to make choices on the pitch.
What changes have been made to the AZ academy?
The AZ academy was structured and supported to better develop young talents, which made it possible to achieve a level of excellence.