Mehdi Tartar, the head coach of Persepolis, achieved a 3-1 victory over Naft Abadan in the eighth week of the Iranian Premier League by using Pouya Asami, a 17-year-old. This action reflects Tartar's new approach towards youth development in the team.
Use of Young Players
Pouya Asami, who is considered one of the players from the Persepolis academy, became one of the youngest players in the club's history in the Premier League upon entering the field. This is significant as it not only shows that Persepolis values its youth, but also that Tartar believes in the growth and development of young players.
Starting Lineup and Average Age
Although Persepolis has undergone significant changes this season, with the team's average age reaching 26, the starting lineup is still not young enough. Tartar knows he must gradually integrate young players into the starting lineup to elevate their performance level. For this reason, he gives more opportunities to young players in the second half of matches to familiarize them with competitive conditions.
Tartar has taken a different approach compared to Amir Ghalenoei, who does not believe in youth development. Ghalenoei usually adds only a few young players to the national team roster without giving them playing time. However, Tartar provides opportunities for young players, allowing them to gain experience and become valuable players for the team in the future.
Differences in Tartar and Ghalenoei's Approaches
By using young players in the team lineup, Tartar fosters internal competition. He knows that if experienced players become complacent, motivated youth can take their place. This approach helps increase motivation and competition within the team and can lead to greater success for Persepolis.
Ultimately, Mehdi Tartar has shown through his approach at Persepolis that youth development can be an effective strategy for the success of football teams. With a proper understanding of the team's and players' needs, he aims not only to bring young players into the starting lineup but also to give them the opportunity to play in critical situations and gain experience.
