Darren Wassall has praised the work that Germany has done in recent years when it comes to youth development in football as his Derby County’s Under-23s prepares to take on one of their leading club’s Wolfsburg this evening.
The Rams kick off their Premier League International Cup campaign off by against Die Wölfe at Pride Park Stadium and the club’ academy director says the fixture poses a ‘great challenge’ to his young players.
Wolfsburg kicked off their International Cup campaign by beating the reigning Premier League 2 champions, Everton, 3-1 in Southport.
Ahead of the game, Wassall took time out to discuss Germany’s commitment to youth development.
He told RamsTV: “Germany have been at the top of world development, whether that is youth or first team, for decades now.
“The Dutch are very competent in terms of their technique and tactics, but the Germans are now a step ahead of everybody.
“Wolfsburg will be a very tough game for us, but we don’t feel inferior to any team we come up against.
“We do have to concentrate on what we are good at. It’s a great challenge for both teams, but we know that if we perform to the heights that we can then we are a match for anyone.”
The Premier League International Cup gives Derby’s young players exposure to a different tactical and technical match that the otherwise wouldn’t get.
Wassall’s side will also face Dinamo Zagreb during their group campaign.
“I’m a great believer in giving the players as many different options when it comes to their playing experience as possible,” the club’s academy director added.
“Over the last few years, not only have they gone on European tours, they have also played in the Premier League International Cup.
“Last year, they had the chance to face Benfica and PSV Eindhoven and both games were very difficult.
“Tactically and technically they were very good and not just for the players, but for the coaches, they were two great experiences.
“We didn’t manage to get past the group stages, but I was impressed with how the players acquitted themselves against such opposition.
“The standard in the International Cup is very high and we’re expecting nothing less this year too. It’s challenge that we are, once again, really looking forward to.”
