BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger emphasized the importance of talent identification during a visit to China on Tuesday, saying strong infrastructure alone is not enough to guarantee the successful development of young footballers.
Wenger joined a FIFA delegation at the National Football Youth Training Center in Beijing, where he was introduced to China's five-tier youth academy system. The Frenchman hailed the facilities at the center and said they provide an important foundation for long-term football development.
"The facilities are great here. If you want to create the potential to develop football, you need to start with the infrastructure. China on that front is doing very well. The next step is to find the good players and develop them well," Wenger said.
The 76-year-old, who earned a reputation during his 22 years in charge of Arsenal FC for nurturing young talents such as Cesc Fabregas, Nicolas Anelka and Jack Wilshere, said identifying talent remains the most important step in the development process.
"We always say the same: find the players, train the players, play the players," he said. "The first step is very important because you see the young kids there, you have to detect the talent and give them a chance to develop."
Wenger added that FIFA had a responsibility to help countries improve youth development systems and talent scouting.
"FIFA has the responsibility to help the countries to educate the young players. And that's why I'm here, to help every country in the world develop the potential of their young players," he explained.
Nicknamed "Le Professeur" during his managerial career, Wenger also pointed to the age of 14 as a decisive stage in many young players' development.
"14 is an important age because until 13, every young player dreams of being a professional football player. Then the first selection comes and some are confronted with the fact that it will not work," he said.
"One very important part of a top player is to keep consistency in your motivation and to be ready to improve every day.
"The progression of a football player has ups and downs. When it doesn't go as well as you want, you have to keep the focus and the motivation."
Wenger, who left Arsenal in 2018 after winning three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups, said he continues to follow the north London club closely.
With Arsenal holding a five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race and reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2006, Wenger backed his former club to complete a league and European double.
"I believe Arsenal will win the Champions League and the Premier League, it's as simple as that," he said.
"The Champions League final is always very open, 50-50. And in the league, Arsenal is in a very strong position." ■
