If the Sounders want younger talent they should turn to Chile.

In the mid 2010s Chile looked one more step away from winning the countries first ever world cup. Elite talents like Bravo, Vidal and Alexis Sanchez the golden generation of Chile of course accomplished more during this time than they had before in their countries whole history. While they never made post the Round of 16 in the World Cup. For the 1st time in the countries history they both won the countries 1st ever country but also their 1st ever back to back Copa America's in 2015 and 2016. Then made the semi-finals in the 2019 Copa America. And even finished runners-up in the last ever FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia in 2017. Now they're 2 spots out of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup which has expanded to having 48 teams instead of the previous 32.

So what happened, it's early easy to dismiss a generation like that as lightning in a bottle that wasn't suppose happened and won't again. Plus being helped by excellent managers like Pizzi, Bielsa and Sampaoli. But we learn and find out more by asking questions so is that really the case or did Chile do something that helped the nation produce amazing talents and if so, what caused them to stop? Well let's find out.

In 2005 Chile experienced a wave of privatization was implemented due to many of Chile's clubs even some of their biggest and most successful such as Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile were in very hard times. The generation of Vidal, Bravo and Alexis Sanchez was the last generation before this wave of privatization. During a time the FA had more of resources then it ever had and poured it into youth development. Which is why Chile's golden generation rose from the ashes of 1 of the oldest but most underachieving countries in South America. It was also the last generation to have such heavy focus on youth development ever since.

After the wave of privatization owners decided not to put their resources into youth facilities and instead decided to buy older players mostly from Argentina on high wages. This worked as a short term solution to many of the financial problems the Chilean league and soccer in general were facing. But because it worked so well most clubs haven't been willing to move on from that strategy. This has left youth facilities in Chile to be left with little care and investment. And what little talented youths make their way through the depleted ranks. Don't get any playing time, certainly not enough to develop into their full potential. And that's where the Sounders could come in,

As established it's not that Vidal's and Alexis Sanchez's have disappeared it's that they are not being properly nurtured. So why don't we propely nuture them? The Sounders could find and develop the next great Chilean superstar that won't be given playing time in his own country so instead we could give him playing time in the country that right now has Lionel Messi and will always have New York City. Then if he does turn out to be the next Vidal we could sell him for good money to some big 5 European team and invest all that money back into finding a replacement and then the rest of the squad. Perfect strategy.

One potential next Vidal the Sounders could snatch is 20 year old Bruno Jáuregui. He's played a total of 16 games for Union Española a team in the top tier of Chilean soccer and he's worth 350k pounds for a reason, which believe me is a high price for a Chilean prospect nowadays. His teamwork, work rate and position all show the makings of a great CDM with the right development path. Aided by a great mentality full of aggression, bravery and a determention to become better at the sport of soccer. The Sounders could snatch him for cheap right now and develop him into the bedrock the defense needs to free up the playmakers to do their thing. Then sell him for a high, high price in a few years. As for what Chile does to help it's own prospects.

You don't need to get rid of the privatization but instead work with it so to say. Have government reps explain how clubs in the likes of Brazil, France, Netherlands etc. make a lot more money by developing and raising the value of young players. And that could give them deeper runs in continental competitions which could also get them more money.

And incentivize them by having each young Chilean player they produce and gets first time minutes means the less tax the cubs have to pay, same thing with each Chilean player they produce playing and being called up to the National team. And have them especially get big tax cuts if they sell a player to one of the top 5 leagues in Europe directly. With all the money they're saving by producing young players most owners would use the money to help develop more young players so they can save more money.

Plus with all the uni teams they have playing top division in Chile have a rule that says uni teams can't sign players over 25 and outside of Chile and have them (if they don't already) offer scholarships to players to go to uni while playing and being paid by the team ala American college sports. So that even if tides turn there's still a few teams that'll always be developing Chilean talent. Thanks a bunch for reading!