But the fact that exceptions to the rule exists(even if the rule is true) means that future exceptions are possible.
Uhm, yes? I have never stated otherwise. The historical track record was merely a reference, as you may know, history teaches us a thing or two in this world, including football. That hasn't stopped you from blowing it out of proportions since then. I haven't discussed or questioned talents, only the systems which they evolve or not evolve in.
There has and always will be exceptions because of good talent. Victor won't be that exception though, not as a centre-back, not at this level. Don't take it so personal, he's just another professional footballer.
He spent most of his years in Armenia or around that area just like how Lindleof I assume spent most of his years in Sweeden before signining in Portugal. By your reasoning, who is to say that Lindleof's years in Portugal weren't beneficial?
A big reason Lindelof is at United now is
because of his years in Portugal, brought there by his talent, which later was developed, educated and nurtured for this level, mainly in Portugal, in a way that wouldn't have happened in Sweden nowadays. Lindelof arrived at Benfica's youth system in his later teenage years at 18, whilst I believe the optimal age for those type of big moves is around 14–16 years of age, especially if you have that big talent which he supposedly has.
Perhaps it's irrelevant in Lindelof's case, as he used his time at Benfica well. However, I don't think it'll be enough anyway, as I don't believe his talent and abilities will be consistent and good enough for a club like United. And rest assured that it's very improbable he even would have gotten this far, had he not left Sweden for Portugal. What are you still trying to argue on that point.
Natural talent can't be taught. If you have natural talent and have the hard work to take that talent to the next level, anything is possible.
Talented enough for Benfica, but won't be enough for this level, as I've stated in my original post.
I admit my mistake with Auba, but Mkhitaryan was born and raised in Armenia and brought up through that system.
What about Christian Eriksen? Last great Danish midfielder that came up through the Danish system(if my memory serves correct) was Michael Laudrup?
What about Eric Baily? Until he 17 he grew up in Ivory Coast who arn't known for producing elite center backs?
Sadio Mane? Started his career in the Senegalese football academy
Chicharito Hernandez(prime)? Started out in Mexico before coming to United
Christian Pulisic? One of the biggest talentes in the world right now at the age of 18 yet spent most of his years developing in US(where I can account that the academies are trash compared to the worlds best)
Yes, what about them? Also exceptions.
Further down the road, perhaps all those nations' footballing systems will develop talents at a more consistent level. Because, as of now, there is a reason you leave Gabon, Armenia, Denmark, Senegal, Mexico and USA in your early/mid teenage years to take the next step, because the systems in place won't give you the platform to do so.
Take a look at Croatia and Belgium as two fine examples of the contrary. So many top-level players that have emerged from their systems in recent years with levels of progress in their youth systems maintained. And they're not exactly large nations by population either. Croatia is at slightly over ~4 million, and whilst Belgium has more than double that, their ~11 million isn't exactly a gigantic leap from Sweden's recently reached ~10 million, for example. Croatia and Belgium demonstrating that you can produce top-level players, consistently, with a good system, no matter the quantity. Not exactly as if all those 4, 11 and 10 million respectively are all options to be professional footballers either. So there's an even less smaller pool of players than that to choose from and develop. But maybe Croatia and Belgium are just too impressive to use as examples. It's still very admirable work though.
As I said before, if you are good, you are good. The fact that Lindleof is here right now at the age of 22 and was scouted by and rivaled for by many teams proves that he has natural talent. What he did on the pitch got himself here, not his past. So as I said, to suggest that his past is going to determine what he can do in the future rather than what he is doing right now is stupid.
Apart from his talent, his footballing background and education has contributed to him being the footballer that he is
today, just as your past experiences and life events have done the same with you as the person you are today.
I haven't said that it dictates future though. That's down to individual qualities and development from here on out. And for Lindelof, I don't think it will be enough. I repeat: not as a centre-back, not at this level. I hope he proves me wrong though. His performance against Basel showed me nothing that I haven't seen from him before, good or bad. It's same ole Victor.
Also, "scouted by and rivaled for by many teams"… yet it appeared that United was the only club that had genuine, concrete interest in Lindelof. I don't think we would've even signed him if it wasn't for Rojo's long term injury. Rojo, who's good form also coincided with our interest in Lindelof cooling down during the winter transfer window.