Juventus is the only Serie A club with a B team that competes in the Italian league pyramid.
The Bianconeri started their Next Gen squad in 2018 and that has helped them develop the players who graduated from their U19 side.
Players of the stature of Fabio Miretti have gone through the different academies of the club to play in the first team.
His Next Gen experience better prepared him for life in the senior team because he will compete with proper teams in Serie C.
There are much more experienced and tougher players to play against, which helps build character.
Although Juve is an exception in Italy, clubs in Germany and Spain have B teams in their lower divisions.
Sami Khedira and Álvaro Morata went through them and these former Juve players have spoken about their importance.
“The second teams are useful to prepare the senior team. Playing in a second team is having a chance later,” Morata said via Football Italia.
“I think it’s the right step to develop myself, especially at a big club, it was crucial for me.”
Khedira added: “The second team is a transition. Young players need time, and then you have the opportunity to go one step further and play for the senior team.”
Juve FC says
The B team makes life easier for the club in terms of developing talent and it’s great to see Juve now getting credit for their efforts to develop one.
It will serve us well now and in the future and the latest additions to our senior team from the youth side confirm that it is a viable endeavor.
