Cristiano Jr Al-Nassr promotion is currently on the agenda of consideration because Al-Nassr FC is considering a radical long-term development strategy of its youth talent. It is reported that the club is considering the option of including Cristiano Ronaldo Jr in the senior set up as early as next season.
The concept indicates the increased emphasis of Al-Nassr on organized player development and planning of the future squad. According to club insiders, the 15 year old already demonstrates a high technical capability, game awareness and discipline which are not even in his age group. The next measure towards fast tracking his development is training with senior professionals.
His father, Cristiano Ronaldo, also brings attention of the world to any possible promotion. The fact that he is in the club has already made Al-Nassr known internationally and the fact that his son could become part of the senior team is another aspect that is creating interest in the media.
But the club should handle the situation with caution. Though youth-to-senior football transition needs physical preparedness, consistency, and mental maturity, talent is clear. Sources indicate that although promotion does occur, it might start with training integration and not direct competitive minutes.
Strategically, the Al-Nassr model conforms to current trends in football whereby top clubs rapidly promote young outstanding players to senior levels. This enables them to acclimatize themselves earlier to high-pressure conditions and learn how to do it through the experienced teammates.
Should the plan proceed, then it may end up being one of the most followed development stories in Asian football. It would also bring out the fact that Al-Nassr has the ambition of not only competing to win titles but also establishing a long term football identity.
