There is so much invested in the development of the next Messis and Ronaldos, but the only way for us to find out if they’re capable of playing at the highest level is by throwing them onto the big stage and giving them the chance to have run out against the top teams.

I know that the so-called smaller clubs give the youth a chance to make their debut quicker and more often, and the best of these players then get sold to a big club. But I think the best thing would be if the big boys gave the young kids an opportunity to play in the first team around the stars of today, because then they will see the best return on their investment in the future, and will be able to keep the culture of their club going strong.

Look at Tammy Abraham for example. If the kid can keep this run going, currently on 11 goals for Bristol City, then he should get his chance and play with Hazard, Costa and the rest of the Chelsea stars. Give him a couple of games. Just like a star gets when he’s not performing to his best and needs two or three games to prove himself.

If they come on for 10 minutes or even make their full debut, it won’t be enough. It takes no less than three games in the Premier League to get up to full speed, and that’s what the kids need.

I understand the risk that comes with fielding young players because there is no time to wait about and games need to be won. But you’ll never know if a player is ready if you don’t believe in them and give them that opportunity.

It’s also important for the players in the youth systems if they see a young talent break into the first team and play well, like Rashford has for Man Utd, it gives you belief as a young player that it could be you one day. You can imagine how it would motivate them.

At top teams players should already be motivated by being where they are and wearing that club’s badge – I know that and I heard it over and over while I was at Ajax in my young days. But trust me, when I saw Clarence Seedorf make his debut at 16 I was like hell yes i want to make it too. Not because I was comparing myself to him, but because it made me think that if I keep my head down, work hard, and believe in myself, I’ll be rewarded.

This is what the future needs – more players with the opportunities that Rashford is getting in Manchester. And please don’t forget that this kid has earned his stripes by doing the job week in week out. So you boys work hard, and even harder when no one is watching, because then when they are watching you can make the difficult things look easy.

#mmlove