Young players are quickly becoming the most coveted possession of modern football. Teams up and down the divisions are keen to unearth the next ‘big thing’ in order to turn a quick profit, or guarantee success in the future.

But, in a game where instant results are important to keep jobs and a place in your division, where do talented youngsters get their chance? More often than not it’s the Capital One Cup that offers the stage to impress.

With crowded fixture lists, the need for a manager to alter his starting XI is obvious. With league campaigns often being prioritised, rightly or wrongly, domestic cup competitions are open for a little change when it comes to selection. A number of Premier League sides now use the opening few rounds to test new players and see how they cope with the demands of playing at the highest level.

Arsenal have always been one side to adopt this philosophy, with Arsene Wenger’s desire to put his faith in youth often presenting supporters with the chance to gain a first glimpse of their future stars. Many of the Londoners’ recent first-team players owe much to the League Cup, with the tournament’s set-up allowing them to get a taste for regular action and impress.

Wenger is, of course, not the only man to have utilised this opportunity, with multiple coaches from the upper echelons of the English game also taking the chance to hand youngsters the opportunity they need. Such experience can be vital in players’ development, as gaining a feel for the game at the highest level is necessary in building the skills and attitude to compete at the top.

As well as players on the fringes of the bigger teams, those plying their trade in the Football League can also use the tournament as a springboard. Last season saw Bradford’s Nahki Wells really announce himself to fans of the English game with a series of outstanding displays. The Bermudan forward was a key member of the, at the time, League Two side’s squad that reached the final in Wembley, and even netted an important goal against Aston Villa as the last four stage of the competition. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move up the divisions, but has opted to stay to help the club fight in League One. However, in the future he may still secure a big move, for which he would owe much to his Capital One Cup form.

As well as younger players, those on the peripheries of the squad also often get a chance to re-discover their form in the Capital One Cup. Any footballer at any level can suffer a dip in form, and the only way to escape this is through turning performances around on the pitch. This cannot always be achieved in the league, with the weight of expectation at its highest, but cup competition can provide the platform needed.

Aside from the individual, the Capital One Cup can also hand teams the opportunity to gain some success. Taking a break from a disappointing league campaign can be just what is needed for some sides who can launch their season with momentum from cup competitions. Bradford were on the verge of dropping out of the Football League altogether in 2011/12, but have since gone on to move up to the third tier, with their Capital One Cup run last term a major aspect in the feel good factor at Valley Parade.

The Capital One Cup is a totally unique competition, and its individual character has many positive features. It’s often said that anything is possible in the world of football, so this season could be the one that sees the birth of a new star through the Capital One Cup.

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