I haven't noticed anyone really following the curriculum (much maligned as it is)...

Decoupling probably only makes that propensity toward recruiting whoever is biggest, strongest and fastest, over development, even worse...(less drive to develop potentially very talented kids, and mistaking winning for development, etc)

I guess that's why the private academies are so popular...an acknowledgement that the clubs aren't so capable of developing kids... maybe (in a best attempt to be diplomatic)