Alleskönner is the German expression to describe a footballer with contribution to both ends of the field; a player that has the ability to do almost everything with and off the ball. Kai Havertz, who is touted as the next Michael Ballack, plays as an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen and is a bright example of the above mentioned term.

Relentlessly ambitious and commercialized professional clubs recruit thousands of boys into intensive, four‑times‑a‑week training from the age of eight. Their development is of great importance for the clubs as well as their stakeholders. But why is this happening? Is it economically viable to invest in the training of young home-grown athletes, while time is pressing for good results?