AFC Bournemouth's development squad has thrived recently in the Professional Development League, climbing to a third-place finish in their inaugural season at that level.
One of the shining lights within a vastly impressive side has been Balraj Landa.
Aged just 19, the forward has been instrumental. Playing behind the striker and out on the left, Landa secured 15 goal involvements in 22 starts in the 2023-24 season.
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The Beginnings
Starting his football journey with Southampton at just eight years old, Balraj progressed right through the Saints' youth system until he was released at age 14.
Following that, Landa was examined by Reading, Bournemouth and Oxford United.
No move came to fruition, and at this point, lockdown arrived.
Discussing what it was like to endure such an isolated time with no team attachments, Landa said: "Going through lockdown without a club was tough."
With no clubs opening up for trials, the youngster had to consider his career in the game.
"I had no plan or programme to follow and had to keep myself fit and sharp without the help of a club in what was a strange time for everyone," he said.
When asked about how it felt to receive many rejections, Landa was reflective.
"Being rejected by any club, whether it’s a trial or a release, it’s always a tough time, especially as a young footballer."
His rejection from now-Championship side Oxford United was particularly difficult.
"After being rejected by Oxford United, it was really difficult to continue playing football with the same drive because ultimately you think you're not good enough," Landa said.
The former Southampton academy player eventually found himself back in the county of Hampshire.
This time, it was with National League outfit Eastleigh. As a 17-year-old, he spent a year and a half playing with the Spitfires, culminating in an impressive performance against Yeovil Town in the FA Youth Cup.
His three goals in this game were clearly enough to convince the Bournemouth scouts to invite him back, three years later after their initial trial offer, and have a second look.
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Second bite at the cherry...
Landa went on trial for Bournemouth again, and at age 18, signed his first professional contract.
When asked what he felt was different about his tryout compared to the failed attempt a few years prior, Landa said: "I think the importance of the style of football, wanting to win and train at the highest standard every session was more evident and therefore encouraged me to keep my standards high."
Landa cited his desire to "really prove” himself as a key reason for his acceptance into the academy set-up at the second time of asking.
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Views on the 2023/24 season
This season, the Cherries' Development Squad (U21s) finished third in their first season as a Professional Development League outfit.
This level of youth football sees the Dorset side take on teams such as Ipswich, Watford, Swansea and Millwall.
The latter won the league, finishing eight points above the Cherries, who finished level on points with second-placed Swansea.
Speaking on the season just gone, Landa was content.
"My thoughts on the season are really positive. For my first year back in academy football, I personally thought I adapted well, the experiences and opportunities that I received have been beneficial," he said.
Landa also offered plenty of praise to his teammates.
"To be part of such a great team is a privilege. I personally learnt a lot from this season and [am] looking forward to next.”
After a very successful season, Landa spoke on the qualities his team possesses.
“This year’s team is very special, and what we’ve achieved playing in Category 2 is impressive. Also, how well we did in the Premier League Cup, topping our group against very good teams provided us with a great feeling. Hopefully, they’ll be more of the same next year.”
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Playing under highly-rated Connell
This talented set of young players is managed by Alan Connell, who was appointed as head coach of the Bournemouth Development Squad in January 2023.
However, Connell is no stranger to the Bournemouth setup, having been tasked with leading the U18s side for over five years.
Prior to being a coach with the Cherries, the centre-forward lined up as a player for a total of five seasons.
The former Grimsby and Swindon star has helped oversee the nurturing of some of the south coast’s best talents, such as Jaidon Anthony, Jordan Zemura, Aaron Ramsdale, Mark Travers and most recently Dom Sadi, who came on for his Premier League debut in a 3-0 victory over Brighton in April.
Connell has consistently received great praise and clearly has a bright future as a manager.
Landa, who has played under his guidance for just a season, said: “He’s a great manager and I’ve really enjoyed playing under him. Alan and Tom Prodmo (his assistant) have been great for my development. I feel without them in charge, our team wouldn’t have achieved what we managed to do this season.”
Clearly having a significant influence, the duo of Connell and Prodomo had setbacks to manage early on in the campaign.
Landa said: “Even after the early setbacks, they still had faith in doing the right things.”
With an eye on the future of his players, Connell sets his side up to replicate what Andoni Iraola does with the first team.
This is something that Landa relayed.
“In the development squad, we try to emulate how the first team play because when we do get called up to train with them, we understand the way they want to carry out their football in and out of possession. It’s easier for us to fit in and adapt to the standard,” he said.
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Moments of the season
Landa had a number of personal highlights in the 2023-24 season.
His favourite goal came against Swansea in the league.
“We were a goal down in a big game and right on half time I managed to get on the scoresheet.”
”My best goal this season [however] would probably be one I scored against Leeds in the Premier League Cup, as it was something we worked on in training, trying to get in behind and then get numbers in the box, which we did."
There have been many impressive backdrops for the Development Squad too.
“The best stadium I’ve played at would be Portman Road or St Andrews. Both stadiums have a lot of history, and it was a real privilege to play there," Landa said.
However, the Bournemouth man was delighted with his experience of playing at the Vitality Stadium.
He said: “It’s always special to play at the Vitality, because of the fans and the people that come to watch.”
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Training with Premier League stars
After impressing in the youth ranks, Landa was given the opportunity to train with Andoni Iraola and his first-team squad last season.
"It’s a great experience to train with the first team, to see how they prepare for Premier League games. Of course, the standards are no surprise and just the overall quality is top all around."
One of Balraj's key takeaways from those sessions was the importance of preparation.
This included the high demands of the Premier League "in must-win competitive games, which is slightly different to U21 football where there is still an element of development."
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Aspirations for next season
It's set to be an exciting season both on and off the pitch in the 2024/25 campaign.
Landa opened up about his aspirations for the near future.
"Next season for me personally I would like a loan," he said.
"But ultimately, [my aim is] to get more games and minutes in whilst still scoring goals and performing well."
Looking beyond his personal aspirations, when asked about what the development squad have their sights set on, Landa responded: "As a team, we want to go one better, which would be to get into the play-offs and win the league.
"We also want to do well again in the Premier League Cup and get the chance to compete in the best stadiums."
Still in his formative years as a pro, the youngster has big dreams.
"My goals in football are to sustain a career playing at a high level. I want to play in the Premier League, and hopefully have as many positive experiences and opportunities as possible."
