Better to be in the first division league on the bench, or 2nd division and starter?

[Hosseini]

This is one topic I've been debating for a while. Is it more beneficial for a player to train with better players in a first division team and be benched with 5-15 mins a game coming as sub, or play in a 2nd division and start-finish the whole game?

I understand for a goalkeeper like Davari it's better to start and play in a lower quality league and play the whole game, but for a defender, mid, forward what's the call?

For example - Azmoun. If he went to say the Spanish Segunda and played the whole game, would it help him more? Or staying in Rubin where you have more experienced mentors, better coaches and a higher competitive atmosphere for those 10-15 mins you get off the bench?

Obviously playing in the EPL, Liga BBVA or Seria A would get you more popularity/exposure than in a 2nd division team, although there many pros and cons for each side of the debate.

[Abtin]

2nd division and starter. Look at Masoud, he was a hero in Las Palmas, the perfect example. Of course, only if you can deliver. And also, it differs from country to country, even Spanish segunda division is tough.

My meaning is, you go to 2nd division if you don't get to play more than 10 mins on occasions in 1st division, if you can get full matches and be a hero in 2nd division.

[AminGP]

It really depends on the team and the league. If you're a benchwarmer of a top 1st div team in a top league, then I don't mind our players be there, but if you had to choose between being a bench warmer in Cordoba in La Liga and Las Palmas starter, then I would go with 2nd div starter.

[EKBATAN]

u are never guaranteed a spot on any team. just cuz its 2nd division it doesnt mean they will always play you. so its a risk going to 2nd division and if u get benched then u have no chance at 1st divisions. stay in 1st and prove yourself

[Z Joon]

benched in 1st division except if you start in English Championship or Liga Adelante

[Kiarash]

2nd division and being a regular starter. What's the point of being part of a 1st division team when barely playing?

[Nariman]

There is no clear answer to that. It depends on the player - his status, age, character, motivation and overall the whole situation with the fans/coaches/teammates...

[KC McElroy]

Short term (such as the year before a World Cup) 2nd division is better. You need to stay match fit and be able to get game practice on a regular basis.

[Karimi 8]

I think it depends on the league and which point it is in a players career. If it's a good second division like in Spain and the player is either young and developing or older like nekounam and keeping their form it's a great idea. If it's in the prime years of the player I think it's better to be trying to play in top competition and at least be fighting for their chance to excel

[Hosseini]

Great responses. 2nd division with playing time is more important imo. You can't get better if you don't play in games. Game speed is much different than practice.

[Bi-honar]

^^^ Not to mention that it's much harder to get noticed and picked up by other clubs when you're just sitting on the bench. Hopefully JB will put this question to bed after this season.

[BacheLot]

There is no clear answer to that. It depends on the player - his status, age, character, motivation and overall the whole situation with the fans/coaches/teammates...

true many things factor in..!!
most importantly if he seems settled well and regarded highly in the team..!!
in case of JB, he was well settled in and accepted at NEC and was progressing as expected as a player..!, so i certainly didn't mind it him remaining with the team in lower league..!

Game minutes and consistent action is most vital in development and progress of players although like PK said many other unique things could factor in that decision ..!

[Martin-Reza]

Depends on age. Playing is the most important thing for younger players.

[Doctor DOOM]

^ absolutely

Depends on the country also.
Countries like Germany, Spain, England, Italy, the se one division is just as competitive and tough.
But if it's French first versus second division, I'd take the first div bench over the second div.
If the choice is a second div german league versus top Belgian league, I'd take the german second div any day.

[arseces]

^ absolutely

Depends on the country also.
Countries like Germany, Spain, England, Italy, the se one division is just as competitive and tough.
But if it's French first versus second division, I'd take the first div bench over the second div.
If the choice is a second div german league versus top Belgian league, I'd take the german second div any day.

haven t seen you around for a while , we all missed you brother