so what exactly influences the quality of the generated youth players? I've got state of the art youth facilities + academy yet I only get 1 decent player at most per season. does the staff influence the generating in any way, and if so which of the staff members?

Club reputation plays a part too, alongside the quality of your facilities. The bigger the club, the better the youth products.

You have to develop him yourself. Don't let him rot in the reserves.