However, it is essential that we don't lose sight of the bigger picture of what constitutes a team. This is made up of a number of essential parts that allow the whole thing to function effectively, like an well-oiled machine. Even a team of 11 Lionel Messi's wouldn't be very functional!
I saw a statistic today that was somewhat alarming and runs parallel to the matter of our eternal quest for the next Number 10. Since the Premier League season in 2000, there is a 15% decrease in the number of English centre halves. This is a hugely important matter and should influence our shaping of player development.
So, what does the team at the elite level consist of:
- Leaders of others
- Workers like soldier ants
- Ones with a tall stature that protect the goal
- Physically dominant players that 'allow' others to play
- Skillful players in possession
- Jokers that keep the team together
- Sensible people that keep the team together
- Technical players that can manipulate the ball
- Selfish ones with a desire to score goals
- Older heads that support the youthful exuberance
- Younger and enthusiastic players to push boundaries
- Attack minded by nature
- Defence minded by nature
- Tactical thinkers that understand the game
I'm sure there are more essential roles and you can add to the list within the comments section but we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture. Yes, it's essential we allow the players to experiment through free play and within an environment that expresses creativity and the ability to try new things.
But also don't forget you need players that are going to throw their head in the way to block a goal-bound shot and do all the ugly stuff when we don't have possession to get the ball back. It's the fully functioning team unit that ultimately allows our creative, game winning players to do their stuff.
The question for you as coaches is how do we set up our sessions to ensure we:
a) allow all of these skills to develop?
b) value the importance of these?
c) recognise these in players?
Just a thought...
