Which positions are most in demand

[Anonymous]

Is there generally more demand at certain positions - striker, defender, GK, etc. I realize coaches will always want well rounded players that can play different positions but are there some which are typically more in demand on club teams, or for college recruiting? Similar to how left handed pitchers are sought in baseball.

[Anonymous]

Number 10. Everything runs through te #10.
Attacking Center Midfielder
Finishing ability, Ball holding abilities, Clinical passing in final third to create scoring opportunities, Strong 1 vs 1 in final third, Extremely technical, Makes play predictable through putting pressure on defense and the ability to reset the field.

But that’s like getting Brady, he/she gets everyone around them better.

[Anonymous]

GK

[Anonymous]

I don't disagree that the #10 is important, but so many players actually target that position - maybe because of Messi. It is very important in higher level play to have a good 10 and ideally is one of the better ball handlers, if a club is solid.

Also, in reality, fyi: clubs often put weaker players in midfield to "hide" them in a way. If they are on defense, they may cost you a goal. If they are on offense, they may slow down and accidentally interfere with a scoring opportunity.

What I see as a position many clubs lack is a true, goal scoring forward. Many a team may be able to defend, prevent goals, hold the line, but with all of my children, in watching their own teams and their competition, the younger teams while my kids warm up and the older team as well, most teams run into a scoring problem.

I don't think goals are everything by any means. And I accept a team that struggles to win or score if it's in my DC's developmental interests, but many a team just doesn't have someone who knows how to find the net.

[Anonymous]

quality defenders and if they can use their left foot and play the left side they are golden.

A left side mid with a left foot is probably the best thing but if you have both on the left side who can use their left foot you can really stretch the field while most teams use the right side of the field 80% of the time.

[Anonymous]

PP - I respectfully disagree, I have rarely seen coaches hide weaker players in the midfield. I think they seem to get parked in outside back positions, assuming there's a strong center back or two to defend the goal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP - I respectfully disagree, I have rarely seen coaches hide weaker players in the midfield. I think they seem to get parked in outside back positions, assuming there's a strong center back or two to defend the goal.

No problem. Different experiences perhaps. I've seen it at multiple levels of play for both genders, but as I did point out, if all things are equal and all the players have a respectable level, that doesn't happen. It happens when you have weaker players that need to be given playing time.

To be very clear, that doesn't mean necessarily that a midfielder on a team is that weaker player. It's just a common strategy because you have to put them somewhere, when and if you do have a player that isn't at the level they need to be, but a coach is trying to still give them playing time.

In the old days, that used to be outside backs, but as a PP pointed out, those players have become an integral part of both the defense and the attack, so that's rarely done any more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't disagree that the #10 is important, but so many players actually target that position - maybe because of Messi. It is very important in higher level play to have a good 10 and ideally is one of the better ball handlers, if a club is solid.

Also, in reality, fyi: clubs often put weaker players in midfield to "hide" them in a way. If they are on defense, they may cost you a goal. If they are on offense, they may slow down and accidentally interfere with a scoring opportunity.

What I see as a position many clubs lack is a true, goal scoring forward. Many a team may be able to defend, prevent goals, hold the line, but with all of my children, in watching their own teams and their competition, the younger teams while my kids warm up and the older team as well, most teams run into a scoring problem.

I don't think goals are everything by any means. And I accept a team that struggles to win or score if it's in my DC's developmental interests, but many a team just doesn't have someone who knows how to find the net.

I would rather have a great midfield and okay strikers. A great midfielder makes everyone better and has a huge impact on the game. I have seen good strikers disappear during games because they never get the ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP - I respectfully disagree, I have rarely seen coaches hide weaker players in the midfield. I think they seem to get parked in outside back positions, assuming there's a strong center back or two to defend the goal.

That is rarely done any more. That's what they did years ago. Now, some of the best players I know are outside backs, and some of VA's top recruits play that position.

This discussion though is really about what position is hardest to fill (or that's what I understood). On a good team, all the players are good and all of them are skilled at their position (and even at multiple positions).

College coaches prefer versatility. You also don't want a player to only know one position because when they get to college, the coach may want them somewhere else. If they can't, this often leads to less game time. Or no game time.

[Anonymous]

In my Dc's current club, they focus on a strong defense and a solid top line. The midfield plays more compact. So the outside backs and wingers cover a lot more territory and have a lot more impact on the game. The midfielders are not necessarily key to every play. The outside backs and wingers do a large amount of leg work in setting up plays and creating goal scoring opportunities.

[Anonymous]

your best athletes are your outside backs, most range and can do most damage on a long run

A good striker is often overlooked until you don't have one that can finish.

[Anonymous]

At elite level, it is left back. Left footers are rare, plus this position requires athleticism, good decision making, defensive skills, passing and crossing ability, speed, stamina, ability to handle 1v1s, etc. It is difficult to find all of these qualities in one player.

[Anonymous]

Goalkeepers are always in high demand. It is one of the few positions that require height (CB the other) which immediately limits the pool of players. Then it is hard to find players with the desire and skill to play at a high level. A great GK willl make an average team excellent and has a huge impact on the ability to win games. Name a great international team and you will almost always find a great GK on that team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At elite level, it is left back. Left footers are rare, plus this position requires athleticism, good decision making, defensive skills, passing and crossing ability, speed, stamina, ability to handle 1v1s, etc. It is difficult to find all of these qualities in one player.

True - also with more righties in the world you the left back is most likely to be matched up against the other teams best attacker.

[Anonymous]

For me it’s a talented CAM/CDM with great work rate. Or a left footed leftback that can overload and help diversify the attack.