Skill wins in soccer, we're just jaded here with this thinking because everybody associates quality soccer with big, fast, and strong players. Players can't outrun quality passes, and a game of time and space isn't always won by fast and strong players. |
"Physicality is most effective when the game is slower. The quicker the ball moves, the more a game is decided by technical ability and game intelligence." - Andres Iniesta |
One of the best midfielders to play the game. |
Is Iniesta on Brave or Union? Is he staying to play for FVU? What year does he play? |
Yep. That said my oldest had to resort to physicality and transition more from the 'finesse, technical game' he grew up playing since I sent him to possession-based/very tactical/technical coaches/clubs. In the US, and esp. college, they only care about physical ultimately (very very very few colleges play any type of possession game). My kid was small until 17 and now at 6'0" 175-180--he is the size of the typical player with many rosters having even larger players. Stanford was crazy big when he played them. He's 18 now. His younger brother has a much, much slimmer build but is very quick and technical, one-touch, center mid. Based on his size alone--I don't see many college prospects for him even though he is probably the better player. It is what it is. |
Everybody will have to just get used to it. American soccer is a bubble that isn't exposed regularly to international soccer, we have what we have and until either the game is aligned with FIFA here or more clubs move beyond the physical play, things will remain the same.
Quest for 300. |
Plenty of kids have both the natural speed-size-strength factor and developed soccer skills. |
100% agree |
Christian Pulisic won’t be happy. He got lucky he went to Germany to develop. Otherwise he wouldn’t have Made it here. When this physicality idea changes in the US, the USMNT will win a World Cup. |
You mentioned -VDA 2011 is probably the most overrated team in Virginia. They’re about to be exposed.
What does that mean? |
You mentioned -VDA 2011 is probably the most overrated team in Virginia. They’re about to be exposed.
What does that mean? |
Things are changing though. Just check Washington Spirits roster. Not too bulky as before. |
skill combined with size and speed wins.. messis are rare…. Get over it… tell me you are a parent of an small kid without telling you are a parent of a small kid. Look at the top 20 players in the world.. the average height is around 6 ft.. |
I would add that Messi actually has the size and speed too. Size in terms of being stocky and quite physical if he wants to be. |
They’re all technically gifted but maybe not all big and physical. |