Quote Originally Posted by plague View Post
Yeah this is a very good and valid point.

I'd def agree that defending requires more 'coaching' reositioning and technique.

I'd also point to bloke like Pique and Marcello who's technique and ability on the ball are as good as anyone on the planet.
I'd also never be persuaded from thinking that blokes like Iniesta, Messi, Ronaldo could play in the backline of any major team with ease (attitude notwithstanding).

This SAP program is all about developing their 1st touch. That is the first 2nd and 3rd priority.
Theory is that once kids are confident on the ball,they can be positioned anywhere and 'coached' what to do from there (from age 12 onwards).

Messi's goal against Nigeria was nothing more than 3 steps of the 'home program' we all did as kids.
Thigh touch.
Top of the foot touch.
Side foot finish.

Every kid 'can' do that if they practice it enough. These top players dont have special powers.

I can dig that approach.
That being said Marcelo and Pique to me aint that great at the pure art of defending

Yes they very good on the ball actually they exceptional for their positions and playing for NTs and clubs they do they both dont have to defend that much anyway

Put them in shit sides and their defending doesnt stand up enough

You can be a World class defender without really being a world beater on the ball anyway

Vidic Baresi Terry Maldini Chiellini etc

None of them were Xavi Iniesta like on the ball


So our coaching system of this skill acquisition shit is flawed

Yes it will help to create better players in the 7 9 10 11 roles

But it is actually doing **** all at creating World class defenders and DMs and Keepers

By my thinking that is 7 positions that there is no realistic reason why we can not have world class players in

That is 65% of a team FFS


You have a look at the goals the Socceroos conceded in the WC

Nearrly all through basic incompetence on some level
Nearly all we had 5/6 blokes back yet allowed 1/2 players to violate us how they seen fit


No real excuses as to why we continue to be so poor in these areas