Ukrainian striker and AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko is a player that is often forgotten when great strikers are discussed yet he is one we can learn much from. It was unfortunate to see him move to Chelsea in the prime of his career and not produce the same results he did while playing for Milan, however, no matter what, we can always learn from a talented player. Shevchenko’s talent and the number of goals he scored in his career (and counting) must be respected.
It’s obvious that the soccer fan from professional team are passionate but check out the fans in the video below in the under 11 the Lech Cup. The video starts out with simple chanting but quickly escalates into something much more. Remember, we are talking about under 11 boys. This is not the senior teams of Manchester United versus Liverpool or Inter versus AC Milan.
Every off-season should be used to work on your weaknesses. Ask your coach and feelow teammates for feedback as to what areas of your game you need to improve. You may already have an idea which areas they are.
Many players spend a lot of time preparing themselves for a training session and games by improving their diet and changing their lifestyle. This helps them perform at their best. However, many players also forget about how to treat their body post-games. What you eat and drink after a game is just as important if not more important that what you have before a game…
The 4-5-1 formation has become an increasingly established European formation. Coaches and teams alike in Europe have proved it is – if played correctly – one of the most effective soccer formations.
Some of the notable teams that use this formation are:
- Spanish, European and world champions FC Barcelona;
- English Premier League champions and European runners-up Chelsea FC; and
- AC Milan of the Italian Serie A among others.
I once read an article in a local newspaper about a talented young soccer player who was only fourteen years old. He was asked where he’d like to play in Europe and the boy said either Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon. The truth is that this boy was serious.
There is more to being a forward in the game of soccer than just being an attacker or wanting to shoot and score. All forwards in soccer have several unique qualities that separate them from the other positions on the field.
1) Instinct in front of the net: true forwards will have a knack for finding the back of the net. They will be calm when that last touch is needed to score a goal.
Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple.
–Bill Shankly
AC Milan’s Andrea Pirlo is currently the one of the most creative passers in the world. His highlights found all over the internet are a testament to this. One forgets that his teammate, a cultural soccer icon, David Beckham lifted the term “to bend the ball” into the everyday lexicon because of his great passing skills. There’s been movies written about it. Together, they represent the past and the future of passing.
Many players want to be a forward in the game soccer for the obvious reason scoring goals and having the glory that comes with each goal. As you develop as a soccer player you will feel more comfortable in certain roles. You will also begin to see true forwards emerge. Ones that kind find a way to score no matter their speed, size or skill level. When you develop a scoring touch you immediately separate yourself from the rest of your teammates. Remember, the ball is round and anything can happen therefore you must be prepared for any possibilities.