Modern football require players to be versatile if they to make it.
Talent, the most important commodity for football players is a requirement. BT for it to succeed and blossom, it was must be nurtured at early age through proper developments elements essential to get the best out of the player.
The technical, tactical and mental part of a player form a great platform to launch him to greater things. And that is where a coach can spot of the player will be a good prospect in playing in a variety of positions.
The ability to play as a winger where u will be expected to players on and bring in crosses for strikers to finish off, also means the ability and desire to defend.
That is why players like Brice Moon of Martizburg United is able to play as a wing-back and a winger because of his ability to defend and attack too.
Happy Jele & Thabo Matlaba Oupa Manyisa, Lucky Lekgwathi of Orlando Pirates is another example of a player versatile to play in a number of positions. And having had the luxury of working with him every time I’m being called to help the team either as an interim or permanent coach, he has been marvel. That is the reason why putting a player like him on the bench is a no to coaches because he offer more than one option. He can also play as a goalkeeper and such talent comes from early development teachings.
Such versatility helps the player not only at his club but for the national team too.
Elements such as a player with or without the ball are important if versatility is to be the key whether it’s defense, midfield or attack
That is why the technique has to be worked out from an early age to nurture and help the player become a great asset.
Demonstration, execution, correction good guidance and proper structures are make great young players to becoming stars.
Development is not about 11vs 11 but sometimes you need to work on individual players to help them becoming good players.
Players should not be made robots because if they are allowed to be like that they don’t develop well and that kill their versatility.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is a example of a player who can play dual positions hence it becomes difficult to man mark him. His counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is another who can play as a winger and a central striker hence his record speaks for himself
My message to coaches especially development coaches, is to give players a platform to keep their versatility and that will make them great mentors. This topic is one of my best as I work and encourage young players to play in different positions if they are to make it in modern football.
See you next week to continue share the beautiful game
Prof: Augusto Palacios
