Essential Observation Criteria For Midfield Players
Technical elements to look for when assessing the midfield players.
The requests fell into two camps...
1 - The individual technical ability
2 - The application of the techniques in the game
So here is a quick summary of what criteria I look for when assessing potential players to perfrom in the midfield area and what I use to assess the current performance of the lads who are doing the job for me in that position.
On an individual level the technical ability I look for includes:
* Accurate passing, both long and short
* Receiving and turning under intense pressure
* Shooting, both from distance and close range
* Dribbling for possession and penetration
* Running with the ball at pace for penetration
* Crossing from varying angles and positions
* Heading, attacking and defensive
* Tackling
So on an individual level, there are eight key techniques that I would look for my midfield players to consistently demonstrate. While, a player may be able to demonstrate technical proficiency in the above eight criteria it doesn't necessarily make them an ideal candidate to boss the midfield.
In order to fulfil that role they will need to demonstrate how they can apply those techniques in the framework of the team, during a competitive game.
Since any football game has three phases of play... either your team are in possession, or their not or the ball is loose in transition, then the application of the above listed techniques need to be applied in the context of the team defensively and in attack.
So here is a list of observation criteria that I assess the whole midfield unit on we we don't have possession of the ball.
Midfielders -- Defensive:
Pressing opponents to disrupt their flow
Pressurize the ball carrier
Provide support and cover to team mates and maintain shape
Balance and compactness
Delay the opposition attack through squeezing and reducing space
Provide zonal, man-to-man or a combination thereof... depending on your style of play
Recovery runs to get behind the ball.
Communication with fellow midfielders, defenders and forwards
Midfielders -- Attacking:
Offer support to team mates, both behind and in advance of the ball
Link the play from defenders to attackers
Make runs to exploit and create space for self and teammates
Provide width and depth
Maintain team balance and shape
Make positive forward runs (with or without ball)
Change the flow and tempo of the game... quicken the game up in the final third
Combination play in middle and attacking thirds
Shooting from distance and close range -- finishing!
And finally, when the ball is loose and is in transition your midfield players should be the one's to mobilise and quickly turn defense into attack or visa versa... depending on which team wins the loose the ball.
the easy part is defining what you want your midfielders to be able to do. the hard part is developing coaching sessions to achieve the above. im more than happy to share resources with keen coaches happy to exchange ideas!!
