Playing football is great fun. Even better is to be able to play in the position where you can best express your particular abilities! A lot of players start playing in one position and transition into others over the years. Do you know which position is best for you?
For you, football is all about scoring goals! You also need to have a good range of technical skills, be strategic and have the killer instinct in front of the goal, be able to keep possession of the ball so the team can get into its offensive formation and control the game without the ball to create space for your team-mates. Although often the forwards earn the glory when they play well, those who fail to perform well will be criticised just as much as any other player. Your team will be dominated during certain matches and won't score many goals, or even get many chances. In this type of match, you have to play well and be effective with the few touches you do get.
Think you have what it takes? You could be a forward!
Do you have good technical skills, like to see the game in front of you and pass the ball to your team-mates? You might be well suited to playing midfield!
For a midfielder, whether playing in the centre or as a winger, having good vision (the ability to quickly scan the pitch and see potential passes) is essential. They also have to be able to set up the offensive players and switch back and forth between defence and offence. We can all remember a match where our team was dominated and cut in half. When this happens, it becomes clear why it's hard to play your game without a strong midfield. A good midfield must also be able to keep and redirect the ball, which is useful for teams who find themselves dominated. Sometimes, keeping the ball a few extra seconds can give the team the time to get back on track. Finally, this position requires excellent physical conditioning because winning the battles for possession in the midfield requires 100% engagement.
The midfielders (usually numbers 6, 8, 10) must be able to adapt to the flow of the game and switch positions when necessary. We see that currently with the midfielders playing for France—Pogba, Kante and Tolisso/Rabiot—there are often switches between these players.
Already a midfielder? Stick with it - you've found your calling! If not, why not give it a go? You might like it better than any other position.
You are strong and fit. But in today's football, that alone is not enough. You also need to be strategic, be able to read the game and have a good feel for positioning and seeing where things are going. Being able to set the game's pace is also important, but depending on your team's style of play, this skill may not be as crucial (if your club has a slower game strategy, quickly resetting isn't as key). Finally, you can't be afraid to go head-to-head! You need to be able to start hard and get the jump on your opponents right off the bat. Communication with your goalkeeper and other defensive players is also an important key to success.
Does this sound like you? Playing centre-back is a great choice for you!
A good full-back needs to be a good defender above all! Too often, we focus on the offence full-backs offer rather than their defence. But in modern football, full-backs need to be versatile and step in to handle whatever comes their way. They have to have the same skills as a centre-back. Full-backs that can play in the centre are an important weapon in any team's arsenal. This position requires endurance and being able to "sweep" the field for 90 minutes, which isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea!
Have these skills? You could shine as a full-back!
The goalkeeper is a position all its own in football. Contrary to the forwards, they rarely get any accolades but that does not make them any less crucial! Some stops at important moments of the game are as valuable as a goal scored, or even more if it means staying ahead in the game or keeping the score tied.
Being an effective last line of defence requires a host of different qualities. First, you have to be resistant to handle the impacts and be able to defend the penalty area. You also need to have good reflexes. Being able to anticipate other players' moves is also critical - the goalkeeper often has to make split-second decisions to gain an advantage. They mustn't be afraid to take on opponent strikers. The ability to kick the ball in "cleanly" (straight to a team member's feet) whether it be short or long, is another important ability of the ideal modern goalkeeper.
Are you ready to take up the challenge that is the goalkeeper position?
I've been passionate about football since I was a kid, and played with a club for several years. During my career, I was never afraid to attack the opponent's goal. I started out as a right/left midfielder before switching to playmaker and then striker. Nowadays I play with friends and colleagues, and still watch all the football I can.
