logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
11m 4s

If You Want To Be A Great Soccer Player ...

The Soccer Specialist
About this episode

I'm saddened and frustrated by how I often I come across the "my 8 year old is an attacking mid, my 9 year old is a keeper, my 7 year old is a striker..." stuff.

99.9% of "Elite" youth players in America can't control the ball at their feet or check their shoulder! Your 11 year old is NOT a position!

Please don't worry so much about what position your young player plays (when they are young they should play them all anyway). They need to become soccer players, not strikers, or wingers or attacking mids. Who knows where they will be needed or wanted when they are older, trying to play at a higher level. They should be developing as soccer players, NOT soccer positions!

Come on inside and learn WHY this is important and HOW it can help you become an even better player!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesoccerspecialist/message
Up next
May 26
Building Confidence By Understanding How Parents and Coaches Approach Soccer Games and Practices Differently
Building confidence is hugely important to every player’s development. Without a focus on building confidence to go with physical skill development you’ll never become the player you want or deserve to be.But there are some key obstacles most players face during their development ... Show More
10m 25s
Mar 2025
Why Avoiding Pressure May Be The Worst Thing You Can Do For Your Soccer Development
Pressure has become a bad word lately. Parents shouldn't pressure their athletes to train on their own. Coaches shouldn't pressure their players to perform to the best of their ability and push their limits, helping them get out of their comfort zone. Is this really the best way ... Show More
6m 28s
Mar 2025
How To Become More Aggressive And Take More Risks On The Pitch
So many players avoid taking risks on the soccer pitch. Let's talk about the reasons why this happens and how to fix them so you can perform better on game day without the stress. 
8m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2023
#173 Inside Europe's Most Demanding Football Academies
The European Football youth academy system is super complex. The world's biggest clubs are recruiting kids as young as 8 years old, promising them elite training and a chance to earn millions as a professional. So today's podcast breaks down how these academies work, what a typic ... Show More
21m 47s
Nov 2022
Inside the USA's football culture
The USA will travel to the World Cup in Qatar with the youngest squad of the tournament. After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the team went through a massive overhaul. DeAndre Yedlin is the last man standing from the squad who went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.The USA now ... Show More
27 m
May 2020
The Preview Show: The Bundesliga’s return is confirmed, Iniesta babies and Goal 4?
Football is BACK! In Germany. On May 16th. The Bundesliga have confirmed their plans to resume the competition, not without some controversy, and we’re all looking forward to seeing some live football again.  Away from that actual news we have a very salty show today, inspired by ... Show More
44m 21s
Jan 2024
Falling Out With Mourinho, The Top 10 Most Valuable Players & A Salad XI
What made José turn a little cold towards Gary? Can Alan and Micah name the Top 10 most valuable players in the world right now? And who gets into a Salad XI of footballers?The boys also discuss whether Antoine Griezmann is one of the most underrated footballers of this generatio ... Show More
45m 55s
Jun 2021
The Pure International Football XI
The Athletic's Adam Hurrey, James Maw and Michael Cox warm up for the Euros by selecting a team of players who are most disproportionately known for their international exploits, from Mexican goalkeepers to 100-cap right-backs, a controversial Croatian, cult playmakers, an Englis ... Show More
56m 43s
Mar 2021
That Entourage Episode
Crouchy and the boys discuss the key players in a footballer’s entourage. From mates on the payroll to family members helping out, you’ll hear about it all. Plus the vital role of a ‘Player Liaison Officer’ is finally given the credit it deserves. What would footballers do withou ... Show More
47m 35s