This video is shows a sensational goal from a youth team.
If we could only score one goal like this in the second half of the season!
There’s some good play here, but we really can match these skill levels. Of course, the defence is on the receiving end of some pressure, but that’s the point. Building from the back draws the other team forward, so reducing the congestion in the middle of the field.
The key to success of this is the movement off the ball. In particular, the diagonal run back from the CDM when the CB is under pressure at about 15s in is critical. Yes, he then plays a rather risky aerial pass, but he’s already rescued the situation.
Everyone moves once they’ve played a pass or when they’re looking to receive. There’s no standing still, and there’s no use of skills for their own sake. Skills are critical to your development, but are only used when necessary.
If you can pass the ball around a defender, you don’t need to take the defender on and beat him.
Edit: Okay, perhaps I was a bit hasty in saying we can match these skills levels… apparently the boys are U14 Ipswich Town academy players. Nevertheless, this is definitely something we can aspire to.