It’s Cool to be Calm

Might just be that, as Elijah goes pretty deep into midfield as well sometimes, particularly when we’re having trouble creating. That might also just be because he sometimes plays like a winger though.

Guess Opponents Move

Always be on the move and watch where your marker is. Vary your movement – run in behind and then come short, or vice-versa. Make your marker feel uncomfortable by running into areas where they don’t want to go. The key is to get a bit of space so you can look for the pass or run with the ball, but once you’ve made a pass don’t sit back and admire it. Look at the Barcelona players: once they’ve released it they make themselves available for another pass.

Staying on the Move

At Europa we work on all different types of passing Moves. If player wants to switch the play with one pass he has to strike through it – technique is more important than power. First you need to get the ball out of your feet, so balance yourself by putting your arm out like you’re striking a shot and then hit through it. Practise by working with a team-mate and pinging long balls to each other.