10 THINGS EVERY YOUNG FOOTBALLER SHOULD ANALYZE AFTER EVERY MATCH

Every match is not only a chance to showcase your talent but, more importantly, a chance to learn. The best players in the world – regardless of level – analyze their performance after every game to understand what they did well and what can be improved. Below are 10 key elements every young footballer should review after each match if they are serious about their development and future career.

1. DECISIONS WITH THE BALL – SPEED AND QUALITY
   Did you make decisions early enough? Were your actions calculated and effective? Analyze:
   – Did you pass at the right time?
   – Could you have made the play quicker or with better technique?

2. OFF-THE-BALL MOVEMENT
   How often did you make yourself available? Did you support your teammates effectively? Consider:
   – Did you show for the ball regularly?
   – Did you create space for others?

3. POSITIONING AND SPATIAL AWARENESS
   Were you reading the game well? Did your positioning help your team? Think about:
   – Were you too deep or too high?
   – Did you cover or support your teammates?

4. DEFENSIVE WORK AND PRESSING
   How did you contribute defensively? Were you pressing with purpose?
   Ask yourself:
   – Did you win back possession effectively?
   – Was your pressing productive or passive?

5. INVOLVEMENT IN ATTACKING SITUATIONS
   Did you create or get into scoring chances? Were you present where things mattered? Analyze:
   – How many times did you get a shot?
   – Did your decisions lead to danger?

6. REACTION AFTER LOSING THE BALL
   What was your response after losing possession? Professionals react instantly – amateurs freeze.
   Ask yourself:
   – Did you try to win the ball back immediately?
   – Or did you stop moving?

7. COMMUNICATION WITH THE TEAM
   Did you talk, guide, and support your teammates? After the match, consider:
   – Was I vocal and helpful?
   – Could my teammates count on me to communicate?

8. RESPONSE TO MISTAKES AND PRESSURE
   How did you handle setbacks? Did you stay focused and calm, or lose control? Think about:
   – Was I able to reset after an error?
   – Did frustration affect my performance?

9. EXECUTION OF COACH’S INSTRUCTIONS
   Did you follow the tactical plan? Did you do what the coach asked? Note down:
   – What was the tactical goal?
   – Did I execute it? If not – why?

10. BODY LANGUAGE AND ATTITUDE
    How did you look from the outside? Did your body language show commitment? Evaluate:
    – Did I look like a leader?
    – Was I setting the tone even without the ball?

CONCLUSION
A player who analyzes every game learns and improves much faster than someone who just plays and forgets. All it takes is a notebook, 10 minutes, and the courage to be honest. Because a career doesn’t depend only on talent – but on consistent self-reflection and hard work.