3 UNEXPECTED SKILLS FOR EVERY POSITION THAT WILL MAKE YOU INVALUABLE TO YOUR TEAM

To become a professional, you must bring more than just the basics of your position. Scouts and coaches look for players who, through their presence, raise the overall quality of the team. Here are the unexpected skills that generate real added value.

GOALKEEPER

1. PLAYING WITH FEET – accurate passing, composure under pressure, being the "first playmaker."

2. GAME MANAGEMENT – slowing down or speeding up the tempo depending on the situation.

3. ORGANIZING DEFENSE – directing teammates before the action develops.

CENTER BACK

1. LINE-BREAKING PASS / BALL PROGRESSION – passes that break pressing lines and open the game.

2. PULLING THE STRIKER OUT OF POSITION – movements that disrupt the opponent’s structure.

3. PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESENCE – communication and authority that give the team confidence.

FULL BACK

1. PLAYING IN HALF-SPACES – moving inside to create overloads in midfield.

2. PRESSING PREPARATION – positioning to provoke mistakes from opponents.

3. OFFENSIVE PLAY AND ASSISTS – creating chances and delivering numbers in attack.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER (6)

1. COVERING CENTER BACKS – protecting them when they step out of position.

2. DROPPING BETWEEN DEFENDERS TO BUILD UP – helping the team progress from the back.

3. ANTICIPATING SECOND BALLS – always being first to loose balls.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER (8)

1. LINE-BREAKING RUNS OFF THE BALL – movements that open space for teammates.

2. KEEPING TEAM RHYTHM – knowing when to play one-touch and when to slow the tempo.

3. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – adding energy that fuels pressing and transitions.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER (10)

1. PRESSING THE OPPONENT’S DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER – cutting off the rival’s “brain.”

2. CHANGING TEMPO WITH ONE TOUCH – accelerating the game with simple decisions.

3. ARRIVING AS A STRIKER FROM SECOND LINE – finishing actions like a number 9.

WINGER

1. MOVING INSIDE TO FREE SPACE FOR FULL BACK – playing for the team, not just individually.

2. DEFENSIVE WORK – tracking back, pressing, and supporting the full back.

3. MASTERING OFFSIDE TIMING – perfectly timed runs behind the defensive line.

STRIKER

1. PRESSING AND CUTTING PASSING LANES – starting the team’s defensive effort.

2. WALL PLAY – receiving and laying off passes at the right tempo.

3. CREATING SPACE FOR OTHERS – intelligent movements to open gaps for midfielders.

SUMMARY
Your goal is not to do what is obvious. Your goal is to add elements that make the whole team play better because of you. These skills – not always flashy, but invaluable – decide whether a coach will trust you at the professional level.