Football lovers all around the world dream of having a superstar turn up at their local 5-a-side. Some of us may think differently, but having any player who has played the game professionally appear would no doubt improve your team’s chances. It may not look like the centre-back from your local League Two side would be better than you, but everybody knows that’s not the case. However, there are some players who are more suited to the small-sided game. In this article, we’ll discuss three types of players who have learned their skills playing 5-a-side.
The Composed Keeper
Staying calm as the last line of defence is easier said than done. Any mistake is nearly always punished with a goal, while there is constant pressure to concentrate as play goes on at the other end of the pitch. Having someone composed at the back can bring a sense of calm to other players too.
For an example of this, look no further than two Brazilian goalkeepers who have been at the top of their games for the last five or so years. Models of consistency: when it comes to the basics, Alisson and Ederson combine making saves look easy and having the ball at their feet look simple too. Easily among the best passers in their respective squads, they can play the ball short or long and can definitely play outfield if called upon. Of course, Ederson isn’t the only high-profile goalkeeper to play outfield. Jorge Campos, a Mexican goalkeeper who played for the national team in the 90s used to try his hand outfield. While sticking in the Americas, Rogerio Ceni and Jose-Luis Chilavert used to leave their post to take attacking free kicks
The Calm Midfielder
This is a player in the mould of Gini Wijnaldum, the former Liverpool star, or Cesc Fabregas, the Spanish legend who carved out an ultra-successful career playing for Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea. Both players and the many others like them, were unflappable in possession and the heartbeat of the teams they played for in a position that is arguably the most important.
The calm midfielder is never rushed, no matter how little time it seems they have on the ball. They can lift their head up, control the ball, and do what they want. They very rarely lose the ball and seem to be a step ahead of everyone else around them. Constantly looking around and creating pictures in their heads of what’s going on, the calm midfielder can slow the game or speed it up depending on their mood.
The Tricky Winger
The tricky winger is most comfortable with the ball at their feet, running at whoever has the misfortune of being in their way. The most obvious example is Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime, most notably at Manchester United. At the age of 39, he is still going strong, competing both nationally and internationally and continuing to confound bookies’ expectations. For example, top-rated PayPal casino and bookmaker sites will offer odds on markets like top goalscorer or the winner of the Ballon d’Or, markets that a player of Ronaldo’s age should have no place in. His game may have changed, but he remains one of the best players in the world.
Another example of a tricky winger is someone like Luis Figo, an icon of the 1990s. Gracing both Barcelona and Real Madrid in one of the most successful football careers, he has won the Ballon d’Or once and is known for his trickery. His close control and quick feet were skills needed when playing in tight areas, and he showcased them in Spain and in countless international competitions throughout his career.
The Fox in the Box
Ruud Van Nistelrooy, famous for only scoring one goal outside the box in the Premier League for Manchester United and Robbie Keane, the former striker from Ireland are great examples of forwards who lived in the penalty box. While outside England, Pippo Inzaghi made a living from scoring tap-ins or one-touch goals. These players made getting goals look easy even though it was anything but.
They combined quick movement and reactions with excellent spatial awareness and an ability to be in the right place at the right time. What’s more is they celebrated every goal as if they had scored one of the best goals in the sport’s history. Their abilities are perfect for 5-a-side, where there is barely any time to think and very little space. The fewer touches taken before getting a shot away the better so any teams with players like these will be sure to be successful.
There you have it: four of the most important types of players that you can find running the show on 5-a-side pitches up and down the country.
