In the first week of February 2025, two key cup matches highlighted something that’s becoming increasingly common in modern football — goals scored by centre backs. Virgil van Dijk found the net for Liverpool, while Harry Maguire did the same for Manchester United. These were not scrappy tap-ins — they were crucial goals that changed […]
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The Role of a Number 10 in Linking Play At UK Football Academy Finder, we help players develop the skills that scouts look for in elite playmakers. One attribute that often goes unnoticed—but is highly valued by scouts—is the ability to bring support into play. While this is traditionally seen as the role of a […]
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How a Number 10 Can Impact the Game A number 10 is one of the most influential and demanding positions on the pitch. It’s not enough to simply be involved in play—a great attacking midfielder must consistently create chances. What Does It Mean to Impact the Game? Some players run tirelessly for 90 minutes, seeing […]
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The Art of Ball Mastery: Why Close Control Is Essential for a Number 10 At UK Football Academy, we see hundreds of talented attacking midfielders, but the ones who truly stand out have exceptional ball mastery and close control. This is one of the most important attributes for a number 10, as scouts look for […]
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Mastering the Art of Finishing: A Key Skill for Aspiring Strikers When looking to join a top football academy through UK Football Academy Finder, demonstrating excellent finishing technique is essential. Scouts aren’t just impressed by power or flair—they’re seeking players who show composure, adaptability, and precision when it matters most. If you’re 12 yards out […]
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Mastering the Art of Shot-Stopping For any goalkeeper, shot-stopping is the cornerstone of their craft. While modern keepers like Ederson and Alisson have redefined the role with their exceptional distribution skills, the essence of goalkeeping remains the same: preventing the ball from hitting the back of the net. The Legacy of Great Shot-Stoppers Shot-stopping has […]
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The Importance of Communication for Goalkeepers The Keeper’s Role: Communication is Key The Importance of Communication for Goalkeepers – A goalkeeper plays a pivotal role not just in saving goals but also in organising the defensive line. From their position at the back, keepers have the clearest view of the pitch, enabling them to […]
Read MoreHeading Ability: The Secret to Scoring with the Head One key attribute scouts look for in strikers is their ability to score headed goals. While height can give players an advantage, it’s not the only factor. A striker’s technique, timing, and positioning are crucial in making an impact in the air. Height Doesn’t Always Matter […]
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Stamina: The Key to Box-to-Box Midfielders Midfielders with exceptional stamina are often referred to as having a “good engine.” This attribute is vital for players tasked with covering both defensive and attacking duties. What is a Box-to-Box Midfielder? A box-to-box midfielder contributes at both ends of the pitch. They join the attack in the opposition’s […]
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The Importance of Holding the Ball Up In football, the ability to hold the ball up is an often overlooked but essential skill for strikers. It’s about strength, composure, and the intelligence to keep the attack alive. Why Strikers Must Hold the Ball Up When a striker receives the ball with their back to goal, […]
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