7 Positional Profiles

3
11
Goalkeeper
Fullbacks 5
10
Center Backs
Defensive Midfielder
1 6 9
Center Midfielders
Wide Forwards
8
Center Forward/Striker 4

2 7

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 Positional Profiles - Goalkeeper
Specific Qualities
World Class Examples: • Reading the game to intercept crosses long balls and through balls
Neuer behind defensive line
Buffon • Decision making and passing skills under pressure to play short or
Cech long
Van der Sar • Quick reactions on shots and 1v1 situations
• Is a coach on the field, effectively organizes and directs his teammates
from an optimal viewpoint
List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex.

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 Positional Profiles - R & L Fullback
3
World Class Examples:
Alves Specific Qualities
Marcelo • Reading the game to continuously position and reposition and
Lahm make quick decisions
• Long and short passing and crossing skills under pressure
• Proficient 1 v 1 to create or win/regain the ball
List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex. • Exudes power, speed, and fitness to execute on attack and
defense for the whole game

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 Positional Profiles - R & L Center Backs

Specific Qualities:
• Defensively strong in 1v1 situations (air and ground)
World Class Examples:
• Reading the game to intercept long and through passes
Pique
• Technical skills to make accurate long diagonal passes under
Ramos 5 pressure
Terry
• Is a coach on the field to organize defensive line and direct other
Kompany
team members on defense and preventive defensive behavior
when attacking
• Has guts, is brave and composed in his behavior
List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex.

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 Positional Profiles - Defensive Midfielder
Specific Qualities:
World Class Examples: • Regains possession in 1v1 or intercepting passes
Mascherano • Moves into space ahead of time to support and understands when
Pirlo to play forward or retain possession, has the technique to dictate
Xabi Alonso the pace of the game
• Is there when needed (leadership)

List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex.

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 Positional Profiles - Central Midfielders
Specific Qualities:
• Has technical skills and ability to read situations quickly to create
World Class Examples: scoring chances (dribble or pass) and score goals
Iniesta • Varies the way of running to get behind/between the defensive lines
Ozil of the opponent
Kroos • Manages the pace of the game
10
List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex.

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 Positional Profiles - Wide Forwards

11

World Class Examples:

Ronaldo Specific Qualities:
Robben • Proficient taking defenders on 1v1 inside or outside to unbalance the
Bale opponent to create chances and score goals
Sanchez • Crossing and shooting technique under pressure
• Exudes power and speed and fitness to execute the whole game

List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex.

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 Positional Profiles - Center Forward/Striker

World Class Examples:

Suarez
Lewandowski Specific Qualities:
Higuain • Technical ability to score goals (foot or head) in the box
• Holding and protecting the ball with back towards goal
• Varied running to get behind opposition back line
Need photos • Deals with adversity, has guts, is brave

List U-17 MNT 2000 Ex. 9

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7 Positional Profiles: U-20 – U-15 YNT Examples
3
11
George Bello 2002
Hugo Arellano 1998 Nick Taitague1999
5 Andrew Carleton 2000

Cameron Carter-Vickers 1997 10

Erik Palmer-Brown 1997
Christian Pulisic 1998
George Acosta 2000
1 6 9
Nico de Freitas Hansen 2001 Weston McKinnie 1998 Brandon Vasquez 1998
Damian Las 2002 Taylor Booth 2001 Alonso O’Camp Chavez 2002

4 8 Luca de La Torre 1998

Jonathon Gonzalez 1999
Chris Durkin 2000
Tommy Redding 1997
Cameron Duke 2001 Gio Reyna 2002
2 Marlon Fossey 1998
7 Brooks Lennon 1997

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