Re the first half group. I felt the boys worked hard for each other and tried to play for each other. As a group the boys need to keep working hard on their touch in general, their ability to find and use space and develop more intelligence in regards to manipulating time and space all so they can use each other more effectively. But it is a solid base on which to build and be competitive.
Re the second half group.
The bigger game amplified where we are at as individuals and as group.
We have a high number of individuals with high ability on the ball, but with an immature picture of how to use this, and a limited grasp of the importance of being part of a team.
There are glimpses of potential , a glimpse of what it could be like most the time, but just glimpses.
One day all the players will hopefully mature into great players, and what complicates things now becomes a weapon of purpose later ( and maybe takes them far in the game), but until this happens it will be frustrating viewing i think. I will be patient and continue working hard to help players transition through this period but any parental help would be appreciated too.
I am doing everything i can to encourage players to improve technically , practice everyday at home ( especially basics - bounce passes, and lateral ball movement to manipulate time and space, opening up to the space and away from pressure), embrace the importance of playing for the team, using their technique for the benefit of the players around them and the system of play rather than themselves. But until all players buy in, it will remain a frustrating experience.
I have seen very strong individual players at a young age, refuse to mature into a team player - as they still think they are the 10 year old superstar who can win a game single-handedly, only to then get left in the shadows by those who do mature and learn to see and play in the bigger picture.
When it comes to playing the game and seeing the bigger picture, a players true ability lies in their ability to manipulate time and space to improve the position of the ball. Touch, technique and the ability to manipulate the ball help enormously in this process but only if they are used correctly. Using the simple underlying idea that it is about improving the position of the ball, it is very simple to see if a player is effective or not. To see if a players technical ability is used with intelligence or not. Until players understand this, their effectiveness will always be limited and watching them will always be frustrating.
If football starts at home, as many experts believe it does, can you ensure your child is developing a more advanced view of the bigger picture and is working hard to develop their touch, footwork and passing so that the execution in games matches the intention.
Do they understanding that playing is an exercise in manipulating time and space for the benefit of the team and to improve the position of the ball.
I will put together some new ideas of what players need to to practice at home in the hope they do. The fruits of this labour maybe years away, but there are no quick fixes or magic wands. Players who aren't doing this cannot expect too much more than a run around at training and in games and neither can we. If your child is not doing a lot of extra practice (on their own - not in programs) outside of training can you let me know, so that i can better understand what they want from the game and i so that I can tailor my expectations accordingly.
Dom and I were talking about tracking exactly what players are doing outside of training in regards to development, which includes their own practice, watching games or studying aspects of the game but we both have too much on our plates as it is. If anyone wants to take this on board then let me know.