Growing up, the best way to learn football was by studying the great players. Watching how elite players handled pressure, positioned themselves, and made decisions helped shape not just how you played — but how you understood the game.
As a Centre back, I learned by studying the best defenders of the time, especially Franco Baresi, who in my opinion set the standard for the position. I didn’t try to become him — I took pieces of his game that helped me reach my own potential.
How Players Learn Today
The way players consume football today is completely different — and that’s a good thing if it’s used properly. Access to matches, clips, and analysis has never been greater. But watching football alone isn’t enough.
The key is how you watch it.
Too often, players focus only on the highlights: goals, tackles, moments of flair. Real development comes from studying the moments between the highlights.
What to Watch If You Want to Improve
If you truly want to improve, start by watching players who play your position, not just your favorite stars. Pay attention to:
- Positioning when your team has the ball and when it doesn’t
- Decision-making under pressure
- Movement off the ball, especially when play is away from them
- Body shape and scanning before receiving or defending
- Anticipation, not reaction
Pause clips. Rewind phases of play. Ask yourself why a player chose one option over another. What information did they have? What problem were they solving?
Learn — Don’t Imitate
Just as important: don’t try to copy everything.
Take pieces that suit your physical profile, mentality, and level. The goal isn’t to become someone else; it’s to raise your own ceiling by learning from those who’ve mastered the craft.
A Message for Parents
Development doesn’t always show up as goals or assists.
Often, progress appears in calmer decisions, better positioning, and smarter movement — the foundations of high-level football.
This is where video analysis makes the difference.
@ontheballanalysis helps players see the game clearly by breaking down real match footage, identifying strengths and areas for growth, and turning understanding into action on the field.
The goal is simple: help players reach their full potential and become the best version of themselves.
📩 For player analysis or a free consultation: Reach out on Instagram @ontheballanalysis
Where @Ontheballanalysis Makes the Difference
This is where modern tools like video analysis become invaluable. Seeing yourself in real game situations — alongside examples from elite players — bridges the gap between understanding football and actually applying it on the pitch.
The game hasn’t changed in its fundamentals. Players still win matches through awareness, decision-making, and intelligence. The difference today is that players willing to study the game properly have a bigger advantage than ever before.
