Spanish Deja Vu...

As I sat watching the U21s first game in Denmark it became all too familiar; An English team chasing Spanish Shadows!

Once again, this time with the youngsters, we saw technique and the ability to find time and space on the ball, conquer an English team that was suppose to deliver so much promise.

Although England came out with a credible draw it was obvious to see to the gap between the two sets of players.  Man of the Match Thiago, currently of FC Barcelona but having only played 13 games looked like a seasoned professional in the middle of the pitch, and would easily fit into any team in the Premier League.

The Spanish U21’s looked every bit capable of reaching the same levels as their senior counterparts and stuck to the same principles and philosophies that have made Spain the current European and World Cup holders. 

Spain enjoyed 64% of the possession and made 690 passes, with a pass completion rate of 86% compared with England’s 36% possession and 370 passes, with a pass completion rate of 80%.  Even more staggering is that Spain made 383 passes in England’s half while England only made 189 passes in Spain’s half. 

Even though Spain conceded a sloppy goal late on, the evidence is there to support this style of total football. 

Having been outclassed by small technical players, the FA must surely sit up and take note and look to implement changes throughout the football pyramid.  

At the TDA we firmly believe in delivering technical fundamentals and teaching the ability to apply that in any game situation.

For more information on our programmes please visit the website www.tdacoaching.co.uk