by Lando_Griffin » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:57 am
There is a whole debate about why Brazil and other South American countries produce such talented players.
1.) The training techniques used from an early age (smaller skills ball),
2.) The natural development of certain nations due to climate and overall weather conditions
3.) The views of a country on kids and football, and
4.) Social barriers to football.
I have narrowed what I believe to be the answers down to these 4 points.
(For the sake of this, I have created the following scenario:)
Two players are exactly the same at age 5, regarding persona, ability, etc.
Player A is sent to Brazil, player B to England. They remain in their respective countries until the age of 18.
1.) It is widely appreciated that the Brazilian's play from a very early age barefoot, and using a much smaller, less-responsive ball which build's their skills massively. By the time they are able to juggle these balls, they move up to a standard size 5. English kids use size 4/5 balls in general.
In comparison, it's like British kids playing with a perfectly weighted beachball. This means there is more ball to aim at, and having honed their skills, they have a greater technique without greater effort. This is all about perception.
2.) Disregarding injuries, etc, player A will play more football over 10 years living in Brazil that player B will in England.
Natural weather conditions will dictate that.
3.) Player A will no doubt learn his trade on the beach in a relaxed atmosphere competing against better, older players, which increases control and physical strength.
Player B will be picked for a Sunday team and be encouraged to hoof the ball upfield, and crunch-tackle the opponents best player. He will be asked to stifle his flair in order to win a match.
Player A will be encouraged by all the adults around him, with school and other interests falling a poor second to the money-tree of football. He will be expected to show off his skills.
Player B will have the weight of Parents, teachers, and Government placing far greater emphasis on Schooling. (Quite rightly, too.) Football will be a part-time persuit, with homework and detentions getting in the way of matches/training. Not even P.E. is dedicated to football, with pathetic track and field events and egg and spoon races being the fad of the day.
4.) Aside from all of the Parental/schooling issues player B has faced, he must also contend with distractions such as other sports, friend's who would prefer to get high than improve their ball skills, alcohol and girls.
Player A has a very limited stock of sports to choose from, virtually all his friends will share his passion for football, and alcohol isn't as available to youngsters in Brazil. The only common distraction is girls.
I realise that this is a very rushed explaination, that it's late and I have had a few drinks.
But I genuinely feel that these points go some way to explaining the greater technical ability of the Brazilian's and their neighbours.
Last edited by
Lando_Griffin on Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Rafa Benitez - An unfinished Legend.