Ilie Sanchez | Is Simplicity Lost in US Soccer Development
Ilie Sanchez may not be the most talked-about player in the world of soccer, but his contribution to the sport cannot be ignored. The faithful Barcelona man, former KC and current LAFC midfielder has always been a quiet, yet consistent force for his teams, both defensively and offensively.
Ilie Sanchez | Simplicity in passing – Buildup in the attack – Defend spaces effectively
The Quiet and Resilient Holding Midfielder Ilie Sánchez Give an Interview (credit Omar Vega)
Ilie’s simplicity in passing is one of the key reasons why he is such a good midfielder. Many soccer players tend to overcomplicate things, trying to make fancy passes that don’t always come off. Ilie, on the other hand, makes simple passes that are effective, sometimes breaking lines, but often looks for the easy pass and doesn’t try to do too much. This allows his team to maintain possession of the ball and control the tempo of the game.
Unlike other positions on the field, holding midfielders tend to develop later in their careers. It takes time to master the skills required to play this position effectively. As a result, many players who are talented in this role may not be identified until they are in their late teens or early twenties.
Read: The Importance of the Holding Midfielder
This delay in recognition can be a major problem for players hoping to make it in the world of professional soccer. In the United States, where the focus is often on youth development, players who do not stand out at a young age may be overlooked by coaches and scouts.
An academy system may offer these players more time to develop their skills and showcase their abilities. An academy system would provide a structured environment for players to hone their craft and compete against similarly skilled opponents.
The buildup from Ilie in the attack is also impressive. He has an excellent understanding of the game and knows when and where to make his runs. Especially in the LAFC system he often drops deep to receive the ball while the central defenders move to the flanks, and then looks to push it forward quickly. His vision and ability to read the game allow him to pick out the right passes, which creates opportunities for his team to score.
With the continued growth of soccer in the US, the time is ripe for an academy system that can produce the next generation of top-level players.At the beginning stages it is obvious in the US that most coaches often prioritize physicality and aggression over skill and intelligence when down the line they may rely too heavily on their size and strength and neglect to develop their technical and strategic abilities.
Read: Time for Accreditation Oversight for US Soccer Clubs?
At least in the team environment coaches can focus on developing a “culture of inclusivity” and recognize the contributions of quieter players, prioritizing skill development in group play, and encourage players to work on their weaknesses, rather than simply relying on physical prowess.
However, with many players who are talented in this role may not being identified until they are in their late teens or early twenties these players who do not stand out at a young age may be overlooked by coaches and scouts. Moreover, the tryout system in the US leave these players, important at the professional level like Ilie Sanchez take more time socially to break in, generally because they aren’t the ones making the “big plays” like a big tackle or a goal.
Perhaps most importantly, Ilie is a great defender. He understands the importance of defending spaces, and he does it incredibly well. He knows how to position himself to cut off passing lanes and prevent his opponents from finding gaps in the defense. He recognizes his and others’ mistakes, the possible repercussions, and tracks back quickly. He is also adept at tackling and with his vision in defensive channels, at intercepting the ball as well, which helps his team regain possession quickly and start counter-attacks.
The value that Ilie Sanchez deserves more recognition for the work he puts in on the field. He may not be the flashiest player on the pitch, but his contributions are undoubtedly crucial to his team’s success.