Every country has its own playing style, but when Spain takes the field, it is a symphony on grass. They play fast but controlled and move the ball with continuous short passes while keeping possession through the ball’s movement up the field. Their precision, ability to use space, and movement without the ball is second to none. In a wider spectrum, Spain’s philosophy of precision, space, and movement is identical to the success of basketball players. A successful basketball player has precision in their passes and shot selection, can use space to free themselves up for an open shot or get an easy layup, and most importantly is their ability to play without the ball. Spain’s one-touch passing/shooting can also translate to fastbreaks and catch-and-shoot in basketball.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: Juanlu Sanchez #20 of Team Spain celebrates victory after the Men’s semifinal match between Morocco and Spain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on August 05, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Spain’s emphasis on youth development focuses on quick passes, continued ball possession, and the ability to work until an opening presents itself. Finesse is something the US lacks in their playing style. Much emphasis is placed on getting a ball wide while chipping it into the box. Yes, there are times you see Spain and other countries go this route, but the US seems to make it their entire game plan. A better approach for youth development, and the USMNT, is emphasis on keeping possession, moving the ball quickly, and not forcing unwarranted passes or shots. While the US has made strides in youth development there are still strong focal points that see the US behind other countries.
Travel and AAU teams in the United States have become watered down. Again, like basketball, soccer travel, and AAU teams see nearly as many bad teams as good teams. Pay to play is still prevalent, and numerous travel/AAU teams are run like businesses, and rather than helping develop youth players, the teams care about reaching a heightened amount of revenue. This leads to teams consisting of players that did not make their school teams. A travel and AAU team that allows anyone to play and does not select out of a certain group of players will always have a negative impact on player development as a whole. There are rec leagues for players that are not, and will not, reach a certain level, and when these players are put on travel/AAU teams, the ability and competitiveness of the entire circuit declines.
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 07: Zack Steffen of the United States passes the ballduring USMNT Training at St. David’s Performance Center on October 7, 2024 in Austin , Texas. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The United States has been behind other countries, especially the top countries in the world, for many years. Spain’s youth development with an emphasis on the philosophy of passing and ball possession is what the US needs to adopt. Coaching at the youth level is light years better than what it used to be. Still, as with all sports, there are coaches that hinder a youth player’s development due to their inability to teach, teaching techniques incorrectly, or inadvertently not knowing the correct way to do things. Installing better coaches, accompanied by philosophies similar to those of Spain and other countries, is a drastic measure the United States must take to go toe-to-toe with the most dominant countries in soccer.