I sat down Saturday to take a look at a game from a different perspective. Normally I'm a pretty intense game watcher anyway, focusing on ball movement and position along with passing and goals, but I figured maybe I could learn something from watching what is inevitably the best team in the world at this point. What does Barcelona do that we can teach our youth, that we can pass on to create players that play at levels that Barcelona does. How can I compare and contrast the Barcelona Valencia game and the Galaxy Houston game and how is the MLS improving? Both games were very interesting even though they ended in draws, and I felt like some things stood out that are critical to teach our young players.

One of the most intriguing parts of the beautiful game is ball movement. When the ball is played around effectively, teams can go to and fro, testing defense, probing, hunting for the seam and finally when the moment comes, slipping the perfect ball in that sets up a great cross, a deft flick or a stellar finish. However the ability to make these passes isn't something that God gifts each player, but something that is achieved through hard word and dedication. This brought me to my first Barcalesson if you will, that every player growing up should be trained as a midfielder. This includes keepers. The ability and confidence that each player has on the ball is what allows the entire team to move the ball so well. Midfielders have no problem laying the ball back when they get in a tight spot because they have the confidence that their backs are not only going to get the ball when it is played to them, but then redistribute it while keeping possession. They can play it back without worrying if the defenders are just going to kick it as far as possible and then they, the midfielders and the forwards will have to chase to win it back. The ability for everyone on the field to control and knock the ball around allows a team to control the ball more then a team that only has forward players that control the ball well.

I noticed this with our club team in college, a lot of our possession came from the fact that at least two of our backs had previously played both in the midfield and up top. My comfort on the ball at right back allowed me to push forward with and without the ball, and when we moved the ball around, receiving and redistributing was not something that surprised or bothered me having played primarily in the central midfield before. This ability to hold and move the ball takes pressure off of both the midfield and the strikers and allows a team to play more cohesively. However, when players are growing up, often times they are segregated by position, and taught the skill sets that the coach feels matches that position. Bigger players are often pushed toward the back based on their height, and the faster players up top. Certainly training players for the positions that they generally play is a good idea, but working on all players and developing them as midfielders benefits both the team and the players themselves, as often they will end up play different positions long term then where the coach sees them at that point. Developing players as complete players instead of based on the position they currently play will help benefit the overall development of the game in the States.

The other major sticking point was another on the ball competency, the ability to run at defenders. Messi, Xabi, and Iniesta are incredible passers, yet the balance that they create with both their willingness and ability to run at defenders with the ball creates openings that would not normally exist if they did not do so. Often times, even dribbling at one player creates a passing lane that was not there, but when they beat a man or two, openings appear all over the place. Their ability to assess when to then pass the ball, and not just continue dribbling is critical. Being able to beat a defender off of the dribble is great, but only effective if you can then use that advantage to your advantage and not give the ball away. Developing both the ability to take defenders on, but to then be able to pass the ball or go at another defender without being consumed with taking the entire team on is a great skill, and one that must be taught. Being allowed to use your creativity to challenge a team without the reprocussions of being benched or considered a ball hog is something that needs to be encouraged, even more so the ability to make a good decision after you have beaten said defender, as that is when it all comes together. How often do you see a player beat a man and have a perfect passing lane open up as he decides to go it alone again instead? Too often for my liking. That assessment, the split second determination is what makes some players stellar and others just another guy who can dribble.

In comparison, the Dynamo - Galaxy game wasn't so bad. Both teams were relatively organized, managed the ball well, but the lack of class is evident. Surrounding great players like Holden, Beckham, and Donovan is what will take the MLS to the next level. When you play with other gifted players, it forces you to raise your game. As a result, everyone plays better and gets better, and you enjoy playing more. Allowing players to play with other really good players is something that must be emphasized as well, as the academy programs begin to develop in the US. Iron sharpens iron, and those with the will to excel help drive others around them. Both the Galaxy and the Dynamo have played good soccer this year, and have raised their levels of play. Can MLS continue to do so? The development of young players here is a key aspect of the future of MLS, and good coaching and player development will help set players on the right path.