Generally, fast players are usually hot commodities that are favored in any sport.
In soccer it is normal to see fast-paced players all over the picture, this is normal because soccer itself is a game that involves a lot of movement, and one that is played on the large area called the soccer pitch.
However, every single position on a soccer pitch does not really require pace. In fact, in some other positions, a player who has strength and agility with little pace can be preferred to a fragile but pacy player.
Thus it begets the question, what’s the best soccer position for fast players? Follow us in the article to find out.
Best Soccer Positions For Fast Players
Soccer is a game of tactics, formation, styles, and goals. Some, especially neutral fans see football games as a game of entertainment, few see it as passion and tactical geniuses see it differently.
Whatever the case is, everyone has a different approach to the game of soccer the same way every soccer player has a different style and different position on the field of play.
No matter how good a player is, he cannot effectively function in every single position on the pitch.
There have been cases of utility players but even they are limited in some particular positions due to their abilities.
Sometimes it is normal to notice that some certain set of players can and are usually played in a particular position while some others are favored for another irrespective of their effectiveness.
To discover the best position for fast players in soccer then one needs to find out which positions require pace to function effectively as well as the positions that require players to move around the pitch more often than not.
Soccer has four departments on the pitch: the goalkeeping department, the defensive department, the midfield, and the forward line.
Goalkeepers typically don’t require speed since they have a limited area to cover, while defenders may only need speed as fullbacks, and central defenders may not consider it a significant factor.
Midfielders need speed as it can benefit their ability to create chances for their strikers, who, in turn, require speed to overcome defenders.
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Which Position Upfront Best Suits A Fast Player In Soccer?
Normally, center forwards is expected to be strong and physically imposing. However, speed is not always a critical attribute for them. Rather, their ability to make accurate and effective decisions is more important than having pace.
However, that is just for the center forwards usually called the number 9. The fastest players in most teams are usually players on the wings as earlier mentioned, the fullbacks and then the wingers who can also perform as wing-backs if the tactical formation requires.
Fast players can function on the flanks, running the length of the pitch as a number 7 or a number 11 depending on their preferred foot.
Speedy wingers can help teams get behind the defense of their position quickly as most of the time they would be one on one with the fullback.
It will be a battle of speed most of the time but that is not just the only reason why fast players are placed on the wings. Just as they are needed offensively also are they needed defensively.
The speed can help track back and help their team defensively thereby adding another body to their defensive formation.
Positions Befitting Fast Soccer Players
The best position for fast players in soccer largely depends on their individual skillset and the specific tactical system employed by their team.
Soccer managers can also determine where fast players are deployed on the pitch. Nevertheless, their deployment is usually not beyond the following positions on the pitch of play.
Winger: Wingers are known for their speed and dribbling ability, and they often play on the flanks of the field. They use their pace to stretch the opposition’s defense and create space for their team.
Forward: Forwards are the primary goal-scorers of the team and are known for their pace and finishing ability. They use their speed to get behind the defense and score goals.
Full-back: Full-backs play on the wings of the defense and are known for their speed and defensive abilities. They use their pace to get up and down the flanks, providing support for the attack and defense.
Central Midfielder: As a central midfielder it is important to have speed as such a position automatically means that you are a link between the attack and the defense.
Central midfielders can play in several interpretations of the position including the defensive midfielder and the attacking midfielder.
Also, a box-to-box midfielder will need speed to be able to drive the ball through the midfield and one that will help the transition and play of his team
Between Winger & Fullback
Typically, wingers are the players who are deployed on the flanks and are relied upon to use their speed to get past opposing defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Wingers also need to have good dribbling skills and crossing ability, as they often have to beat multiple defenders and deliver crosses into the box.
Full-backs, on the other hand, are tasked with providing defensive cover in their respective flanks and also have to be able to overlap with their wingers to provide additional attacking options.
Full-backs need to have good defensive skills, such as tackling, marking, and positioning, as well as the ability to play accurate passes and move the ball up the field.
In general, if a player has a mix of both offensive and defensive abilities, they could excel in either position.
However, if a player is primarily known for their speed and dribbling skills, they may be more suited to playing as a winger. On the other hand, if a player has strong defensive skills, along with good passing and overlapping ability, they may be more suited to playing as a full-back.
Ultimately, the best position for a fast soccer player depends on their specific strengths and the needs of their team.
Why Being A Fast Player Is Not Enough In Soccer
While being fast is certainly an advantage for soccer players, it’s not the only skill needed for success as a striker or forward.
In addition to speed, forwards must also possess the ability to dribble, pass, and shoot with accuracy and precision.
It’s true that fast players are often in the best position to take advantage of the space behind defenders, but their speed won’t do much good if they’re not also proficient in other key soccer skills.
If you’re slow at dribbling, passing, or shooting, you’ll struggle to create scoring opportunities and contribute to the team’s success.
While sprinters are used to quick bursts of energy, soccer demands a whole different level of endurance.
You got to keep up your speed and stamina for the full 90 minutes, or you’ll be running on empty in no time. Without the proper endurance, fast players will quickly burn out and become about as effective as a tortoise in cleats.
If you want to become a successful striker or forward, it’s important to work on all aspects of your game, not just your blazing speed.
Neglecting any one skill can limit your potential and hinder your progress as a team player. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on developing your all-around game, including dribbling, passing, shooting, endurance, and other important soccer skills.
So, put in the hard work and practice! You need to bring your A-game to every aspect of the sport if you want to be a top striker.
If you are new to soccer, the best way to learn the sport is by playing both positions and studying all soccer positions.
This will give you a better understanding of the game as a whole and how each player’s skills and abilities contribute to the team’s success.
By putting in the time and effort to develop your skills, you can become well-rounded soccer players and valuable assets to your team.
Advice For Fast Players Who Want To Play Soccer
If you’re a young athlete with a natural speed, you’ve got a leg up on the competition. However, just relying on raw talent won’t get you far in the world of soccer.
To become a true master of your craft, you need to hone your skills and maximize your potential.
One of the best ways to do this is by training hard with sprinting drills and agility exercises. These exercises help you develop explosive power, speed, and control, which are crucial for any athlete who wants to perform at their best.
By incorporating these drills into your regular training routine, you can turn your natural speed into a lethal weapon that you can use to dominate your opponents.
But it’s not just about developing your individual skills. To truly excel in your sport, you need to be a team player. This is where getting plenty of practice playing on a team comes in.
When you play on a team, you learn how to work with others, communicate effectively, and understand how your skills can benefit the entire group.
Your natural speed can be a huge asset to your team, but only if you know how to use it effectively.
By playing on a team, you’ll learn how to position yourself strategically, make split-second decisions, and capitalize on your speed to create scoring opportunities or make game-changing plays.
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How Can A Coach Enhance The Potential Of Fast Players?
Soccer coaches often face a tough decision when they have a speedy player who likes to hog the ball and run like there’s no tomorrow. As we all know soccer is a technical game, and everyone has a role to play on the field.
If you’re a fast player, you’ll need to be smart and strategic to be effective on the pitch.
Here are a few guides that are useful:
- Always be thinking ahead and anticipating the next move, especially if you’re a midfielder. You need to keep an eye on the entire field and make sure your teammates are in a position to score.
- Don’t give up on the ball! If you see an opportunity to score, be persistent and fight for the ball. And if you make a mistake and lose the ball, don’t get discouraged – just focus on getting it back as soon as possible. Remember, every second counts in a 90-minute game.
- And most importantly, practice, practice, practice! If you’re a player, work on scanning drills to improve your awareness on the field.
- And if you’re a coach, make sure to dedicate a solid chunk of time to training your players on strategy and game intelligence. Being a smart player is just as important as being a fast one, and it’s key to developing your skills as a soccer player.
Fastest Soccer Players In History
Kylian Mbappé
The French forward is considered one of the fastest players in the world today, with a top speed of around 33 km/h.
The French forward has already played in two FIFA World Cup finals despite being under 25 winning the 2018 edition with the Les Blues before losing to Argentina in 2022.
Raheem Sterling
The English winger is another player known for his speed, with a top speed of around 32.5 km/h.
Raheem Sterling is a multiple Premier League winner and has won several fa and League Cup titles havening played for Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Arjen Robben
The former Dutch winger was known for his quick acceleration and was clocked at speeds of up to 32.5 km/h. He is one of the most feared forwards during his playing times with Bayern Munich.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabonese striker is one of the fastest players in the world today, with a top speed of around 31 km/h.
Leroy Sané
The German winger is another player known for his speed, with a top speed of around 31 km/h.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh forward is also known for his pace, with a top speed of around 31 km/h. Gareth Bale the five-time Champions League winner and retired as one of the most successful players and the history of soccer including scoring some a story for girls that were made possible by the presence of speed.
These players are all known for their incredible speed and agility on the soccer field.
The Fastest Fullbacks
Fullbacks are known for their speed and endurance, as they are often called upon to cover the entire length of the field. Here are some of the fastest fullbacks in soccer history:
Dani Alves – The Brazilian right-back was known for his speed and is widely considered one of the best fullbacks in history.
Philipp Lahm – The former German right-back was known for his pace and was considered one of the best defenders of his generation.
Ashley Cole – The English left-back was known for his speed and was considered one of the best defenders of his generation.
Patrice Evra – The former French left-back was known for his speed and was a key player for several top European clubs.
Carlos Alberto – The former Brazilian right-back was known for his pace and was considered one of the best defenders of his generation.
Branislav Ivanovic – The Serbian right-back was known for his speed and was a key player for several top European clubs.
Wrapping it up – Best Soccer Positions For Fast Players
In summary, soccer is different from athletics and other race sports therefore having speed is not enough to make an athlete a successful soccer player.
I hope that this post has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how you can effectively utilize your speed advantage when playing soccer.
Many players who possess impressive speed fail to maximize their potential as they lack the knowledge and skills to do so.