Soccer is a game that requires a combination of skills and physical attributes to succeed.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the game, certain positions are better suited for players of specific physical builds.
This article will discuss the best soccer positions for tall players.
Height can be an advantage in soccer, and by understanding which positions are best suited for tall players, coaches and players alike can make better decisions when it comes to team selection and player development.
Best Soccer Positions For Tall Players
Tall players often have the advantage of size and reach, making them suitable for several positions in soccer.
Some of the best positions for tall players include:
Center Back
Center backs are crucial players in any soccer team, and their physical attributes play a vital role in their effectiveness.
Tall players, in particular, have an advantage in aerial duels, making them ideal for this position. With their height, they can challenge attackers and win crucial headers, preventing goals from being scored.
Also, tall center backs can also clear the ball effectively, reducing the pressure on their team’s defense. These attributes, coupled with their defensive skills, make tall players ideal for the center-back position.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is a critical position in soccer, and the physical attributes of the player can make all the difference.
Tall goalkeepers have a significant advantage over shorter ones, as they are better equipped to cover more of the goal and reach higher to make saves.
With a taller stature, they can jump higher and stretch farther to deflect shots that might otherwise have gone in.
Tall goalkeepers can be more intimidating to opposing teams, making them less likely to attempt shots. While height alone does not make a great goalkeeper, it is undoubtedly a useful attribute to have.
As such, many successful goalkeepers, past and present, are known for their impressive height and wingspan.
Forward
These are players who are responsible for scoring goals and creating chances in soccer.
Tall forwards, in particular, have a huge edge over their shorter counterparts as they can use their height and physicality to dominate in various situations.
One of the key advantages of a tall forward is their ability to win headers.
With their height, they can out-jump defenders and direct the ball toward the goal, creating scoring opportunities.
Tall forwards can hold up the ball effectively, allowing their teammates to join the attack.
They can also serve as a target for crosses, providing their team with an aerial threat. All of these attributes make tall forwards a valuable asset to any team.
Wing Back
A wing-back is a player in a football/soccer team who operates in wide areas of the pitch and performs both attacking and defensive duties.
They are responsible for supporting the team’s attack by delivering crosses into the box, creating chances for their teammates, and occasionally scoring goals themselves.
At the same time, they must also be able to defend effectively against the opposition’s forwards by tracking back and providing cover for their teammates in the defensive line.
Tall wing-backs have an advantage over their opponents as they can use their height and speed to gain an advantage while attacking and defending.
Note: It’s worth noting that while height can be an advantage in certain positions, it’s not the only factor that determines a player’s success.
A player’s technical, tactical, and mental abilities, as well as their speed, agility, and coordination, are also important considerations.
Advantages Of Having A Tall Centre-Back
Aerial Ability: Tall center backs can use their height and reach to win headers and clear the ball effectively, particularly in defensive set pieces such as corners and free kicks.
Physicality: Tall center backs can use their size and strength to challenge opponents, disrupt their movement, and block shots.
Commanding Presence: A tall center back can act as a deterrent to opposing attackers, making it more difficult for them to penetrate the defense.
Good Field of Vision: Tall center backs generally have a better field of vision, allowing them to survey the field and anticipate threats.
Ability to Cover Ground: A tall center back’s stride can be longer, making it easier for them to cover more ground and close down space.
However, being a tall center-back also comes with its own set of challenges.
For example, tall center backs may struggle with mobility and agility, and they may have difficulty dealing with quick, nimble forwards.
As with any position, the key is finding the right balance between physical attributes and technical and tactical abilities.
Advantages Of Having A Tall Goalkeeper
Having a tall goalkeeper can provide several advantages in soccer. Some of the benefits are:
Reach: A taller goalkeeper can reach further than a shorter one, allowing them to make saves that a shorter goalkeeper might not be able to reach.
They can also cover a larger area of the goal, making it harder for the opposing team to score.
Aerial presence: A taller goalkeeper can be an aerial presence in the penalty box, making it more difficult for opposing players to score on crosses, corner kicks, and other high balls into the box.
They can use their height to catch or punch away the ball, reducing the chances of the other team scoring.
Commanding presence: A taller goalkeeper can provide a commanding presence in the penalty box, instilling confidence in their defenders and deterring opposing players from attempting to score.
This can help to reduce the number of shots taken against the team, as opponents may be less likely to challenge a taller goalkeeper.
Set pieces: A taller goalkeeper can be an asset on both offensive and defensive set pieces. They can help defend against opposing teams’ set pieces by providing an additional defender in the box.
On offense, they can come up for corners and free kicks and use their height to score goals.
Psychological advantage: Finally, having a tall goalkeeper can provide a psychological advantage for the team.
The opposing team may be more intimidated by a taller goalkeeper and less likely to take chances or shoot from distance, which can reduce the number of scoring opportunities they create.
Advantage Of Having A Tall Forward In Soccer
Having a tall forward in soccer can provide several advantages, including:
Aerial presence: A tall forward can be a significant aerial presence in the opposition’s penalty area. They can win headers from crosses and set pieces and can score goals with their head, which can be difficult for opposing defenders to defend against.
Hold-up play: A tall forward can be effective in hold-up play, which involves holding up the ball and bringing other players into the attack.
They can use their height to shield the ball from opposing defenders, allowing their teammates to move into attacking positions.
Target man: A tall forward can be used as a target man, which involves playing long balls to them and allowing them to hold up the ball and bring other players into the attack.
This can be an effective strategy for teams that play a direct style of soccer.
Back-to-goal play: A tall forward can play with their back to the goal, receiving passes and laying them off to their teammates.
They can use their height to shield the ball from opposing defenders, giving their teammates time to make runs and get into attacking positions.
Psychological advantage: Finally, having a tall forward can provide a psychological advantage for the team.
The opposing defenders may be more intimidated by a tall forward and less likely to challenge them physically or contest aerial balls, which can create more space and opportunities for the rest of the team.
Advantage Of Having A Tall Wingback
Having a tall wingback in soccer can provide several advantages, including:
Aerial presence: A tall wingback can be an aerial presence in both the offensive and defensive areas of the field.
They can win headers from crosses and set pieces, helping to clear the ball from their own penalty area and providing attacking opportunities for their team.
Overlapping runs: A tall wingback can make overlapping runs down the flank and provide a high and wide option for their teammates. They can use their height to control and win high crosses, and can also make back-post runs to get on the end of crosses from the opposite flank.
Physical presence: A tall wingback can provide a physical presence in defense, using their height to challenge opposing attackers and win the ball in the air.
They can also use their physicality to protect the ball and shield it from opposing players while moving up the field.
Defensive coverage: A tall wingback can provide defensive coverage in their own penalty area, helping to defend against crosses and high balls into the box. They can also help to clear the ball from dangerous areas and win headers from opposing goal kicks.
Set pieces: A tall wingback can be an asset on both offensive and defensive set pieces. They can help defend against opposing teams’ set pieces by providing an additional defender in the box.
On offense, they can come up for corners and free kicks and use their height to score goals.
A tall wingback can provide both offensive and defensive benefits for a soccer team, and their height can be a valuable asset in a variety of situations.
Disadvantage Of Tall Players In Soccer
Do not be fooled into thinking that a tall player will automatically dominate the opposition on the field. In reality, having a tall stature can come with a set of inherent disadvantages that cannot be overlooked.
Here are a few examples:
- Center of gravity: Tall players tend to have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more susceptible to being outmaneuvered by shorter, quicker players.
- Slower speed: Taller players can be slower due to the extra effort required to move their longer limbs. Although some tall players can make up for this with their long strides, shorter players are often quicker on their feet.
- Lack of agility: The length of their limbs can also affect a tall player’s agility. It takes them more time to change direction, making it easier for opposing players to get past them.
- Less endurance: Because taller players have more body mass to move and power, they can tire out more quickly. This means that unless they build up their endurance, their reach advantage will be limited to short bursts of energy.
Is Height An Advantage In Soccer?
Being tall in soccer is like having a superpower.
It’s an undeniable advantage that can make all the difference on the field. From heading the ball to blocking opponents’ vision, tall players bring a unique set of skills to the game.
Take headers, for example. When you’re towering over your opponents, leaping up to snag the ball out of the air is a piece of cake.
And using your chest to control a pass? Easy peasy. It’s like having a built-in trampoline.
But being tall isn’t just about aerial dominance. It also means you’re a force to be reckoned with on the ground.
With longer legs comes a longer stride, allowing you to cover more ground with each step.
And not forgetting about the added muscle mass – when you’re tall, you’ve got more meat on your bones, giving you the strength and power to muscle your way past opponents.
And speaking of opponents, being tall can be downright intimidating.
When you’re towering over your opponent, it’s hard not to feel like a giant. And that feeling can be contagious, throwing your opponents off their game and giving you the upper hand.
But perhaps the biggest advantage of being a tall soccer player is the ability to block opponents’ vision.
When you’re towering over them, it’s like you’re wearing a cloak of invisibility. You can cut off an entire player from the rest of their team, rendering them useless and making it that much easier to win the game.
Does Height Matters In Soccer?
Now, you may be thinking, “didn’t you just say that being a goalkeeper is the best position for tall players?”
Yes, I did, but that doesn’t mean height is the be-all and end-all in soccer. The truth is, players of all sizes can perform absolutely well on the field regardless of their height.
Take a look at some of the all-time greats. Maradona and Messi may not tower over their opponents, but they’re undoubtedly world-class players.
And while Ronaldo and van Dijk are certainly tall, their talent and skill are what set them apart.
That being said, it’s no secret that soccer players are, on average, pretty tall.
The average height of a soccer player is 5’11“, which is taller than the majority of men and women in the USA. And depending on their position, a player’s height can certainly be an advantage.
Defensive players and goalkeepers tend to be on the taller side, while creative midfielders can be on the shorter side. Strikers, meanwhile, can be either short or tall, depending on their playing style.
So, while being tall can certainly help a player reach new heights (pun intended), it’s not the only factor that determines success on the field. Ultimately, it’s a player’s ability to perform well that matters most.
Some Of Soccer’s Tallest Players In History
Per Mertesacker
Standing at 6’6″, Per Mertesacker was a German defender who played for several clubs, including Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, and Arsenal. He was known for his aerial ability and leadership on the field.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
At 6’5″, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the tallest forwards in soccer history. He has played for several top clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, and is known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and physicality on the field.
Jan Koller
At 6’8″, Jan Koller is the tallest outfield player to have played in the top five European leagues. He played for several clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Anderlecht, and was a key member of the Czech Republic national team.
Carles Puyol
At 6’2″, Carles Puyol is not as tall as some of the other players on this list, but he was known for his aerial ability and physicality. He played for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, winning numerous titles and accolades.
Nikola Zigic
At 6’8″, Nikola Zigic is one of the tallest players to have ever played professional soccer. He played for several clubs, including Valencia and Birmingham City, and was a key member of the Serbia national team.
FAQs
What Is The Best Height For A Soccer Player?
The best height for a soccer player depends on their position, style of play, and other physical attributes.
For goalkeepers, a taller height is an advantage as they can cover a larger area of the goal, while for outfield players, the ideal height varies depending on the position.
Central defenders need to be taller, whereas smaller players are preferred for wingers.
Midfielders require a combination of height, strength, and agility, and forwards need to have a combination of height, strength, and speed.
Other factors such as skill, speed, and tactical awareness also play a crucial role in determining a player’s effectiveness on the field.
What’s the average height for soccer players?
Soccer players have an average height of around 180 cm (5 ft 11″), but this can vary depending on the position they play on the field.
Each position requires different physical attributes, so there may be variations in height for players depending on their role in the team.
Can short people play soccer?
Yes!
Interestingly, many of the greatest soccer players in history have been of relatively short stature. While some argue that being short can give players an advantage in soccer, others disagree.
However, if you happen to be on the shorter side, soccer may be an ideal sport for you to excel in.
Can soccer boost your height?
No!
While regular exercise and physical activity can have a positive impact on your overall health, including your bone density and muscle development, there is no evidence to suggest that playing soccer can directly increase your height.
Height is primarily determined by genetics, nutrition, and other environmental factors, and is unlikely to be significantly impacted by playing soccer.
However, playing soccer can have a range of other health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity
Wrapping it up – Best Soccer Positions For Tall Players
While there is no guarantee of success in soccer based on physical attributes alone, being tall can undoubtedly give players an advantage on the field.
By understanding the best soccer positions for tall players, coaches can make better decisions about team selection and player development, and tall players can maximize their potential in the game.
However, it’s worth noting that players of all sizes and shapes can succeed in soccer by honing their skills and utilizing their unique strengths on the field.
Ultimately, success in soccer comes down to a combination of talent, hard work, and dedication, regardless of height or position.