Exactly. This trend is observable across various teams, including FC Barcelona (I am a huge fan), where erstwhile luminaries like Xavi, Iniesta, and Deco displayed a penchant for audacious strikes from distance. Contrastingly, the current crop of players, typified by Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi, seems less inclined towards such ventures.
This reluctance to attempt long shots may stem from a prevailing ethos prioritizing methodical buildup play and meticulous execution over spontaneity and risk-taking. In essence, modern football seems to favor a more controlled approach, where players are encouraged to seek optimal scoring opportunities rather than opt for speculative efforts from afar.
Regrettably, this trend may intensify in the future, as tactical frameworks become increasingly rigid and players are groomed to adhere strictly to predefined strategies. However, it's crucial to recognize the inherent value of experimentation and unpredictability in football—a sentiment encapsulated in the adage, "If you don't shoot, you will never be able to know how much the goalkeeper can take." Thus, striking a balance between tactical discipline and creative expression remains imperative in preserving the essence of the beautiful game.
Anyways Great Post!!!
"I could hear people saying: 'don't shoot, don't shoot!' 🗣️ But I didn't come this far in my career to have young players tell me when to shoot," said Vincent Kompany after the Man City vs Leicester game in May 2019, where his long-distance goal won them the Premier League title.
Now, you might remember that Kompany moment as an iconic long shot 🚀, but looking at the long shots data from recent seasons, we might never witness such a moment again. It's revealed that top teams in Europe tend to avoid long-distance shots more often, as you can see from the viz here. 📊
This post was inspired by the discussions I've had with Ryan Bowen and Patrick Geraghty in my previous post.
Founder and CEO at vibeiq
6dSo glad to have you on the team Shannon. Let’s do this!