A lot of young players think the difference between good and great is decision-making on the ball. But what really sets you apart is how you move before you even touch it.

I always tell players: football is about impact. You don’t just want to be involved—you want to make a difference.

The average player sees a teammate under pressure and instinctively drops to create an angle—this is reactive, not proactive. You’re rescuing, not influencing.

The elite player, however, stays in control. When the opponent leaves him to press, he doesn’t chase the ball. You don’t stand—you follow. You subtly mirror the movement behind the pressing opponent, staying hidden in their cover shadow. This slight, intelligent adjustment gives you more time to scan, position your body positively, and receive the ball with maximum efficiency. It’s not just about being free; it’s about being free at the right moment, in the right position, with the right vision.

Here’s what Roberto De Zerbi has to say about this…

It all comes down to awareness and intent. You don’t just show for the ball—you position yourself to influence the game. Following the press in the cover shadow isn’t passive; it’s calculated. It buys you time, creates space, and ensures that when you receive, you’re already a step ahead. It’s not about reacting to pressure—it’s about using it to your advantage.

Stand out.

When your team has possession, there are three ways you can position yourself to receive the ball:

  1. Breaking lines – Finding space beyond the opposition. (Positive)

  2. Baiting pressure – Dropping short to drag defenders out and create space. (Positive)

  3. Emergency showing – Coming deep just to relieve pressure. (Negative – use when necessary, but don’t live here.)

You want to live in the first two categories as much as possible. That’s where impact happens. Football is about impact—not just involvement.

When we talk about receiving the ball, there are two types of movements you must master:

  1. Positional Influence – The ability to force the opposition into decisions they don’t want to make.

  2. Reactive Adaptation – The ability to recognize when space is closing and adjust accordingly.

Midfielders, in particular, live within this dynamic. Your job isn’t just to show for the ball—it’s to shape the game before you even touch it.