Numerous goals and goalscoring opportunities are generated by passes in the gaps played from the middle of the pitch, as well as by creative play down the wings, which is a valuable way of creating space and thus goalscoring opportunities.
Teams also need players who are capable of keeping the ball and dribbling as far as the goal line in order to then cross the ball back to a player who is running into the space. Because of the high number of players in the penalty area, the quality of crosses is critical, and the finishing even more so.
The essential qualities of high level strikers are the following: correct positioning to receive the crosses, taking control of the ball while moving, the rapid sequence of controlling and then shooting, laying the ball off with one touch, heading the ball, but above all the ability to shoot on target.
