Where Do the Best & Least Experienced Players Play?
“My child is playing defense, but I’d really like to see them scoring goals. Should I be concerned?”
Here’s a quick overview of the most and least important positions by age group and game format:
7v7 Format (Formation: 2–3–1)
Most Important Position: Central Midfield
This player is the heartbeat of the game—touching the ball the most, connecting defense and attack, and needing to be everywhere. After the center mid, the two defenders are next in importance. Defensive mistakes often lead directly to goals, which is why your 2nd and 3rd strongest players usually play in the back (unless the opponent is much weaker).
Easiest Position: Winger
With the sideline as a natural boundary, the winger’s role is more limited and easier to manage, especially at younger ages.
Where the Least Developed Kids Play
Striker and winger. Why? Because these roles carry less risk. A missed chance up top might cost you a goal, but a mistake in defense or midfield usually does. Rational coaches won’t place a struggling player in the center of the field or near their own goal.
9v9 Format
The striker position becomes more demanding and more impactful. While central midfield still carries the most weight, different formations can shift importance to other roles depending on the team’s style and strengths.
11v11 Format
Most Important: Central Midfield & Goalkeeper
As Julian Nagelsmann (Bayern Munich & Germany Head Coach) put it: the goalkeeper and center midfielder decide the game. At this level, positions begin to mirror player attributes:
- Fast players = wings
- Strong players = defense
- Smartest players = middle
Least Important: Outside Back
In common formations (like 4–4–2 or 4–2–3–1), outside back is often where the least influential player is placed. Even top players like Joshua Kimmich moved out of that role to have more impact in central midfield. Outside back has minimal influence in both attack and defense at the youth level.
Final Thought
All positions matter—otherwise they wouldn’t exist. But understanding how coaches place players can help parents see why their child plays where they do.
Often, the striker gets the spotlight—but the real backbone of the team is in midfield and defense. Remember:
Offense wins games. Defense wins seasons.
So hype up your defenders and midfielders just as much as your goal scorers!
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