Below is a link to an excellent article written by Simon Kuper, a soccer journalist, blogger for ESPN.com and co-author of the famous book ‘soccernomics.’  In this article he explains that the greatest reason why exceptional players like Messi and Rooney are able to play the game better than others has nothing to do with their technical or physical abilities.  It is their speed of thought – the ability to make decisions quicker than other players – that sets them apart on the pitch.

The article contains examples and interviews with several other great players and coaches, including Diego Maradona, Danny Blind, Klaus-Jann Huntelaar and Carlos Queiroz,  I think any players, parents or coaches will find this article interesting as well as practically useful.  I’d love to hear your thoughts about the topic.  Drop me a line here to get the conversation started.

http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2367302/lionel-messi-and-wayne-rooney-show-us-that-football-is-a-thinking-game-simon-kuper