Getting better isn’t an accident. These are the specific things in his game we’re working on — what’s not yet right, and what we’re doing about it. In plain terms, and updated as each one moves.
In tight moments he shapes back onto his stronger foot. Defenders who’ve watched him learn to show him the weaker side.
Weak-foot passing and finishing every session, wall work, small games with a two-touch rule. The aim is no side he has to hide.
He over-passes. He’ll hand a team-mate the goal that was his for the taking — generous, but sometimes the wrong call.
Learning the moment to be selfish: when he’s the best chance, he takes it. Finishing reps, and a coach’s word in his ear.
In the Sporthood U-11 setup he’s younger and smaller, and stronger boys muscle him off the ball before he can play.
Quicker release, receiving on the half-turn, using his body and the angles — and a patient strength base underneath it all.
He can take over the final third. The next step is running the game from deeper — dictating tempo, not just finishing it.
Scanning before the ball arrives, receiving side-on, picking the pass that moves the whole team. Game control, not just goals.
Now that he’s dangerous, defenders foul, pull and shadow him — two and three at a time. It’s started to get under his skin.
Channel it, don’t carry it. Talk to the referee, not the player; and use the markers — when two follow him, a team-mate is free.
Younger and lighter than the boys he plays against, especially a year up. The frame is still catching up to the football.
Mobility, core, sleep and food — let the body develop on its own clock. Not gym bulk; the strength comes on top of the timing.