num_pages: 255
description: How do some of soccers smartest and most accomplished figures master the craft of the game? This in-depth analysis of modern soccer reveals how elite players and coaches strategize on and off the field to execute in high-pressure situations. A worthy addition to any soccer fans shelf. The Wall Street JournalIn Masters of Modern Soccer Americas premier soccer journalist Grant Wahl reveals what players and managers are thinking before during and after games and delivers a true behind-the-scenes perspective on the inner workings of the sports brightest minds. Wahl follows world-class players from across the globe examining how they do their jobs and gaining deep insight from the players on how goalkeepers defenders midfielders and forwards function individually and as a unit to excel and win. He also shadows a manager and director of soccer as they juggle the challenges of coaching preparation and the short- and long-term strategies of how to identify and acquire talent and deploy it on the field. These central figures share the little details that matter position by  Attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic explains why he wears his soccer cleats a size too small to make his first touch even better.  Forward Javier Chicharito Hernndez reveals the Mexican national teams secret synchronized patterns that create space for him in front of the goal.  Defender Vincent Kompany tells you why his teammates pressure on the ball means he can defend his man more tightly in the penalty box.  Defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso describes his disdain for slide tackles and the tendency among even the best professional midfielders to play too closely to one another.  Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer tells the origin story of his sweeper-keeper role which has allowed him to redefine the position for the modern game.  Head coach Roberto Martnez explains the differences between coaching clubs and national teams and why one of the first things he looks for in any game situation is numerical advantage.  Director of football Michael Zorc discusses what he looks for when it comes to identifying players he can buy low and sell high Moneyball -style while still competing to win trophies. The definitive analysis of the craft of soccer Masters of Modern Soccer will change the way any fan player coach or sideline enthusiast experiences the game.
language: English
title: Masters of Modern Soccer: How the World's Best Play the Twenty-First-Century Game
publisher: Crown Archetype