Goalscoring Midfielder Essentials
With a combined goals tally of 537, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas are among the finest goalscoring midfielders the game has ever seen. The former Premier League trio consistently made light work of ghosting into the opposition’s box to get on the end of crosses, through balls and third man sequences. With additional footage from the emerging Dutchman Donny Van de Beek, the video below will highlight four essential strategies for midfielders looking to score more goals.
When attacking crosses, identify the direction in which the forward players are running and try to arrive in the space created by their movement.
Hover behind crowds that form in and around the penalty area with the intention of getting on the end of clearances, blocks and knock-downs.
When a pass is being played towards the centre-forward with his back to goal, take advantage of nearby defender’s focus on the ball by arriving in space for a ‘3rd man’ lay off.
If the centre-forward drops short to receive the ball and an opposing defender follows him, run into the space left by the defender to provide a passing option ‘in behind’.