Liam Moehlenbrock

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Liam Moehlenbrock, currently training and playing in Bremen, Germany, is perfectly placed to compare youth development in both Germany and New Zealand

Liam Moehlenbrock, currently training and playing in Bremen, Germany, is perfectly placed to compare youth development in both Germany and New Zealand

Das Speed
When New Zealanders talk about speed, they default to the physical attributes of a player.

But the rest of the world treats speed differently.  It’s not just about the body but the mind as well.

Expectations

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High or low, expectations are met, in the classroom and on the training field

High or low, expectations are met, in the classroom and on the training field

High or Low, Expectations Are Met
Do you remember a teacher that made a difference to what you thought was possible?

At Auckland University, Professor Christine Rubie-Davies has spent the last 20 years studying the power of teacher expectations and their impact on students.

Art of Defending

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Joel Matip (Cameroon and Liverpool) epitomizes the modern defender

Joel Matip (Cameroon and Liverpool) epitomizes the modern defender

What it Means to be a Defender
The art of defending is changing.

Historically defenders have been the toughest players in the game.  Aggressive, not scared to make a statement about football being a contact sport and with a ruthless edge to win the ball, top defenders are uncompromising.

Quality vs Quantity

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A quality over quantity approach is core to the Top Flight Football Academy ethos

A quality over quantity approach is core to the Top Flight Football Academy ethos

Quality vs Quantity
Elite players are moulded by learning the game.  Unfortunately, too many young New Zealand players are forced to endure the tedium of lengthy formal training sessions with little to no benefit or learning outcomes.

Versatility

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claudio bravo's ability to play an active role in build up play and ball circulation was crucial to man city's recent win over rivals Manchester united

claudio bravo’s ability to take an active role in build up play was crucial to man city’s recent win over rivals Manchester united

The New Outfield Player and Versatility
Most commentators were critical of the erratic display of Manchester City’s new goalkeeper Claudio Bravo after the weekend derby with Manchester United.  But by focusing on what he did wrong in the match they ignored the value and versatility that he brings to his new team.

TIPS vs SPIT

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TOFFA players work under the watchful eye of Fiorentina ACF U16 coach Matteo Fazzini

TOFFA players work under the watchful eye of ACF Fiorentina U16 coach Matteo Fazzini during the recent “Soccer Italian Style” players camp

Why Top Flight Football Academy Focuses on Technique
Technique is the most important consideration for the modern player.  Now more than ever, what matters most is what a player can do with the ball.