A Coach’s Perspective
As a coach and sports scientist, I approach the game with abit of focus on performance data, biomechanics, and decision-making under pressure—elements that often go unnoticed in traditional analysis.
Having had the opportunity to work pre-session /and or post-session privately with professional footballers, working on sharpening their technique, improving their decision-making, and trying to find confidence in key areas of their game. Whether we’re fine-tuning first touches or working on striking from range, my goal is always to help players become more effective, not just more technical.
But one thing I’ve consistently noticed is a fear among many players to shoot from outside the box. It’s not just about confidence—it’s a tactical mindset that’s been influenced by systems that prioritize keeping the ball over creating immediate threats. And a lot of that comes from how we overvalue possession.
In a football culture increasingly dominated by stats, I’ve learned to look deeper. Possession numbers may sound impressive, but without context, they can be one of the most misleading metrics in the game.
The Myth of Possession
Possession is usually one of the first stats flashed on screen during a match. 65%, 70%, 80%—these numbers give off the illusion of dominance. But what do they really show? Just the percentage of time a team has the ball.
It says nothing about where the ball is being held, whether chances are being created, or if the team in control is actually winning.
Possession Without Purpose
Let’s start with a famous example: Spain vs. Japan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Spain had 82% possession but lost 2-1. Japan sat back, absorbed pressure, and hit with speed and precision. They didn’t need the ball to win—they needed moments.
And this isn’t just a European-Asian dynamic. Let’s talk about Africa.
AFCON 2023 offered several lessons in this regard. Take South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, for instance. Under coach Hugo Broos, they reached the semi-finals playing smart, disciplined football—not by monopolizing the ball, but by picking the right moments. Against Morocco (Round of 16), Bafana had far less possession (36%), yet won 2-0. They were organized, lethal on the counter, and clinical when it mattered.
Similarly, teams like Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde impressed in the group stages without ever needing to dominate possession. They relied on tight shapes, swift transitions, and maximizing efficiency.
The Problem with Possession Stats
Possession alone won’t tell you who’s more dangerous or likely to win. Here’s why:
1. No Context
– 200 passes between center-backs may look tidy on paper, but it doesn’t break lines or hurt the opponent.
2. False Control
– Some coaches want the opposition to have the ball. They plan to win it in specific zones and launch counters.
3. Lack of Penetration
– Keeping the ball without final third entries or shots on goal is just sterile possession.
What I Believe In: A Tactical Identity
As a coach, I believe in playing with three at the back. It offers flexibility in build-up, strengthens defensive transitions, and creates space for wide overloads without compromising central structure. But even more than structure, I’m known for encouraging something else: flair.
I believe in flamboyant soccer. I sometimes encourage players to express themselves, to take on their opponents, to dribble, to be unpredictable. I’d rather see a player try something brilliant and lose the ball than play safe and pass backwards out of fear.
My back three isn’t there to pass sideways all game. They must scan, step into midfield, break lines, and initiate purposeful attacks. I want every player on the field thinking forward, playing brave, and not being afraid to take a risk when the opportunity is there.
In systems obsessed with possession, we often create players who are scared to try. I do the opposite—I encourage creativity, boldness, and joy. Players showcasing their talent.
Examples That Break the Possession Myth
Leicester City (2015-16): Average possession? 42%. Premier League champions built on ruthless counter-attacks.
Atlético Madrid (Diego Simeone): Low possession, high compactness, and deadly transitions.
Real Madrid (2021-22 UCL): Regularly out-possessed but tactically efficient, often winning with 35–45% of the ball.
Bafana Bafana (AFCON 2023): Defeated giants with well-drilled, low-possession tactics.
Cape Verde & Equatorial Guinea: Outperformed expectations by playing direct, disciplined football.
Better Stats Than Possession
If we want to understand how effective a team really is, we need better metrics. Here are a few:
xG (Expected Goals): Tells us how good the chances are.
PPDA: Measures pressing intensity and defensive engagement.
Field Tilt: Ratio of attacking third touches—shows territorial dominance. Progressive Passes & Carries: Tell us who’s actually advancing the ball.
Final Third Entries: Show how often a team creates danger.
Conclusion Is, Control is More Than the Ball
In private training and team environments, I would like to constantly push players to be bold—to take risks, to dribble when they see space, and to shoot when they spot an opening . Talent is still the overseeing factor. Players hesitate because maybe the systems around them emphasize safety over ambition.
Possession can be useful, but only when it has purpose. In the modern game, it’s not about how long you keep the ball. It’s about what you do when you have it—and how well you win it back when you lose it.
Possession without intent is just empty control.
Football is still won by those who make the most of their moments. Football is ever changing and evolving, hence I try stay ahead but practical.