stuff like long shots and crosses increases luck randomness into a game, crossing stayed, but long shots has faded away
which makes you appreciate the players who can take these more, ones who can still convince their coach to do it, cus computer model clearly is against it
Spain’s long-range shooting problem is becoming increasingly obvious.
Against low blocks, having players who can consistently threaten from distance is a huge weapon. Yet many of Spain’s attacking midfielders excel in almost every aspect of the game but tend to strike the ball with the inside of the foot, prioritising placement over power and unpredictability.
Previous generations had specialists like Xabi Alonso or Frank Lampard who could punish compact defences from 20-30 metres. Those shots forced opponents to step out, creating new spaces to exploit.
Modern football has improved many things, but one technical skill seems to have been neglected: long-range shooting. Ironically, it’s something old-school football valued far more.