Arsenal vs Man City LIVE: Community Shield – Who Claims First Silverware?
Former Pro Pat Nevin Explains Why Young Player Needs to "Attack the Ball" Instead of Standing Still
The Big Picture: What Happened During the Match
During a recent match where Arsenal led Manchester City 2-0 at halftime, former professional soccer player Pat Nevin (who used to play for Everton) shared his thoughts on BBC Radio 5 Live. He was watching a young player named Nico O’Reilly and noticed something important that every young player can learn from.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Getting into good positions isn’t enough—you have to be ready to MOVE when the ball arrives!
Who Is Pat Nevin and Why Should We Listen?
- Former professional winger for Everton (a famous English club)
- Current soccer expert for BBC Radio 5 Live
- Knows what it takes to score goals at the highest level
- Watches games closely to spot small details that make big differences
The Problem: Nico O’Reilly’s "Standing Still" Habit
What Nico Does Well
- Starts at left-back (defensive position on the left side)
- Runs forward into attacking positions
- Gets all the way to the center-forward spot (prime scoring area)
What Nico Needs to Fix
- Arrives early because the team builds up play slowly
- Just stands there waiting for the ball
- Doesn’t move toward the ball when it comes in
- Misses chances to score because he’s stationary
Pat Nevin’s Simple Advice: "Run Onto It"
Nevin explains the fix in three easy steps:
1. Change Your Mindset
"You have to get into the habit of: when the ball comes in, I’ll go onto it and attack it."
2. Time Your Run
- Don’t arrive early and stop
- Stay moving so you hit full speed exactly when the ball arrives
- This makes you harder to defend and more likely to score
3. Listen to Your Coach
- Nevin says: "I think his manager needs to have a word with him."
- Coaches see things players miss during the game
- Small corrections now prevent bad habits later
Why This Matters for EVERY Young Player
| Standing Still | Attacking the Ball |
|---|---|
| Defenders can easily mark you | Defenders must react to YOUR movement |
| Ball might bounce away from you | You reach the ball FIRST |
| Easy for goalkeeper to collect | Creates chaos in the box = more goals |
| Looks like you’re not trying | Shows hunger and determination |
Simple Drill to Practice This at Home
- Set up: Have a friend/parent cross balls into the box
- Start position: Stand 5 yards outside the penalty area
- The rule: NEVER stand still—always be jogging side-to-side
- The trigger: As soon as the kicker looks up → SPRINT toward the ball
- Repeat: 10 crosses with left foot, 10 with right foot
- Track: Count how many you connect with cleanly
Summary: The One Thing to Remember
GETTING THERE IS ONLY HALF THE JOB. ATTACKING THE BALL IS HOW YOU SCORE.
Nico O’Reilly has the engine to get into great positions—now he just needs the instinct to finish the run. As Pat Nevin says, it’s a simple habit change that makes all the difference between a "good run" and a goal-scoring opportunity.
FAQ: Questions Young Players Might Ask
Q: But what if I run in too early and get caught offside?
A: Great question! The trick is timing. Stay on the last defender’s shoulder, keep your body moving sideways, then explode forward exactly when the crosser kicks the ball. Standing still makes offside MORE likely because you’re a stationary target.
Q: I’m not fast—can I still do this?
A: Absolutely! Anticipation beats speed. If you start your run earlier and read the play better, you’ll arrive at the same time as faster players who react late. Nevin’s advice is about habit, not pure pace.
Q: How do I know when to make my move?
A: Watch the crosser’s head and hips. When they look up at the box and plant their standing foot, that’s your "GO" signal. Practice this timing until it becomes automatic.
Q: My coach never says anything about this—should I ask?
A: Yes! Ask: "Coach, am I attacking crosses early enough?" Shows you’re thinking about the game. Most coaches love when players want feedback on movement off the ball.
Q: Does this only apply to forwards?
A: Nope! Midfielders, full-backs, even center-backs on set pieces—anyone entering the box needs to attack the ball, not wait for it. The best headers of the ball in history (like Alan Shearer or Cristiano Ronaldo) all mastered this exact habit.
Want to see this in action? Watch highlights of great strikers—they’re never standing still in the box. They’re always hunting the next touch!