By Richard Lee - 16/04/2008

The Future of Football

No one can dispute that over the years the game of football has changed beyond recognition.

Every aspect of football has been upgraded and is continually being upgraded as more and more money is being pumped into the game. Players are more technically gifted than ever and science is now playing a vital role in the development of players and teams.

It got me thinking about what we could look forward to in years to come. Is it unrealistic to think that in 20 years’ time Premier League teams with be equipped with 11 players who are of a similar level to today’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Ronaldinho? For as ‘ahead of their time’ that these players are, that is exactly what they are, ahead of their time. That’s not to say they are the best that can be produced, or are they?

Using athletics as an example, there are very few world records that last more than a few years as human excellence continues to improve and to find a way to be better and better. And with every improvement comes belief that it can be done and not only that but once again it can be bettered. With football more popular than ever and still the dream occupation of most children in this country, surely standards will continue to rise?

Watford have actually pioneered a scheme that I’m sure within a couple of years will be the norm around football clubs in this country. They have selected a number of their most talented kids to attend the same school and to integrate educational development with developing their football talent in order to give them a head start in the fight to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo or whoever.

Although I guess I’m slightly biased with my view on this I do believe it’s a fantastic idea, providing education isn’t a token effort which I know at Watford they wouldn’t allow to be the case.

It has also been proven that it is as a child that most skills are ingrained and good coaching at this age could well produce the technical ability required to perform at the highest level. The opposite can also be true, certain ‘bad habits’ I developed at a young age still come back to haunt me now from time to time.

The science involved in the physique and power of a player has also helped crank the game up a notch or two. Gone are the days of the slightly overweight centre back or, more often than not, goalkeeper! Any weakness will be picked up on and exploited, football is a game of inches and it is these inches that decide the biggest games of all.

So how do I see football in years to come?  My vision of a football game in the Premiership in years to come can be likened to a game of chess; two teams who can adapt to any situation given to them, changing formation on a regular basis in order to exploit the opposition in any way they can and, similar to American Football, there’ll be many variations available from open play which players know off by heart.

The daily hours of a footballer will increase as the tactical part of the game is taken to a higher level. Each player will be physically incredibly strong, tactically astute and mentally prepared for all scenarios. Technology will mean fewer refereeing mistakes and more cameras to decide big decisions.

Will all of this take away from the love we all share for the game or make it less exciting and more predictable – or will it just continue to grow?

I’m not sure, this is just my vision...