By: Dr Fadi Maayah
Curtin University, Australia
Jordan Daily - Few things ignite football debate like a World Cup squad announcement. The moment a coach trims the list and leaves out big names, the conversation explodes—fans react, analysts argue, and social media becomes a battleground of opinion. But this is football. It always has been.
Selection controversy is not a problem; it is part of the sport’s heartbeat. What is often overlooked, however, is one simple truth: World Cup squads are not built by picking the “best 26 players” on paper. They are built to fit a system. Coaches are not selecting stars—they are building a team.
At the highest level, balance, role clarity, and tactical cohesion matter more than individual reputation. A player may be one of the best in the league, yet still not fit the demands of how the national team wants to play. That is the reality of modern football.
And modern football has evolved. Technical ability and tactical awareness remain essential, but they are no longer enough. Today’s game—especially at World Cup intensity—is driven by physical and physiological demands that shape every aspect of performance.
This is particularly true in systems like the 1-3-4-3. It is a structure built on speed, intensity, and relentless movement. Every player must press, recover, sprint, and transition at a high tempo. There is no room for passengers. That is why some selection decisions, while controversial, are entirely logical from a performance perspective.
Take the recent Al Nashama squad under head coach Jamal AlSallami. The omission of standout Jordan Pro League performers such as Sisa of Al Hussein and Al Arsan of Al Faisaly has sparked strong debate. Both players have been outstanding domestically, and their quality is undeniable. While many would have liked to see at least Sisa included in the extended 30 or 32-player squad, the coach ultimately had to draw a line—an essential and often difficult part of the job at this level.
However, international football demands more than domestic excellence. Players like Al Tamari, Al Fakhouri, Sabra, Alwan, and Al Azaizih bring not only technical and tactical qualities, but also experience from high-intensity leagues in Europe, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. These environments expose players to faster tempo, greater physical stress, and higher tactical demands—the exact conditions they will face on the World Cup stage.
This is the modern benchmark. Today’s attackers are not judged by skill alone; they are assessed by their ability to perform physically under pressure. The data speaks clearly:
• Top speeds exceeding 32 km/h
• VO₂max above 60 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹
• Capacity to complete 20–60 sprints per match
• High acceleration and deceleration loads
• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratios
These are not elite extras—they are fundamental requirements. The modern attacker must press aggressively, recover instantly, and repeat high-intensity efforts across the full 90 minutes. It is no longer enough to be creative; players must deliver that creativity at speed, under fatigue, and within a structured tactical system.
In short, today’s players are not just footballers—they are high-performance athletes. This evolution has also reshaped one of the most iconic roles in football: the Number 10.
There was a time when the Number 10 was given freedom—a player who controlled the game with vision and intelligence. In today’s game, particularly in a 1-3-4-3, that luxury has largely disappeared. Many coaches now replace the traditional 10 with two dynamic Number 8s to increase pressing intensity and tactical balance.
Even when a Number 10 is used, the role has transformed. It is now one of the most physically demanding positions on the pitch. Players must:
• Execute repeated high-speed runs
• Transition quickly between attack and defence
• Press aggressively after losing possession
• Sustain high intensity under fatigue
This creates a clear selection dilemma. A technically brilliant player may still be left out—not due to a lack of quality, but because they cannot meet the physical demands of the system.
At World Cup level, where the pace is higher and the margins are smaller, those limitations are quickly exposed.
That is why modern coaches prioritise players who can combine technical quality with athletic power and consistency. They seek players who can execute the system, not just express individual talent.
This is not a rejection of technical ability—it is an evolution of it.
Modern football demands complete players.
So when debates erupt over squad selections, they should be viewed through this wider lens. Passion is part of football, and disagreement is healthy. Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with the coach and staff to make decisions that align with the team’s identity, tactical system, and performance objectives.
Selection is not about individuals. It is about collective functionality.
In a game increasingly defined by speed, intensity, and physical excellence, those decisions—however difficult—are more complex and more justified than ever.
