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Height is really an advantage, especially in modern sports. However, it is not the only factor which determines whether or not a player succeeds in their craft. There are short players in football who have proven to be very good in their positions. In fact, some of these players are known to be very good on the ball, and their low centre of gravity makes dispossessing them of the ball very difficult.
In this line-up, consideration was given to short players who play professionally and have made some kind of contribution to their clubs. The formation is a typical 4-2-3-1, with two holding midfielders at the base.
This increases efficiency in the middle of the park for possession play, instead of long balls, due to their height. This is a solid starting 11 that will utilise the strength of speed and passing to penetrate the opposition.
A good example is the Brazilian national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On average, they only had three players on the pitch who were above six feet tall, and that was inclusive of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The Selecao players were able to use their natural ability and speed to break down teams with giant players such as Serbia.
Goalkeeper
David Ospina (6ft)
The Colombian international is arguably one of the best short goalkeepers in the world. Ideally, goalkeepers and centre backs are the tallest players on the field. This is for the purpose of efficient defending of the goal and dealing with long balls. Ospina has played at the highest level for his nation, and at club level.
He has also tasted Champions League football at Arsenal, and now with Napoli. Despite his height, Ospina remains a decent shot stopper. A key strength to his game are his reflexes and leaping ability, to keep goal-bound shots away.
Defenders
Phil Jones (5'11 ft) - LCB
Jones was a prodigy of the kind of future talent Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to see at Manchester United. For many seasons, he has been a key part of the United system.
His height of 5 ft 11 is short for the centre back position, but that has not limited him from performing at the biggest stage. The England international is strong and quick, which helps in retaining the ball.
He also does not shy away from a good old-fashioned sliding tackle. Despite reduced game time this season, his experience is critical to steady the ship at the back.
Nathan Ake (5'11 ft) - RCB
The versatility of this young Dutchman is particularly key in covering the gaps at the back. Ake compensates his lack of height as a centre back with good anticipation of the ball and good understanding of the game.
AFC Bournemouth has been hot this season. One of the reasons is Ake's defensive form. He has been superb in throwing taller attackers off their game, and expertly defending the goal area. His performances have attracted interest from top clubs such as Manchester United and former club Chelsea who have an option of buying him back.
Cesar Azpilicueta (5'9 ft) - RB
The Spanish international can play in a variety of positions in defence. At Chelsea, he fits well in either a back four or back three. One of his skills is tracking back and timing his forward runs.
Azpilicueta also delivers dangerous crosses into the box for target men. He is a leader on and off the pitch, which is crucial for cohesion of the team. He also loves going forward to provide width and another offensive option.
Aaron Cresswell (5'6 ft) - LB
Cresswell is a dependable left back who can be trusted to perform his defensive roles well. He also has the leeway to move forward and join the attack with overlapping runs, as seen for West Ham.
He will also be expected to provide through balls for the highly mobile offensive players. He can also have a pop at goal when the opportunity arises on his preferred left foot.
Midfielders
N'Golo Kante (5'6 ft) - LCDM
He is probably the best short defensive midfielder in the world. Kante has won the Premier League twice, and has seen his stock rise tremendously in the last four seasons. Kante has probably the best ball recovery skills in world football.
His height enables him to maintain balance and dispossess the opposition at will. Kante also knows how to time his tackles to perfection, and is rarely caught up in disciplinary issues. He is an automatic selection in this squad, and has the stats to show for it.
Fred (5'7 ft) - RCDM
The Manchester United and Brazilian player is good on both feet, and can change the game with his vision and passing ability. He has that natural South American flair which makes the game exciting.
His advantage is the work he puts in. Even after an error, Fred will continue closing down players, and make forward runs in order to create goal scoring opportunities. He is also good at set pieces, and whips in deadly free kicks.
Alexis Sanchez (5'7 ft) - LW
The Chilean has played at several World Cups as well as top matches in his career. He has had a stellar football career by playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world including: Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
Sanchez is a goalscorer with a good work rate, and he is highly ranked in terms of his offensive capability. He is also fast, and can open up play in small spaces behind the defence. In this type of formation he will thrive, given the players around him.
Aaron Lennon (5'4 ft) - RW
The veteran England international has made a reputation of being a speed merchant, and that is why he is deployed on the right wing.
He can run straight at the full back, and look for cut back passes into the box, as compared to crosses, because the players on this team lack the height to contest aerial balls with centre backs. Lennon is a more direct and impactful type of player who can put in a decent shift on the right wing.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (5ft 7) - #10
Messi is a living legend in world football. He is the most elite player on this team, and the captain. He sometimes takes matters into his own hands, and most times to devastating effect for the opposition.
He is a goal machine who will play behind the main striker. He has over 600 career goals, which is a testament to his ability. He will have a free role to move about into different spaces in the final third of the pitch, and he will be the main threat offensively as well as the playmaker for this team. His defensive roles will be very limited so he thrives on the other end.
Jermain Defoe (5'6 ft) - ST
Defoe will be the main man up front, and is expected to finish off chances that come his way, as his advanced age helps him read the game better. Given the support system of Messi and Sanchez, he should have one or two clear routes to goal.
He is a mobile player who can draw defenders to himself before releasing other players. Defoe is a proven goal scorer who will not hesitate to put the ball into the back of the net.
