Great thread! Will come back to contribute.
---------- Post added 12-11-2016 at 19:29 ----------
I personally think nationwide focus on teaching young kids how to play first of all mainly with the small futsal balls. Anyone who has practiced with both for a long time will definitely know how beneficial the smaller balls can be for improving close control, first touch, general comfort on the ball. All the most skilful players from South America and Southern Europe now and the past used these footballs when they were starting as young boys.
British players whenever I see them on the big international stages, with the exception of a small minority, (bale, scholes, Rooney when he was young), show themselves up as uninspired, lacking that killer touch of creativity, just too stiff.
---------- Post added 12-11-2016 at 19:31 ----------
There's a lot wrong with the game today, but more to be excited about than not!