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Kraaz Helps Scouts For Talented Youth Soccer Players for the Integrated Academy at Eintracht Frankfurt
What are the top three mistakes youth soccer players make? Is there a singular attribute that makes a player successful? Here is great advice for youth soccer players looking to make an impact on the field.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Armin Kraaz speaks out on what is important for success as a soccer player and what it takes for youth soccer players to make the leap to become a professional. PART II of SoccerToday’s Interview.
Armin Kraaz is a former professional soccer player who played in the Bundesliga, scoring goals and making over 100 appearances. As a youth, Kraaz played for the U17 Eintracht Frankfurt Youth Academy and returned to the Bundesliga giant as a coach and became the head of its Academy for nearly ten years. Stepped down in 2019 to take over the role of the Head of Sports Projects America, Kraaz in the man in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt’s efforts to build youth soccer development in the US.
RELATED ARTICLE: EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’S ARMIN KRAAZ ON WHAT AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Kraaz is in the county right now and visited with the Dallas Cup last month. Now scouting for the International Soccer Academy‘s integrated program at Eintracht Frankfurt with Eddie Loewen, Kraaz will be onsite across America — from Southern California to New York City area — at tryouts for highly talented boys born in 2005 and 2006.
Armin Kraaz — Eintracht Frankfurt vs SV Werder Bremen — Photo Credit: Eintracht Frankfurt
Interview with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Armin Kraaz – Part II
Diane Scavuzzo: How would you describe Eintracht Frankfurt’s style of soccer?
Armin Kraaz: High press, aggressive, offensive and positive thinking, self-confident and powerful.
Diane Scavuzzo: Is there any player on the first team who best embodies this philosophy?
Armin Kraaz: There are many players who do so. Personally, I am a big Filip Kostić fan.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the best advice you can share with a player who wants to become a professional?
Armin Kraaz: Work hard, never lose focus, practice as much and as hard as you can. And don’t rely on talent. Be resilient.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the singular most important attribute required for a youth soccer player’s success?
Armin Kraaz: There is no singular attribute. It’s always a package of abilities that you need. The more the better.
Diane Scavuzzo: Is it the same for a pro?
Armin Kraaz: Yes.
Diane Scavuzzo: Are there any players on the first team who you can use as examples?
Armin Kraaz: There is no specific player. But every player who made it pro in the Bundesliga has to have the complete package.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are the top three mistakes highly talented youth players make?
Armin Kraaz: The top three mistakes that talented youth soccer players make? Here are the three mistakes players often make:
- Relying on their talent.
- Not looking for competition.
- Losing focus.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be a winner?
Armin Kraaz: Mental stability and the ability to be ready to use and perform all your skills on the pitch once you have the chance.
Diane Scavuzzo: With impressive rankings in the Bundesliga, is Eintracht Frankfurt the underdog of the season? What have been the determining factors so far this season?
Armin Kraaz: Great group of players, extraordinary teamwork, with awesome coaching that is maybe a result of a long period working together.
Diane Scavuzzo: Looking ahead, what could a year’s training at the Integrated Academy at Eintracht Frankfurt give an American youth player?
Armin Kraaz: Players can develop all the skills they need.
Players will be embedded in our philosophy with highly qualified coaches and combined with an extraordinary experience on and off the field in one of the world’s best football nations.
The post EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’S ARMIN KRAAZ ON DON’T RELY ON TALENT – BE RESILIENT appeared first on SoccerToday.
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