For years it seems that 'Friendlies' were opportunities to assess players' and a team performance in a game like situation. Evaluation completed and selections were made. I would think that while there is ome value to that, there is little for the player or coach in actually preparing or having players acquire substantial learning that would enable them to perform or transition from that experience to a game.
Multiple friendlies with the same players may provide a more valid sample size to evaluate and assess. I would like to suggest that we consider the following over a three month phase:
Invitational camps with multiple diverse teams, styles, systems and approaches. We could for example have a two week training session with the Brazilian national team, Japanese, a European team . These opportunities will allow us to observe diverse approaches to training, discipline, preparation and skill development- participate in joint sessions. Hone in on individual players' skill development, attitudes and knowledge.
Coaches share game strategies/ philosophies, game preparation, systems and working with player motivation.
Players share similar type sessions with opposing players.
At the end of this mini camp game type scrimmage's occur and coaches work on systems.
A series of these camps could happen with about three to five countries. In about the second month, you arrange for some friendlies and assess players aptitude to emulate skills, behaviors and aptitude to perform in a variety of different systems and conditions. In the final month the coach gets an opportunity to build a system with the players available and hopefully from the experience of a cross section of camps from different countries ' styles, players would acquire a repertoire of skills.
Time to take a different approach to a national team structure, selection and development.
