Silvia Lloris on her development as a centre-back

Growing up playing football with boys helped Lloris develop into a tough and fearless centre-back. Throughout her fledgling career, she has put in hard work outside team training sessions to perfect her craft, earning recognition as a youth international for La Roja. Lloris loves the game and knows that, to become a top player, you need to show humility and be willing to learn every day. In this interview, she recounts her playing journey and shares some valuable advice for younger players.

Lloris attributes her development into a top player to the following:

• A progressive path that started with playing with boys in her childhood

• Attention to detail and hard work outside of team training

• Being humble and open to learning

Part 1: Playing at centre-back for club and country
Lloris recalls playing football with boys for a long time before making the leap to Levante and then Atlético Madrid. The Spaniard credits her early years for giving her the strength and fearlessness needed for a centre-half. She has learned over time that having a good first touch, communicating effectively with team-mates and keeping close tabs on attacking players are also critical attributes in her position. With the national team, she prioritises her ball-playing skills to help Spain build from the back. She underscores that young players should be like sponges, learning from every situation and following the coach’s instructions to a tee. She also notes how important it is to have different roles in the team, while remaining adamant that players can excel in any position as long as they play with intensity and focus.

Part 2: Using preparation and analysis to grow as a player
The up-and-coming centre-back notes that, as players mature, striving for perfection is key to development. She states that her shift in mentality came at Levante, where she realised that extra work outside regular training sets top players apart. As well as drawing on nutrition and psychology to optimise her performances, Lloris uses video analysis to prepare for and review matches. Collaborating with analysts helps players adapt to specific situations and opponents. She notes that players’ in-game perceptions sometimes differ from what video analysis reveals later, since the game moves at lightning speed. The defender also touches on the coach’s crucial role in game analysis and equipping players with the tools to succeed on the pitch.

Part 3: Advice for younger players
In the final portion of her interview, Lloris offers advice for young women aspiring to evolve as players and master their position. She focuses on the need for steadfast humility and an unwavering desire to learn. Lloris says that humility underpins everything and players must remember that they are people first. Footballers should surround themselves with honest and supportive individuals. Beyond that, Lloris reiterates that players should be like sponges and absorb lessons from every experience. She urges players to listen to their team-mates and understand that every coach will provide them with both positive and challenging learning experiences.