In this second installment of "Fotball Quotes" we will be reviewing the words of one of the best players in the history of world football, which marked times as a player and as a coach. We refer to the great Johan Cruyff, propeller of a style of play that became rather a philosophy of life, for him and for all the followers of this football current.

"All the coaches talk about movement, about running a lot. I say that it is not necessary to run so much, football is a game played with the brain, you must be in the right place, at the right time, not too soon or too late." (Johan Cruyff).

If we analyze Cruyff's words, we will find that he is absolutely right. In today's football the physicist is often prioritized over other things. In fact, we are in an era where footballers are athletes, which is not bad. This same physical development has allowed them to reach levels of performance that were unimaginable 30 years ago. However, the speed of the brain is always going to be more important than the speed of the legs. A smart footballer within the field is able to resolve in two touches a play that would take another to run 30 meters, although both end in a goal.

As Cruyff said, it's important to play with the brain. What characterizes the great players is that before they even reach the ball at their feet, they already have reflected in their mind what is the next action to execute. The simple gesture of raising your head, perceiving your surroundings and deciding in thousands of seconds where to throw a pass or where to place you to receive it is what defines the great players. More than the speed, the placement and the ability to anticipate the plays are vital for a football player.

And playing with the brain not only allows them to practice football easier, but also helps the players to extend their careers in the field. We all know that no matter how hard you try 100% to always maintain an optimal physical state, there comes a time when these capacities begin to diminish. Some more quickly than others, but the body always ends up taking its toll, no one can escape from this reality .

And in that moment where the legs no longer respond as before, is where greater importance acquires mental speed. A smart and fast-thinking player knows how to remain influential within the game of his team, although he can not travel the whole band as in his youth. A precise pass, be well placed to receive a pass, anticipate a defense to finish or advance to the play of a forward to win the ball, all this is worth the same as being able to get three players in a fast dribble. These small well-executed actions are what really make a team stand out .

I always told my friends "In 3 or 4 more years, if Messi goes to the midfield and Cristiano focuses on being a center forward, they will play until the age they want and they will continue to break all", because they are players who use their brains within the field of play. And we could continue mentioning many more examples, but the point is to understand that football is not just about running, it's about playing with intelligence.