Through The Ranks Monday 22nd February 2010
Fulham FC News
Matthew Reece
Age: 17
Position: Centre-forward
Academy hopeful Matthew Reece believes that there is more to a striker’s game than simply scoring goals.
The 17-year-old has certainly made a habit of hitting the back of the net though, scoring freely for the Club’s U16s and continuing that form this season in his first campaign with the U18s.
However there is more to Reece than just his ability in front of goal. Tall, powerfully built and with a hard-working attitude, the talented youngster is a player that has impressed onlookers of late yet points to the guidance of Academy coaches Mark Pembridge and Gary Brazil as the reason behind his progression.
“I moved up to the U18s over the summer and I think my first eight months as a first-year scholar have been good,” he says. “The transition is always difficult at first because you have to think differently in almost every aspect.
“But like the other lads who came up from the U16s, Mark Pembridge had prepared us well. I’d been involved with the older group of players at times last year so I don’t think it took me too long to find my feet.
“Pembs has a lot of experience and that is passed on to the younger players in a lot of ways. Gary has a lot of experience too, and what I like most is the fact that he used to be a striker.
“I’ve learned a lot under his guidance and he’s helped me become not just a better goal scorer, but an all-round better player. It’s kind of difficult not to develop here because the training is first class.”
And the local youngster certainly understands the importance of training. It serves as a chance to fine-tune his game and work on elements of his play that could ultimately make a difference in the long-term.
“Every player has parts of the game that they need to work on,” admits Matthew. “For me, I need to improve my right foot when it comes to striking the ball. If I am to become a Premier League striker then I have to be good with both feet.
“You have to make the most of the goal scoring opportunities that come your way, because the higher level you play, the less frequent they become. So when they do fall your way you have to make sure you take them – and the ball might drop on your weaker foot.
“When we have shooting sessions I try and do as much as I can with my right foot, in fact I probably use that more than my stronger left foot at times. But that’s the only way that I am going to improve.”
The striker came to the Club relatively late, having been spotted playing Sunday League youth football in Surrey and, having not, by his own admission, hit the ground running after joining the Academy, Reece insists that he has made up for lost time.
“I do feel like I have caught up now,” he says on reflection. “I made a slow start and I admit that it was difficult at first. I’m proud of the fact that I have come a long way since then and I certainly don’t look out of place at this level.”
Even with the U18s, competition for places is intense with Reece one of a number of talented strikers. He may not have played as much as he would have originally anticipated at the start of the season, but his reaction to the situation has been admirable.
“Competition for places is extremely high,” says Matthew. “I wouldn’t say that I have been a regular starter, but it’s difficult because both Marcello Trotta and Richard Peniket are fantastic players.
“They have been doing well this year and when that is the case, of course it’s difficult for others to make their mark. But that said, I know what I need to do and hopefully at some point I’ll prove myself.
“I still think I’ve had a good season so far and I have contributed with some important goals. I have to remain positive, because after all this is only my first season with the U18 squad.
“It’s good to have competition though, because it helps players improve. You have to work harder for that place in the starting line-up. You have to take the positives from every situation.
“If I started to worry about it too much it might start to take over and that’s not good for anyone. I’m ready if needed, strikers have to be confident in their ability and if the challenge is set, I think I can take it.”
Reece cites Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez of Manchester United and City respectively as two players he holds admiration for and also points to the performances of Teddy Sheringham not too long ago as those that define what being a striker is all about.
“Rooney and Tevez don’t just score goals – they’re team players,” he says enthusiastically. “They also have an excellent attitude to the game and don’t stop running for the whole 90 minutes.
“I could watch them play all day because they are two of the best around. They’re always involved and lead the line fantastically. I grew up watching Tottenham, and Sheringham was the player that I always looked up to.
“He made the game look so easy and was another who didn’t just put the ball in the back of the net. He brought others into play and was always an option for his team-mates too, and I think that’s the way it should be.”
The young front man also reserves praise for Fulham’s very own Bobby Zamora – a player Reece has the privilege of watching close up week-in-week-out.
“In terms of holding the ball up he’s probably the best in the league,” states the youngster. “He’s so strong on the ball and when it goes up top, you know that it is going to stick. He is a defender’s worst nightmare.
“I watch him during games and when I can I’ll see what he’s doing in training as well, because that’s where you’re really going to learn. Bobby is a player that I definitely look up to and I think he has been unbelievable this season.
“I feel like he has opened my eyes a little in terms of what is needed in that position. I was lucky enough to train with him once doing shooting and hold-up play, which was a great experience.
“Like Zamora, I feel that I am a team player - although obviously I’m some way off his standard. The striker plays at the head of the team, it’s an important position because you’re the first line of defence. It’s not just about goals – it’s about keeping the team’s shape.”
Matthew Reece Up Close
- My nickname is just Matty or Reecie.
- A strength of mine is probably the power of my left foot.
- Although my weakness is the lack of power in my right foot – or heading!
- I would say I play most like someone like Carlos Tevez. Someone who works really hard up-front.
- The biggest influence on my career has been Mark Pembridge who was my coach at U16 level. I learned a lot working with him.
- My hidden talent is my dancing. I’m quite a mover on the dance floor.
- My favourite Fulham player is Bobby Zamora. I admire the way he holds the ball up and is so unselfish.
- Growing up my idol was Teddy Sheringham. I grew up as a Spurs fan and he was my favourite. He was just such a great striker.
- Five years from now I’ll hopefully be established in the Fulham First Team.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/MatthewReece.aspx#ixzz0gHRCy0dA
