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How well a player keeps the ball under pressure. Good ball retention means they don't lose it often, even in tight spaces. Different from just passing accuracy because it accounts for pressure, body position, and shielding. Players with good retention can receive in difficult situations and give teammates time to move. Possession teams value it highly.
Thiago Alcântara's ball retention at Liverpool was exceptional - he could receive the ball surrounded by three opponents and somehow come out with it, using body feints and tight control to buy time and find an outlet.
Robbie
Jan 15, 2026
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