Physique is extremely important. Soccer is just not as selective towards tall players like Basketball is. In fact, I think soccer is slightly selective towards

Physique is extremely important. Soccer is just not as selective towards tall players like Basketball is. In fact, I think soccer is slightly selective towards smaller players. Height seems to be an extremely important factor for header ability, but small players tend to have advantages in mobility and they probably also better reflexes. Just look at the Spanish team. And Messi has an excellent physique, doesn't he? Ibrahimovic (at 1.95m) is one exception, but he has outstanding mobility and awareness.