If you’re anything like us, you’ve been glued to your screen watching season two of Squid Game. While the show is packed with life-or-death drama, it’s also full of lessons that apply directly to the soccer pitch. From building team chemistry to overcoming odd line formations, here’s what every NYC Footy player can take away from this fictional series.

1. Building Team Chemistry

In Squid Game, trust is everything— it’s the literal difference between making it to the next round or, well, not. Whether it’s forming alliances or believing your teammates have the best intentions, players must trust one another if they hope to survive. Sure there can be only one winner, but the most powerful moments we’ve seen in Squid Game involve playing as a team.

For NYC Footy and MIA Footy players, team chemistry is clutch, especially since many of our teams are composed of free agents who have NEVER played together before until they put on a Paloma jersey. Building that authentic team connection with your squad means:

Communication: Call out plays, give heads-ups, and encourage each other.

Understanding Strengths: Know who’s got the speed, who’s got the finesse, and who’s got the banger shot from midfield.

Trusting Each Other: Trust is the first step to creating a path to victory. Pass the ball, cover for your teammate, and believe they’ll have your back.

2. Mastering the Best Soccer Formations

Formations in soccer are a lot like strategies in Squid Game: choose the right one, and you’ve got a fighting chance. In season 2, some players succeed by sticking to a plan, while others get knocked out by failing to stay composed. Soccer squads can take note by mastering formations like these:

4-4-2 (Balanced): Solid and simple, this setup gives you a strong defense and an organized attack.

3-5-2 (Aggressive): Want to dominate the midfield? This formation is your go-to, perfect for keeping possession.

4-3-3 (Offensive): When you need goals, this attacking lineup can stretch your opponents thin.

Whatever formation you choose (but maybe not the 5-0-0 used during Squid Game’s six-legged pentathlon, make sure your team’s on the same page. Everyone needs to know their role—just like those epic Squid Game challenges where one weak link could ruin everything.

3. How to Play Well Under Pressure

If there’s one thing Squid Game teaches us, it’s how to handle pressure. Anyone else start shouting at the TV during the six-legged race? Those players who kept their cool had a way better shot at survival. Soccer is full of high-pressure moments —penalty kicks, last-minute goals, and literally every single corner kick ever taken. Here’s how to handle the heat:

Focus on the Basics: When the stakes are high, stick to what you know. A clean pass or a solid tackle goes a long way.

Stay Positive: Even if you’re down a goal, keep that energy up. Negativity spreads faster than a counterattack.

Practice High-Stakes Scenarios: Recreate intense moments in practice so they feel second nature during a game.

The Final Whistle

Watching season 2 of Squid Game s a rollercoaster, but it’s also a crash course in strategy, teamwork, and handling pressure. For soccer players across all skill levels, the lessons are clear: build trust, stick to your game plan, and stay calm when it counts. Now go crush it on the pitch—and maybe sprint to the goal like it’s red light-green light if the opportunity to get that ball across the line comes up.