Why 23-Man Rosters Are the New Reality in Modern Football (And Why Short Squads Won’t Cut It)

The Rise of the 23-Man Roster

When I first started analyzing football data at ESPN Brazil, I was struck by how rigid team structures used to be. Back then, 18 players meant every spot mattered—no room for error. But now? The modern game runs on volume: more games, higher intensity, longer runs per match. In this new world, a squad of 23 isn’t luxury—it’s survival.

I still remember watching Guardiola’s early Barcelona teams: tight rotations, deep chemistry built over seasons. His system thrived because players trained together daily. But that model assumed continuity—something we no longer have.

Why Short Squads No Longer Work

Today’s midfielders clock over 11 km per game—some even hit 13 km in finals. That kind of endurance simply can’t be maintained without proper rotation. When you’re running at that level for every match, injuries aren’t accidents—they’re inevitabilities.

That’s why the move from 18 to 23 players wasn’t just a rule tweak; it was tactical revolution. More substitutions mean higher pressing becomes sustainable across Europe—from Madrid to Manchester.

But here’s what many miss: the psychological toll of being left off the list.

The Hidden Cost of Exclusion

Last season, when Fati was left out despite zero injury concerns? That wasn’t just bad optics—it was a morale bombshell for young talent. And yes, it echoes back to that King Cup game where Torre missed the 22-man cut too.

These aren’t just names on paper—they’re human beings with dreams who depend on visibility.

Even though clubs register up to 25 players (like Barça), most don’t use them all—training quality drops when too many sit on benches during drills. As coaches have said: ‘You can’t train like a team if half your squad is an audience.’

So why did Enrique bring only 24 for Euro? Because managing too many options creates chaos—not clarity.

The Ideal Formula: Not Just Numbers—but Balance

Harvey once said he wanted two competing players per position—one backup worthy of starting if needed. That points toward an ideal structure:

• 8 defenders
• 7 midfielders
• 5 forwards Plus goalkeepers = perfect fit at 23.

But reality hits hard:

• De Jong and Gavi return → seven midfielders vying for three spots?
• Bellard returns next season → even tighter competition? The problem isn’t talent—it’s access.

And this is where youth development gets squeezed out. Kids like Martin or Víctor earned their call-ups because there were gaps—and they filled them with fire and hunger. Now? If you’re not already in the top tier… wait your turn—or get shipped out before you even learn full-time training rhythms.

Who Gets Left Behind—and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Let me ask something blunt: Can we really justify keeping Ford or Casado instead of pushing someone younger into rotation? The truth is simple: If you don’t rotate smartly today—you burn out your best in six months come April. The cost isn’t just results; it’s culture—the quiet death of belief among those who never got seen.

So yes—squad size matters deeply in transfer decisions not because managers love long lists… but because realistic depth protects people as much as trophies. The future belongs to teams that treat player value not as static stats—but dynamic potential across time and context.