1. Get Stronger.

Simply, the more force you can apply to the ground the more force you will get out.

Improve your overall strength with resistance training. Start with body weight exercises but don't be afraid to add weight once you have mastered the exercise. 

2. Increase Flexibility.

Tightness can limit your range of motion therefore limiting your stride length and ability to run fast. Stretch after exercise and try doing some yoga. Ryan Giggs is a big fan of Yoga and plays at the highest level at 36 years old. Need I say more.

3. Improve your Power.

Everyone wants to become a more powerful athlete. With increased power you will be a more rounded athlete. You will able to compete more, jump higher, get to the ball first and change direction quicker. You want to develop your explosiveness. Plyometrics and olympic lifts are great ways to develop power.

4. Become more balanced.

Improving balance and coordination are often overlooked when trying to improve speed, yet vital to becoming a faster soccer player. Hop and holds and jump rope are some of my favourite ways to improve theses commodities. 

5. Improve your technique.

By cleaning up your technique you will not only become faster but will have less chance of becoming injured later on in your career. Clean up those bad habits before they become unbreakable. Work on posture exercises as well as improving arm action.

6. Get Fit.

Improving speed endurance will help you repeat your maximum efforts more often. When you are match fit you are also more likely to stay injury free. Performing short sprints with little recovery will help with this. Try and lower your recovery time each session.

7. Rest your body.

Knowing when to take a break is also important. Your body needs rest to recover and therefore become stronger. Take plenty of rest, get at least 7-9 hours sleep a night. Michael Essien of Chelsea has about 14 hours a day. No wonder he can run around the pitch all day. 

8. Fuel your body.

Your body is a machine and the only one that you will have, take care of it. Make sure you are putting the right amount and type of fuel into your body. Drink plenty of water and eat good carbs and protein with healthy fats. Stay away from sugars and bad fats. 

9. Have the right mindset.

Train every time like it's your last session. Play every game like you will never play it again. There is no tomorrow. Stay motivated, have the desire to be better, there is always room for improvement. I used to play soccer with a friend back home 'Mark Wagner.' Already a great player Mark always wanted more, always wanted to improve, he had a thirst for knowledge and would do anything to give him the advantage over his opponents and that is why he is still a great player today.

10. Anticipate the next move.

You don't have to be the quickest player on the field, just first to the ball. If you can see where the ball is going to land you have a great advantage. Look at how the player with the ball shapes to kick it and how hard you think they will hit and you can get to the ball before your opponent. Watch more soccer and you will improve your soccer brain and read the game better than your opponents.