When you come on late, the temptation is to prove your value in the first two minutes. That usually leads to chasing, forcing runs and getting dragged out of useful positions.
Your first job is to understand the state of the game. Is your team protecting a lead, chasing one, or simply trying to get control back? Then identify what the centre-backs have been dealing with: are they comfortable with direct runs, struggling when the striker drops, or leaving space in the channels?
Give yourself one simple target for the first five minutes. It might be to secure two good contacts, press with the team, or make one run that stretches the back line.
You do not need ten actions to make an impact. A substitute often changes the game by bringing clarity and energy to a few moments rather than trying to manufacture something every time the ball moves.
