Everyone’s attention is on the ball. They watch players on both sides attack and defend; ferociously competing for possession.
They largely ignore the rest of the players. After all, that isn’t where the action is.
Yet most opportunities come from good positional play. From territorial control, from moving into open space, and from pouncing quickly on a counter attack.
When everyone’s eye is on the ball, there’s opportunity to create options and space across the rest of the field.
This works in football, and in many other situations too.