It's a poor design decision because it interferes with the perception that the user should have, and that is of one that he or she is playing soccer. Having that on screen visual where it is, so blatantly in the picture and so obvious, instead gives you the feeling that you are filling up a meter...
In short, it uh... How shall I say it... Breaks the flow.
If you're going to put it anywhere put it on the bottom of the screen, so it can be seen using peripheral vision, and still give you the feel that you are playing soccer.