For those who missed yesterday's introduction, here's the link.
Part 1 of 4
G is for "Goodness me, did he really do that". It's also for Ryan GIGGS, the wing-wizard from MUFC who we celebrated in my previous article for his contributions to the club, loyalty and magic on the field of play. Its for GUTI [José María Gutiérrez Hernández], the former Los Blancos pass-master who features prominently on any "top 10 assists" list you pull from Real Madrid FC. Yes, of course it's for Josep GUARDIOLA [Josep Guardiola i Sala], midfield maestro at FCB at a time when La Liga dominance still belonged mostly to the team from the Bernabau. Pep has a lot to thank Johan Cruyff for, who moved him from RCM to the central role very very early in his career. A move that paid major dividends to both him and FCB. Very importantly and somewhat controversially [coming from me] its for Steven GERRARD. The heartbeat of Liverpool FC. Loads of rivalry involved, but personally also a strong sense of respect for his passion and more so for his ability. Not many can strike the ball as sweetly as he can.
Let me end this letter with a bit of MUFC humour "Giggsy 12 Gerrard 0...Giggsy 12 Gerrard 0"
Anyone remember that fantastic Romanian team, which included the likes of Gheorghe HAGI? One of the finest attacking midfielders around during the late 80's and 90's representing his country at 3 FIFA World Cups and 3 EURO Championships. Hagi is one of few players to have donned the colors of both Real Madrid FC and later FC Barcelona, before signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray. A rather illustrious career.
That being said, how can we overlook the mastery of an EPL legend in Thierry Daniel HENRY. To be honest, i nearly did, thankfully my brother jogged my memory. Starting his career out in France at Monaco, he moved on to Juventus, where he endured a rather difficult spell, being played out wide. Arsene, with his love for all things French, brought in Thierry and soon played him as their frontman. The rest as they say is history. History which included a €24 million move to FC Barcelona. I remember vividly his goal for Arsenal against MUFC at Highbury in 2000. Fabien Barthez stood no chance. The EPL will very rarely see a player as talented as this.
There's no I in team, unless of course it's Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC, individualistic, self-centred and some may claim a serial underachiever. I don't think we can doubt his talent. It's what he does or doesn't do with it that jars many. How many players can say they've been courted by Europes' elite clubs and played for many of them as well?! IF only he showed more determination.
A little mention to the players Sir Alex Ferguson claims "was born offside" Filippo INZAGHI. Can't really scoff at a player who has 2 UEFA Champions League's and 3 Serie A Titles [1 at Juventus + 2 at AC Milan] as well as a FIFA World Cup.
JUNINHO Pernambucano [Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr], named after the state he hails from, Pernambuco. Quite simply, one of the finest free kick takers of our time and possibly all time. His most notable contributions were at Olympique Lyonnais in the French Ligue 1, where he led the club to their first league title...and thereafter seven in a row.
There's always been a soft spot for ze Germans, particularly Jürgen KLINSMANN. Quite prolific for the national side and first footballer to score three or more goals in three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. You may remember his short spell at Tottenham Hotspur FC and that 'dive celebration'. How can i not mention our influential captain Roy KEANE, to many one of the finest defensive midfielders of our time. He played the game the way it should be played [most times]. Tough tackling, always giving his all for the cause. There are many memories, but I'll allude to the pre-match altercation with Vieira and the 'schooling' he dished out to the Frenchman on the field thereafter. What a legend.
We'll cast our attentions back to two of the finest Left [wing] backs of the 90's in LEONARDO and Bixente LIZARAZU. The Brazilian enjoyed his most successful spell at AC Milan and was also part of the '94 FIFA World Cup winning side and the '98 team that ended as runners-up. The Frenchman had noteworthy spells at Bordeaux and Bayern Munchen. He was an integral part of the '98 FIFA World Cup winning outfit.
From the turn of the century, one player, sitting just in front of the back four, stopped almost everything that tried to find a way past him. Claude MAKALELE. The likes of Real Madrid FC, Chelsea FC and towards the end of his career PSG all benefited from his defensive midfield prowess. It's worth noting that he was one of the first players signed under the Russian regime at CFC. Somewhat of a master-stroke.
Before we get too defensive [see what i did there], lets look at a player we often refer to as the best footballer of all time. Lionel Andrés MESSI. Nothing needs to be said about this guy. He continues to bewilder us with not only his majestic ability, but also with the freedom with which he finds the net.
Thank you for continuing this journey with me.
Next time we look at players [N-S] who have left their mark on this The Beautiful Game.
No comments:
Post a Comment