If you've missed the previous two posts, here they are
Part 1 of 4
Part 2 of 4
Pavel NEDVED. The attacking midfielder/winger is well known for his exploits at both Lazio and Juventus. At Lazio he played a key part in their Coppa Italia success and also the Cup Winners Cup win, the last of it's kind. In the final itself, he scored the winner, an 81st minute goal to hand Biancocelesti victory. His move to Juventus was highly publicised, as he was seen as the direct replacement for Zinedine Zidane, in a deal which cost Juve €41 million. Of course his natural ability helped The Old Lady to Scudetto victories in the '01-'02 as well as '02-'03 seasons. I think the pinnacle of his career, was winning the European Player of the Year award or Ballon d'Or in 2003. His international involvement speaks volumes as well. The contribution of the blonde-haired maestro at the '96 Euro Championships, in which his beloved Czech Republic reached the final, is one that stands out in the memory.
A sublime talent, who was able to strike the ball sweetly with either foot.
We move on. Remembering now two Nigerian midfielders, different in their craft, but both leaving a mark on the game. Austin "Jay Jay" OKOCHA and Sunday OLISEH. It's safe to say Jay Jay [so good that they named him twice] was the more influential of the two. His trickery and flair at PSG and then Bolton Wanderers are remembered fondly. Sunday is mostly remembered for his winner against Spain in the '98 FIFA World Cup, earning him cult-hero status among his Nigerian countrymen. There's no doubting, it was a cracking strike! Africa has produced some fine footballers and continues to do so.
The fullback from Romania, Dan PETRESCU [Daniel Vasile Petrescu]. Beginning his football journey at Steaua Bucaresti where he reached the final of Europes' most prestigious club competition, losing to the [then] masterful Milan. Nothing to be ashamed of, if you look at the AC Milan teamsheet.
A few years later, he joined Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and Cup Winners Cup with the Blues. Dan was quite influential for his country as well, a formidable force in the '94 side, who reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Another player with a P worthy of a mention is Emmanuel "Mannu" PETIT. Remembered for his role in midfield [at Arsenal] alongside Paddy Vieira and also for his '98 FIFA World Cup contributions in which Les Bleus won the tournament on home soil. His corner led to Zizou's opener and Mannu then went on to seal the win with a goal in the final minutes of the game. Petit had a great eye for a pass and had pin-point accuracy from corners.
Both, defensive by nature, but a good advertisement for the modern game, as they were not afraid to carry the ball forward and join in on attacks.
MUFC lost out on the services of Ricardo QUARESMA, as the winger opted to join FC Barcelona from Sporting, instead we signed a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. It was said that Quaresma was the more naturally gifted of the two [and maybe he is], but we all know how the scenario has played itself out. Now at Besiktas, the Portuguese misfit has had spells at FCB, FC Porto, Inter and Chelsea. The stand-out showing being at Porto, moving there from Barca in a deal seeing Deco go the other way. I am a fan, but like Adriano of Brasil, his natural talent is overshadowed by his lack of discipline. Still only 28yrs old, there might be more to give, maybe even at EURO 2012?!
This letter! Anyone recall the midfield mastery of the Argentine playing for Real Madrid FC? Fernando REDONDO. He was a defensive midfielder with a difference. Ask Henning Berg. There's Cristiano RONALDO, the 'one trick pony' who turned into one of the finest footballers' we've seen. Scoring for fun, dominating the EPL and now La Liga. Then there were the three from Brasil. RONALDO [De Lima], RIVALDO and RONALDINHO. All three having a stint at the famous Blaugrana club and mesmerising us with their abilty to play the game beautifully, for club and country. Joga Bonito. Would football be the same without these magicians? Really...
The Bulgarian who was a key part of the Cruyff 'dream team' at FC Barcelona, Hristo STOICHKOV. His contributions [and that of his highly talented teammates] saw FCB win La Liga for four seasons running as well as the European Cup [UEFA Champions League]. Stoichkov also received the Golden Boot award [with Oleg Salenko] at the '94 FIFA World Cup. A master!
Clarence SEEDORF. The most decorated footballer in the UEFA Champions League, winning the tournament on 4 occasions with 3 different clubs. Did you know that he is still the youngest player to play for Ajax Amsterdam, considering the generation he comes from, that is some achievement. His footballing CV includes playing for Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan, undoubtedly three of Europe's biggest clubs...and to a slightly lesser degree, Internazionale as well. At 36yrs of age, he is still capable of playing at the highest level, as we saw against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UCL quarter-final clash.
Now onto Peter SCHMEICHEL. Arguably the finest goalkeeper of our time. The Great Dane was 'larger than life' between the sticks and it's laughable to think we paid a measly £505k for his services. It's also worthwhile noting, that MUFC almost let him go after a heated argument with SAF. Fortunately, things were resolved, and Schmeichel stayed.
His achievements at MUFC include 5x EPL titles, 3x FA Cup titles and 1x UEFA Champions League victory in the famous '99 final vs Bayern Munchen. His most notable achievement for Denmark was winning the Euro Championships in '92, saving a penalty from Van Basten in the semi-finals of the same tournament.
Thanks again for joining me recall some of the games' outstanding players.
Join me next time as we wrap up this [alphabetic] journey down football's memory lane.
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