Special Feature: Top ten footballers who definitely fulfilled their potential - Part 2
Building on after Fletcher’s description, Kevin Davies is also a relatively less talented footballer. Someone who has earned his way into the game through sheer determination and hard work rather than talent, there is absolutely no doubt that Kevin is one
of the most physical strikers in the world today. His physical presence in and outside the penalty area is one of the factors why his team treasures him so much. Not only that Bolton also have made Davies their captain due to the talismanic image he brings
to the side along with his work ethic.
Kevin Davies started off his career at Chesterfield, a club that reached the semi-final of the prestigious F.A Cup competition in English football in the year 1997. Davies was an integral part of that club side, a team which fought its way to the final four
of the tournament which is the longest running cup competition in the football today. Davies was seen back in his Chesterfield days as a different type of a player, sort of a player who could carve open defences due to his excellent touches and skill.
When he got his opportunity to play amongst the big boys of the Premier League, Kevin fell short, to be honest. His skills didn’t come off as expected and soon he was being touted as the next big English failure. Despite all the media criticism and cynicism
that was thrown his way, the English centre forward was trusted upon by Bolton Wanderers. Bolton signed him and gave him an opportunity to prove himself as a player. Kevin took this move as a challenge and totally reformed his game rather than emphasizing
on something that he wasn’t that good at i.e. skill on the ball, he changed his game around and focused on heading the ball and holding it up for his team mates. He used his physical strength that has become his trademark over the years. This is a perfect
example of making the most of what you have.
Another such individual is Frank Lampard. Lampard sure has some talent, maybe more talent that anyone else on this list but one thing that he lacked during his early days, was fitness. Some people might still call him “Fat Frank” at times but in his early
days as a youthful midfielder, Frank was on the chubby side. At West Ham’s academy, the midfielder learned his ways under the management of Harry Redknapp. He wasn’t seen upon by anyone in English football as a player who had bags of ability or any stand-out
quality. When he was loaned off by West Ham to Swansea City, he was ridiculed by the club’s fans for having no capability whatsoever. So, when Chelsea came calling for the midfielder before the Mourinho era began at Stamford Bridge, West Ham were quick to
part ways with him for an astounding fee of 11 million pounds.
Ever since his arrival at Chelsea, Lampard has under gone a personal revolution. He has shed off the extra weight, improved his fitness levels and more importantly, he has added hard work which has resulted in a refinement of ability. Frank’s habits on and
off the field have allowed him to become one of the finest midfielders of his generation alongside Steven Gerrard. Frank’s career has gained strength and now he is seen as one of the best goal scorers in a Chelsea side which has the likes of Nicolas Anelka
and Didier Drogba in attack.
During his time at Chelsea, Frank has won three English Premier League titles, two F.A Cups and under his influence, the club has made it to three UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the past five years. If that isn’t fulfilling your potential, then what
is?
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