Top 10 football players who maximized their talents - Part 2
7. Tim Cahill:
From Sydney United to Millwall to Everton is quite a journey by the Australian. Cahill moved to Millwall in 1998 and was a fans' favourite due to his aggressive and passionate style of play.
Everton signed Tim Cahill for a paltry 1.5m in 2004. He made an instant impact with all action displays, but it is the amazing improvement in his all round game season after season, is what has made him a Goodison Legend already.
His knack of scoring goals when it matters most is what has made him a great player. He has moulded his game to the pace of premier league and his bravery, even when facing the biggest defenders has been the key to his success.
He has been in superb form this season, having scored 4 goals from 7 appearances which also include the all important goals against Manchester United and Liverpool. It would not surprise anyone if Cahill makes a move to one of the European giants.
6. Frank Lampard:
A chubby midfielder with no apparent skill or any special talent can be hailed as one of the top midfielders of the world, is simply a laughable thought. Not for Frank Lampard though.
The Chelsea maestro was once sent out on loan by Swansea (YES it was Swansea). But his career has moved in the upward direction since his time at West Ham. Even then, it came as a surprise when Chelsea paid 11m pounds to West Ham for his services, but this
amount now seems too little compared to what he has achieved for the club.
Lampard epitomises the term hard work, ask anyone who has trained with him. It’s been said that Lampard would work on a particular routine until he is able to perfect it. He repeats it and practises it to the level where others cannot even think of. That
is why he is at a level where only few can make it.
5. Filippo Inzaghi:
Not sure if Filippo Inzaghi will ever stop playing. The average age of retirement for a striker is considered to be around 32-33. However, at the age of 37 and still playing in a competition like Champions league, one must be doing something right. And that
something is scoring goals.
Perhaps that’s the only skill he possesses. When he runs, it seems he might just fall, no skill and no pace but it’s his commitment to run behind defences throughout the 90 minutes which has enabled him to score nearly 300 goals at the highest level. Not
many players can claim that sort of a record.
Sir Alex ferguson once famously commented that Inzaghi was born offside. But that is a testament to the work ethic of the Italian. Staying ‘on the shoulder’ of the last defender is easy said than done. Especially when done over a period of nearly two decades.
4. Javier Mascherano:
The Argentine Captain left reeling in the reserves of West Ham United at one time during his career. But Liverpool offered him an escape routine and boy did he take it.
The passion with which he plays the game and the 110% effort he gives has made him one of the best defensive midfielders in the game today. Mascherano lacked the passing ability of Xabi Alonso and the class of Steven Gerrard, yet he learned the trade of
breaking up play and keeping it simple, another example of playing to your strengths.
Javier was rewarded for his stunning and passionate displays when Argentina coach, Diego Maradona named him the captain of the national team ahead of many other senior players. At only 26, one can expect bigger and better things from the little man.
Tags: