Revealed: The Worlds
Most Complete Player
There has been much speculation about who the
best footballer in the world is, with, and in no particular order,
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard receiving most
nominations. While a cogent argument can be made for any of the
above, when it comes to identifying the world`s most complete
player, the task is much easier.
He started his career as a defender, breaking into his first team
at the unglamorous position of right back, and immediately
established himself as a force. After a string of impressive
performances, his tough, no-nonsense tackling and fiercely
determined attitude marked him out as a fan favourite and future
star. It was not long before he caught the attention of his
national coaches, duly earning selection to the Under 21`s,
although not for long.
Four games later, his Under 21 career was over, not because he was
not good enough, au contraire, but because he was too good. Since
then, he has represented his country at senior level on 72
occasions, scoring 14 times. A 1 in 5 goals ration is impressive
for someone employed in a holding midfield role for most of his
caps. Were it not for a succession of debilitating back and groin
injuries forcing repeated injury withdrawals earlier in his career,
his full caps total would now be somewhere above 90.
He made his mark at international level in what was one of his
countries finest ever results, scoring a crucial goal in the
process. He also made two assists and countless other quality
contributions to what ended up being a legendary match. He`s scored
at the World Cup Finals and the European Finals, as well as
captaining his country, but it is his exploits at club level for
which he is most venerated, not least of which being a certain cup
final in Istanbul.
In one of the most remarkable games of all time, he almost
single-handedly dragged his team back from a seemingly
insurmountable deficit to emerge victorious. Not content with
initiating the comeback with a header that would have made any old
fashioned centre forward proud, he proceeded to secure the penalty
from which came the equaliser. With the game level and moving into
extra time, his manager deployed him at right back having
sacrificed the starter there at half time. Thirty minutes and one
of the all-time best displays of defending under supreme pressure
and exhaustion later, he lifts the coveted trophy, a fitting reward
for a Herculean, man-of-the-match performance.
Continuing his ever-improving goal-getting record, he has scored in
an FA Cup final, a League Cup final and a UEFA Cup final, to
compliment that Champions League final strike. As a testament to
his all-round game, he now finds himself mastering another new
position, his fourth regular spot at club level. After
transitioning from right back to centre midfield and then to right
winger, he is now back where he should be in the middle of the
park, an area from which he can have most impact. His attacking
midfielder role has yielded fantastic returns so far, with 21 and
24 goals over the last two campaigns. Not content with just scoring
goals, he also supplies them, with his name regularly at the top of
the list for most assists in his respective league and accuracy
percentage on corners.
For all his statistical excellence, he elevates himself above his
rivals with his intangible qualities of mental strength,
inspiration and leadership. He has long been recognised as the
talismanic heartbeat of his club, with his acclaimed never-say-die
attitude and ability to bring his team back from the dead. It is
impossible to quantify how much influence he exerts on a match, but
it bears comparison with the influence Jupiter exerts on the
asteroid belt, and we have witnessed enough comebacks and Hollywood
style endings to recognise this greatness. Such leadership is a
priceless commodity, and an increasingly rare one in this age of
prancing, over-pampered "show ponies". You will not find this
player berating his teammates for not finding him and you
definitely will not catch him sulking when things do not go
well.
A recent claim suggested that a certain Manchester United number 7
was the world`s most complete player because, "he can score with
his right foot, his left foot and his head". Admirable qualities,
sure, but our beautiful game does not just consist of dazzling
skills and offensive prowess, it also requires heart, toughness and
passion. To be considered as the worlds most complete player,
twinkle-toed magic or 30 yard wonder goals are not enough, football
is about more than that, much more. While there are some who score
more goals or wow the fans with silky skills and sleight of feet,
there is no one who combines all of the qualities mentioned above
quite as well as a certain Englishman.
Now in the prime of a career that has seen excellence produced as a
right back, right winger, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder,
left winger and forward/support striker, at club and international
level, he is receiving the plaudits he richly deserves. His
admirers range from the former world`s best player, to the current
world`s best manager - if the papers are to be believed - with a
list of accolades nearly as long as his list of football
attributes.
He, himself thinks he can still improve and, after witnessing ten
years of season-on-season improvement, it would not be a shock if
he does. Having just turned 29, he has plenty of time to establish
himself as the most complete player the world has ever seen, if he
has not done so already, as well as lay claim to the title of
outright best. For now, the comparisons will rage and the opinions
will range as to whom the best player in the world is. When it
comes to the world`s most complete player, however, the answer is
simple: Steven Gerrard. No comparison.