Author: MRJ 95

The legendary play maker known for his dazzling style of play and genius in the midfield is regarded as the best player of Columbia. Playing 3 World cups and 5 Copa America’s, his record of 26 assists in the MSL still stands unbeaten. Apart from his records his hairstyles have also been unrivaled!

Valderrama started his career in South America with Union Magdalena and then moved to Europe to feature for Montpellier HSC. At first he struggled to get a grasp of the change in style of football being played. It was fast, more physical and more tactical. However his passing ability and vision on the field made him the club’s artist in the midfield. He switched from defense to attack in a flash with his killer passes and eventually went on to win the Coupe de France. He shifted back to south america for 2 years and then started his career in the MLS for Tampa Bay Mutiny, where he went on to make records.

He was refered to as a classic number 10 or an attacking midfielder but he often used to play deep to help build up the play from defence. He acted as the pivot around which the Columbian and the Tampa, midfield and attack revolved. His selfless attitude helped him create chances like no other player could. He ran the ship, with short 1’s and 2’s, through balls or long balls or lobbed passes, his tactical genius gave him control over the entire field and with his skill he efficiently put this to use. He preferred assisting his teammates over going for goal. In my personal opinion he was the king of holding the ball to himself. Blocking off players with his physical strength while tricking them using his quick feet made him a clear stand out on the field.

Often criticised for his lack of defensive contribution and pace, he made up for those attributes with his passing and won the Supporters’ Shield in the inaugural season of the MLS. In the year 2000 he astonished the world with his 26 assists of the season. Making an overall tally of 114 assists in the MLS and making a place for himself as the best midfielder in the all time 11 of the MLS. Despite his languid style of play Valderrama is one of the Greatest Ever!

After the dreadful loss in the 1950 world cup against Uruguay, the south american giants were looking to revive themselves at the 1958 world cup, where they reached the finals, beat Sweden and were crowned world championships. That year the world recognised two talents, one being Pelé, the other was Garrincha. Garrincha in particular was a spectacular to watch, his close control and amazing dribbling, with his zig zag runs made the opponents stumble upon their feet. Brazil won 5-2 against the hosts Sweden.

When Pelé was considered the icon of Brazil, Garrincha was the love of Brazil. You could say he was the Charlie Chaplin of Brazilian football, a player who played for fun and to entertain the fans. When garrincha played it was not just his team that was bedazzled but also the opposing team was left awestruck with his beautiful flair of skill. He didn’t belong to any one club, everyone in Brazil supported him.

A player with one leg smaller than the other, he was considered imperfect for the game but in the 1962 world cup came his time to shine. After the first match Pelé picked up a groin injury, which meant Brazil now heavily relied on Garrincha. With the mentality of a child but skills that far surpassed any player on earth, he scored 5 goals in the tournament. He scored with his head, his left foot and also scored a free-kick. In 1962 everyone saw a huge change in Garrincha, he was the type of person who never took anything seriously, he didn’t care for the world but in 1962 things were different. Garrincha took the responsibility and carried the team on his back. He scored 2 against each England and hosts Chile. Brazil were now entirely dependent on their mercurial winger. In the final against Czechoslovakia, Garrincha was the orchestrator on the field scoring his 5th goal and eventually taking Brazil single handedly to the title of world champions yet again. Garrincha was given the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament award) and the Golden Boot (top scorer).

His career took a downfall when he struggled with a knee injury in the 1966 world cup. He was never the same again. He had been an alcoholic for most of his life. He didn’t care for the money he made and the money that he made, he squandered on alcohol and women. In the 12 years that Pelé and Garrincha played together, Brazil were unbeaten. Eventually he succumbed to liver cirrhosis in 1983 but the streets of Brazil are still painted with his name and a note : Obrigado, Garrincha, por vocé ter vivido (Thank you, Garrincha, for having lived). The prolific winger, People’s Joy, the Bent Legged Angel, whatever you call him, remains as one of the Greatest Ever!

Thanks for joining me!

Bob Marley once said, “Football is a whole skill to itself. A whole world. A whole universe to itself. Football is freedom.” Welcome to everyone who’s reading this right now. I hope I can make your quarantine a little better and make you fall in love with football a little more.