The Cult of the Individual - The Middle

A series looking at modern football, the second in a three part piece on individualism within football. 

As I am sure you already know Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 14 appearances, making him more efficient in front of goal that a lot of full squads in Europe’s top leagues. If there is one man who epitomises the power of the individual in football, it is Cristiano Ronaldo. He even has his own website completely dedicated to his record breaking, earth shattering statistics. Leo Messi on the other hand, is just as clinical in his awe inspiring statistics. These two players, like no others before them, have been subjected to a complete analysis by statistically based judgments

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The rise in American style statistical analysis has risen, hand in hand with the current trend of individual prowess. The rise in numerical values being put on to footballers has made it far easier for us to compare and contrast. It even makes it easier for us to compare modern players with old ones, allowing for contextual differences; perhaps this has increased the cult status of many older players, Just as it has with our contemporary players. Although that conversation is for a different time. My basic point is that now we can easily judge one player against another, it creates individual competition, which means there is an individual who wins. Companies such as Opta and Football Radar now sell there in-depth databases of football statistics for enormous amounts of money, to betting companies, football clubs and punters alike.

Let us not pretend that statistics do not help us evaluate an overall team performance. Possession has often through the annuls of football time been used to defend a team who has lost to a more pragmatic outfit. Also more and more it seems that the corner count is becoming a game defining statistic if you ask a sullen Premier League manager. However, we don’t quite marvel these as we do with a goals to game ratio or even shots on target. Mario Balotelli is currently being derided for his shots to goals ratio, which brings me to raise a point as to why individualism isn't all glorifying fun and games. The trend in post-Suarez Liverpool thinking is that all the problems and draws can be put on one striker, because he is not as good as his predecessor who was revered and believed to have won Liverpool games on his own. Balotelli has become a victim of individualism just as much as Ronaldo has reaped the rewards.

The concept that one player loses a game on his own makes just as little sense, and is just as ludicrous as the idea that one player can win a game on his own. I remember a friend of mine, a Liverpool fan telling me about a chant they used to sing, it was sung to tune of ‘Yellow Submarine’, (who would have thought Liverpool fans use Beatles songs) and it went along the lines of;

(Chorus)

We all dream of a team of Carragher,

A team of Carraghers,

A team of Carraghers,]

(Verse)

Number one is Carragher,

Number two is Carragher,

Number three is Carragher.

And so on till they get to number eleven, meaning no substitutes on the off chance that one of the eleven Carraghers ever gets injured. Not only did this strike me as what would probably be the worst Liverpool team ever, but highlighted a deeper complacency amongst the fans. It takes a far greater skill set to win a football match than just being able to get In the way of the ball, foul without getting caught and scoring own goals. Having two Jamie Carraghers is great, having four could be useful for a more pragmatic manager, but it leaves a lot of areas of the team without the quality they need.

Of course, this chant is not a serious proposal to the Liverpool manager from the fans, but I think it is important to note that you couldn’t have a team of any one player, whether its Ronaldo, Carragher or Cruyff. I know this argument goes some way in denying the brilliance of Dutch ‘Totaalvoetbal’, but it is more meant to highlight that a reliance on one player and his skill set is a dangerous path to egotistical, messiah based teams, and god forbid continuing the journey of the Ballon D’or to MVP.

The Cult of the Individual - Introduction

A series looking at modern football, starting with an introduction to a three part piece on individualism within football. 

Once again the topic in the playground had turned to football, and one by one, in no sort of coded or planned order, we took it in turns to shout out the best and most memorable players we had seen live. A number of people had seen Cristiano Ronaldo play; a few less had seen Henry and even less than that had seen Suarez. The well-traveled 15 year old of the group caught everyone’s attention when he mentioned the great players of Europe, he had seen Ronaldinho at the Nou Camp, and Pirlo at the San Siro. Of course, when one of the fanatic young fans proudly stated that he had seen the Arsenal side of 2003-2004, more commonly known as the ‘Invincibles’, thrash Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park it seemed to get little attention compared to the glamorous and jaw dropping names of those individual players who have graced the highlight montages on many occasions. In fact, the mention of a team when all this dreamy, fantasising about young men’s heroes was the topic of conversation almost seemed insulting and rather inappropriate.

This story is like many of my memories from school, furiously competing to be heard in a discussion about football, a lack of controlled debate, and, more importantly to this article, a dedicated worship to the culture of the individual. We of course took this individualism with us, to our playground matches, each titling ourselves with distorted mixes or our own names and our favourite players. I always wore gloves on the playground, because that is what my favourite players did, although I never did quite make it to wearing the snood. You could perhaps blame this disregard for the team as youthful naivety, however, our more experienced and knowledgeable football minds still hold the battle between Messi and Ronaldo far higher up our radar of interest than that of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Everyone dreams of being the greatest player, but how many people dream of being a vital cog in the greatest team?

In light of this, I would like to investigate and discuss if and why, the culture of the individual is seen as so ripe and so prevalent in today’s game compared to that of our ancestors. Recent themes in the modern game, such as ever increasing salaries for players, a lack of great defenders compared to forwards and a ‘Galatico’ culture taken on by any club that can afford it, are accused of shaping today’s individual culture. However others will point to the extraordinary characters in football that create this almost divine worship for those special people, such as George Best, Bella Guttman or Diego Maradona. The question that I pose is, has football changed in a way that it has our respect of a strong team unit, or does the large sums of money, and worldwide attention of our current stars just cover the enigmatic skeleton of football that has not changed one bit?

This summer, David Luiz has been sold for a whopping £52 million, and even after a fatal performance in the semi-final against Germany, is still considered by some as a reasonably astute buy from the French outfit who already are struggling to oblige by the new financial fair play laws. The outlay of this sum, in a sensible, non-inflated world would be ludicrous. However, the context of this signing must be taken into account, football has a hugely inflated market, and how many defenders have made 81 caps for a top club and featured in a number of international tournaments? This signing was indicative of a football community that has far more world class attacking talents then defending ones. Manchester United, are themselves the epitome of this, with an array of class upfront and a lack of it at the back. It seems that it is much harder to find a pair of world class center backs today than it was, say even, five years ago. The new found belief in attacking formations and a demand for more open, goal scoring teams is definitely one of the reasons for this. It was mad very apparent at the World Cup in Brazil.

However, another reason for this, could be that the world has seem to have picked up a tradition, most commonly utilised by the old English academies. If he is a good technical players, move him up the field. The swelling of technically gifted footballers in the attacking regions on the pitch is holding back the defensive side of the game. I believe this directly correlates with the concept, ‘where is the glory in being a defender?’ The worship of the individual draws the best players into the attacking positions; that is where most of the stars are born. The last defensive minding player to win the World Player of the Year aware, or now the Ballon d’Or was Cannavaro in 2006 and before that was not since Lotha Matthaus won it in 1991. If players seek the stardom that is offered to this by pursuing a life in football, then playing upfront is the most effective way to reach this.

Prospects like being the feature player on the new FIFA football game cover, or get that crucial role in Nikes adverts are becoming more and more of the dream for young footballers. This entwines itself with more general social phenomenon of celebrity and political culture. When Margaret Thatcher claimed that we are all individuals now, I’m sure she didn’t consider her words could be used so effectively to describe football culture. This article is an introduction to a series of pieces looking at individualism in football, touching on outside of footballs influences, footballing individuals of the past and how the stats age encourages our focus on the individual. Yes a theme that runs through this discussion is that it is not that much different to football of yore.

WORLD CUP 2014: CULT OF THE UNDERDOG

One day to go until the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The BBC has crowned the event in their 100 World Cup Moments by giving the top spot to ‘Brilliant Brazil.’ The Carlos Alberto goal scored in the 1970 World Cup final was a tribute to a great team and capped off one of the most exciting collection of players seen in World Cup history. The iconic goal is one of the great symbols of Brazilian football, combining precision and beauty in a wonderfully crafted team goal. Brazil has been a defining nation in World Cups since their shock loss against Uruguay in 1950. Since then their dominance of the tournaments is undeniable, winning 5 World Cups, holding the best defensive record in World Cup history and probably just about love the World Cup that little bit more than any other nation.

With the tournament going back to Brazil this year the cult of football in Brazil, although special, has been done to death by many media outlets. You can find countless stories of Garrincha being compared to George Best, what actually happened to Ronaldo in 1998 and that bloody final in 1950. However I plan to focus on another World Cup phenomenon, not a nation but a concept. Turkey in 2002, Uruguay in 2010 and Sweden in 1994 are all perfect examples of the World Cup underdog; oh and England in 1990 (joke). The underdog will shock, often get to the semi-finals and normally play football in a more pragmatic, ruthless manner, while maintaining a certain amount of respect from the neutral, bar Luis Suarez’s Uruguay. So who has been predicted to shock us at this tournament, and who actually will?

One of the most highly anticipated teams in this tournament is the young and fast Belgium side. Players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Courtois have lit up European club football this year and offer a lot of strength and speed on the attack while the experienced captain Vincent Kompany can hold a sturdy backline. In fact Belgium have such a strong squad and have been talked about so much that it may be unfair to even call them underdogs. They have a squad that is as good as most in the tournament; however, this isn’t always enough. With the prospect of facing winners or runners up in Group G, perhaps the hardest group in the tournament could massively hold them back and leave this golden generation waiting another four years for some World Cup success. The problem with a golden generation is that they are constantly reported on and told they are a super force; the slyest and most successful of underdogs come from nowhere. Belgium qualified without losing, having to play a reasonably strong Croatia twice and coming out on top (more about Croatia later). Any Belgium success will not shock us, but will, in the long running history of the World Cup, will certainly stand out as an exceptional achievement.

The other team being hotly tipped to provide a few upsets this summer is Columbia. Despite being hindered by the injury of the star man Falcao, Columbia has a strong set of reserves who can replace the formidable scoring power of Falcao. Carlos Bacca has been in good form this season for Sevilla, his highlight being the two goals scored against Real Madrid to dent their title campaign. James Rodriquez and Jackson Martinez have also shown their potential to lead Columbia to success at Monaco and Porto respectively this season. Columbia’s intriguing attack is not backed up by quite the same core defence as the Belgium team, but we can guarantee that scoring will be their main aim, in a group that does not offer too much resistance. Columbia, more of an underdog then Belgium but whether they can provide the rugged football needed to slip by the bigger teams is yet to be seen. Progression through the group will be the least they expect, but definitely not the least they can achieve.

Group C is a strange group, containing the tournament specialists Greece, an old but still strong Ivory Coast and Japan. Japan will have to face Columbia on the 24^th June in what could potentially be a battle for the group. Japan have qualified out of their group on three of the last four occasions and perhaps the potential to do it again. Some of Japan’s key players have really struggled to make a big impact this season, Kagawa not being able to break through at Manchester United and Honda really disappointing the fans at AC Milan. But some of the younger players such as Gatoku Sakai who was once a rising star at Stuttgart could help get those big names playing well again. Honda and Kagawa both have points to prove to the footballing world, and Kagawa could be playing for a big move away from Manchester so do not expect these two to carry on their club form. Japan don’t stand out but a strong group performance could propel some of the sleeping dragons of Japan to ignite and shock one of the teams coming out of Group D, maybe even England.

Tomorrow we will find out what Brazil are made of, against a Croatia side that have recently experienced a real glory age, building a reputation with players such as Ollic and Kovac. This year they come into the tournament from the play offs, beating Iceland over the two legs. Anyone who has been watching Real Madrid and Sevilla this season will be aware that the midfield combination of Rakitic and Modric could be lethal. It has already been called the best midfield in the tournament, with both players having led their relative clubs to European success. Players such as Lovren, Corluka and Eduardo will all be very familiar to English football fans and provide a strong surrounding for the two play makers in midfield, although Eduardo will probably spend most of his tournament on the bench. There is almost no chance that Brazil will let the Group go any other way than them wining it, but the second place is up for grabs and Croatia look like the team with the strength to qualify above Mexico and Cameroon.

My final and favourite underdog is Switzerland. Switzerland is the country that we can thank for creating the sweeper, the inspiration of Italian football through the 90’s and this year carrying quite a strong team. Switzerland have a selection of players with great ability and a real strong backbone, surely benefiting from the money pumped into football on the back of hosting the European Championships in 2008. Shaqiri, the outright star player has been struggling with injury recently but is projected to be fit for the tournament. With such a youthful squad Switzerland will be looking to qualify from a fairly strong group, perhaps even piping France to top spot. The competition in their strike force is pushing the best out of all the players, youngsters Seferovic, Mehmedi and Drmic are all competition for a place in Hitzfelds squad. Based around great young talent, the strong centre back Fabian Schar will provide the backbone while Inler will bring some much needed experience to this exciting young team. Also, Valentin Stocker, who has been impressive for Basel in their big European games, could threaten a number of the top defences. Switzerland are quite serious contenders to get to the later stages of the competition and could be our underdog to thrill, but also batter their opposition of the park.

These are small reviews of just a few of the teams we can expect to surprise us in this World Cup. International football is becoming more and more competitive, as the lesser footballing countries begin to produce not just players but styles and tactics that they have often had to borrow from the dominating nations around them. Perhaps, without an obvious winner this time one of the underdogs can change football history and really defy the odds. But I think most of them will be more than happy to compete in a third place play off, I know most England fans would. 

TITO VILANOVA : "The encyclopedia of football" (Andres Iniesta)

You often find that behind most great managers, there is an even better assistant manager, and Pep Guardiola is no different. Today we mourn the passing of one of the best minds in football, at the age of 45 Tito Vilanova has lost his battle with cancer. Honoured as brave and heroic by all in the footballing world, Tito had one chance at his dream job of managing Barcelona, and boy did he take it.

In his only season as Barcelona manager he won La Liga amassing a club record 100 points, while lets not forget, still struggling with his cancer. However his best period was not as a first team manager, it was as an assistant. Like Peter Taylor will always be remembered as the man behind Brian Clough’s success, Tito is that of Pep. When Pep was asked to manage Barcelona B, he turned straight to his long term friend Tito Vilanova and in no time they had proved their collective ability and were offered the job of First Team managers.

The rest is history and as a pair of football geniuses, they created one of the greatest sides ever to play the game.

The tributes and support flooding in from around the world are a prime example of how respected and loved Tito was. It is important that he is not forgotten, or dismissed as the man who Mourinho gauged the eyes of, and especially important that this is not turned into another Mourinho drama.

We have lost one of the true geniuses in football and someone who aspired for perfection from his team and beauty from their style of play.

The OffsideTrap would like to pay respect and condolences to Tito’s family and friends.

Descanse en paz Tito!!

CHELSEA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY : A WORLD OF IMAGINATION

I would like to foreword this article by stating that I am not a Chelsea fan, and in fact would probably count myself in the bracket of football fans who would endorse the demise of Chelsea Football Club and all that goes with it. I will admit that when I am writing about Chelsea I am far from unbiased, but I would like to think that I am fair and give a reasonable account of what I see to be the failings, and the successes of Chelsea FC.

Like so many last night, I found myself suffering at the hands of another incredible European fight back from Chelsea. Another late goal, another chance for Jose Mourinho to run on to the pitch, and another famous moment to build on the clubs rapidly developing history and tradition. Because for a club that 20 years ago had little to no reputation in Europe, they have created a strong and lasting tradition. No longer can nostalgic Liverpool fans, and snobby Arsenal supporters sing their variety of chants exclaiming Chelsea’s lack of history – because now, they have one. They have a tradition of winning. Often not in style, sometimes not even deserved, but they win.

I am sure that a lot of journalists from certain media outlets will have convinced themselves that this was Mourinho’s win, his tactically astute mind saw the PSG centre backs were struggling to cope with two centre forwards, let alone three. As I’m sure you know, two substitutes scored last night, which can be manipulated to show how special the ‘Special One’ is. However, what I saw seemed quite desperate. By the time Ba came on with half an hour to go Luiz and Willian were being well outnumbered in midfield and the huge gap between defence and attack meant PSG could relax and take plenty of much needed time to stroll with the ball down the pitch. The game seemed so set that all the eyes in the room turned to the small laptop screen showing Dortmund Madrid where it looked like someone had told Klopp that you get more points for nearly scoring than actually scoring. Only when the Chelsea pressure reformed with 10 minutes to go did everyone realise; they only need one goal.

So how do Chelsea consistently defy the odds? The easy answer is Mourinho, I think most people would agree that over two legs Mourinho can beat almost anyone. But Chelsea’s courage and grit surpasses Mourinho’s time at Chelsea. I remind you that their greatest achievements in Europe came without Jose. I can accept that Mourinho started the Chelsea we know now – but not that without him they would not have won last night. This is where the clumsy metaphor in the title comes into play, for the only things that Chelsea seem to have in common with Charlie Bucket is their first letter and that neither’s story is believable. As a side note, they strongly differ on likability and finances. But if not Mourinho how do Chelsea keep on winning?

I would first suggest that belief creates belief. Because they have done it before they believe they can and will do it again. I have no doubt that as the game kicked off almost every person wearing or supporting blue in that stadium believed that Chelsea would be in the next round of the cup. This belief affects both sides, not only will Chelsea players think they can win, but PSG will start doubting themselves. As was seen last night, when PSG did look stronger they still could not mount pressure, a lot of their attacks seemed sporadic and random.

Secondly, the experience at the core of Chelsea’s team. Perhaps if there had been a full squad available Lampard would not have started, but his experience at not only playing in European competitions but playing with Chelsea in Europe is, as a MasterCard advert would say, priceless. But of course it is not only Lampard, the formidable and sickening John Terry also provides the same experience and belief. A key to Chelsea’s ‘never say die’ attitude.

Thirdly, something that even Martinez cannot adapt Steven Naismith to prevent, something that cannot be coached into a player, luck. You give Cavani those chances again and he will put them in every time. It is as simple as luck can get you through. Of course the previous two points help generate the luck and put pressure on the opponents, but Ibrahimovic being injured, Cavani snatching at chances and an accidental scoop miskick from Ba can be and has been enough.

If you asked me if this is enough to win the competition I would probably say no. Assuming Manchester United don’t progress tonight then you would have to accept that Chelsea are the weakest team left and thus the least likely to win. However, if Real Madrid fall into a lake of Chocolate and get stuck in a pipe, or Munich find themselves turning into a giant blueberry then who knows. Perhaps in this world of imagination it is possible.

THOSE PESKY LIVE SHOWS

Unfortunately there is no show to give to you on pod this week.

Due to reasons outside our control we haven't been able to record a show this week but we did go out live at 17:00 on Monday at radio.hullfire.com.

Here are some of the videos mentioned in the show...





Chris Bart Williams shows off his coaching skills in this thrilling episode of 'The Coach Show'




The 'new' Welsh Wizard storms through Rayo defence!!






The man of the moment - Riquelme goal gets more attention than a River win across the world of football!!

We will be back live in a few weeks. Keep tuning in to radio.hullfire.com and keep checking back on the blog for more information.

Good bye for now

xx

BACK FOR GOOD

We have a delightful little podcast to wet your appetite for what we hope will be a successful season of low level football punditry.

Check out the pod and tune in live on Monday at 17:00 on http://radio.thehullfire.com/

We haven't insulted anyone yet. YET!! by Theoffsidetrap on Mixcloud

Below are a couple of videos mentioned in the show...




WHAT A GREAT CARNIVAL



JONIESTA AND HIS SCREAMER




SAMASSI ABOU USING ALL THE SKILL HE HAS IN ONE MATCH