It was Mark Twain who famously said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog". Unfortunately in recent times, this quote has been made redundant in sporting terms, as the importance of skill and technique has been replaced by strength and power. It appears if you're not able to run all day or don't have a big build, then you will be relegated to the bench or the stands.
Scouts are sent out to find the athletes of the future, not the footballers of the future. The club can teach them how to become footballers. However, not every club has this outlook. And it's a good thing they don't, as if they did, the world would have been cruelly denied of one the most naturally talented footballers the world has ever seen.
The magnificient Lionel Messi was born with a growth hormone deficiency, and would almost certainly be placed in the football wilderness today. Yet, Newell's Old Boys recognized his talent, and Barcelona subsequently were willing to gamble on the little Argentinan's brillance.
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And how this gamble has paid dividends for the Catalans. Once again he was superb in the Champions League final. Balance, first touch, distribution, dribbling, finishing- he has all the attributes needed. And of course, he has a wonderful link-up play with Xavi and Iniesta.
Ironically, they are of a similar build to Messi. They are small and light, yet possess great awareness. They should be too small to compete in the midfield sector, but they succeed every time, because they are fast and intellegient.They don't allow their size to prevent them from dominating.
And it's not just in soccer, where the little men excels. Colm 'Gooch' Cooper, Gaelic Football's star player, is not a big man. However, his size is not as issue. He can compete against any player of any size. It will be the Gooch who will be remembered in the generations that follow, when the big hefty full forward is long forgotten.
BBC commentator, Mark Sidebottom claims that Jamie Clarke of Armagh dosen't go to the gym, because he dosen't want to lose the ability to fit into skinny jeans. I'd imagine this decision is not favourable with the Armagh management, but if he continues to perform like he did on Saturday night, they'll forgive him. He was phenomenal, jinking in and out, and destroying the Down defence.
So perhaps, managers in both codes will begin to acknowledge that the best way to succeed is to find the most naturally gifted players, regardless of size or physique.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Mission accomplished for Donegal
It was with great excitement and enthusiasm that the All Ireland Championship kicked off in earnest last Sunday, and I think it's fair to say that it failed to capture the public's imagination. Within an hour and a half, the joy of hearing the Sunday Game theme tune once again, had long given way to disappointment, anger, and cynicism.
The old man brigade on the Sunday Game weren't happy, the message boards were over run with complaints, and even the Antrim manager Liam Bradley criticised his own team, in between digs at Jim McGuinness. And to be perfectly honest, I disagree. Donegal had one agenda on Sunday, to win the game, mission accomplished.
Don't get me wrong, it was terrible fare. The standard of football was atrocious, basic skills of the game were lacking, and the negative tactics left many with no alternative but switching to the Eastenders omnibus. But somewhere, in between all the cynical remarks and negative analysis, were some extremely positive signs for the Donegal faithful.
The defence was superb. Neil McGee was outstanding as per usual, Frank McGlynn has really lifted his game, Paddy Mc Grath has rehabilitated himself after last years nightmare against Armagh. Ryan Bradley is finally fulfilling his undoubted talent, and we are beginning to establish a forward line who can win their own ball, and score themselves. However, much more importantly, we now go out on to the pitch with a game plan.
It's negative, it's boring, but it's effective. Praise the lord that John Joe Doherty's tenure is at an end. The days of getting hammered by Cork, Tyrone and Armagh appear to be at an end. Our players are fitter than ever, tactically aware and much more disciplined.
We must all remember that the objective of this Donegal team is too win Championship matches, not friends.
The old man brigade on the Sunday Game weren't happy, the message boards were over run with complaints, and even the Antrim manager Liam Bradley criticised his own team, in between digs at Jim McGuinness. And to be perfectly honest, I disagree. Donegal had one agenda on Sunday, to win the game, mission accomplished.
Don't get me wrong, it was terrible fare. The standard of football was atrocious, basic skills of the game were lacking, and the negative tactics left many with no alternative but switching to the Eastenders omnibus. But somewhere, in between all the cynical remarks and negative analysis, were some extremely positive signs for the Donegal faithful.
The defence was superb. Neil McGee was outstanding as per usual, Frank McGlynn has really lifted his game, Paddy Mc Grath has rehabilitated himself after last years nightmare against Armagh. Ryan Bradley is finally fulfilling his undoubted talent, and we are beginning to establish a forward line who can win their own ball, and score themselves. However, much more importantly, we now go out on to the pitch with a game plan.
It's negative, it's boring, but it's effective. Praise the lord that John Joe Doherty's tenure is at an end. The days of getting hammered by Cork, Tyrone and Armagh appear to be at an end. Our players are fitter than ever, tactically aware and much more disciplined.
We must all remember that the objective of this Donegal team is too win Championship matches, not friends.
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