Last Tuesday, I turned 21 years old! (Happy birthday to me…). And amongst all the celebrations of hitting such a landmark age, it got me thinking of all the different things that football has taught me throughout my years so far. It has been such a big factor in my life, my love of which led me to begin writing these articles, and so I thought maybe I could write an article about 21 things that I have learnt about football, one for every year of my life. So, with no more introduction needed, here we go!
1. Right now we are witnessing history with Spain.
The first national team to retain the European Trophy, and the first to win three major international titles in a row, Spain have finally shed themselves of their ‘underachiever’ tag with a collection of the greatest players to ever grace the game. With a core from the all conquering Barcelona, their tiki-taka style dictated by Xaviesta, Fabregas and Alonso destroys the opposition, who chase shadows for 90 minutes. But that, scarily, isn’t their only strength. An envious array of safe pairs of hands, a solid defence, technically brilliant wingers and dangerous finishers mean that Spain boast superiority across every blade of grass on the pitch. This is the greatest national team ever, and we are lucky to be witnessing history right now.
2. The English Premier League is the best league in the world!
The aura of the Premier League, of course along with the money, has attracted an incredible collection of some of the greatest players in the world to these shores, meaning that we are lucky enough to witness some of the best football the world has to offer week in, week out. But it is the sheer unpredictability of the league that makes it so exciting. There are genuinely five teams competing right now for the title, while there are even more who could be dragged into a relegation battle; expect a lot to be decided in the last month of the season, or the last day (even the last minute from last season!). Along with the fantastic stadia and passionate fans, the EPL is the greatest league there is!
3. We have to accept that England just aren’t that good.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll ever be lucky enough to see the Three Lions lift the World Cup. Time and time again we have seen England crash out of international tournaments before the final, and have seen a Golden Generation pass us by with no return. With the likes of Spain, Germany and Brazil continually producing top class talent, England can no longer truly be considered a force in world football, and it is going to take a lot of change, from grassroots level all the way to the top, in order to even begin dreaming of returning as serious contenders.
4. There is far too much money in football.
Extortionate transfer fees and rising player wages have reached ridiculous levels today. Most clubs are in millions of debt, but are seen as businesses and so ‘you need to spend money to make money’. With billionaire investors ploughing into clubs, simply playing football is now becoming a secondary factor to the amount of money a player can earn at a club, with top players’ wages now topping £200k per week; absolute madness. Fingers crossed that the Financial Fair Play will begin to improve this ridiculous influx of money.
5. Despite improvements, football still has a long way to go to eradicate problems of racism and homophobia.
Unfortunately, racism and homophobia still mar the professional game. Despite public attitudes changing and improving over time, we still find racism dominating the headlines, from Serbia and Russia to Suarez and Terry; and, despite campaigns, doesn’t look like improving much anytime soon. Meanwhile I’ve already written a whole article on homophobia: http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/the.football.writer/69145/homosexuality-football-s-taboo
6. Goal line technology is long overdue.
Why oh why has goal line technology still not been introduced? It seems ridiculous that in this age of computers, the powers that be have still not allowed an obvious improvement within the game. With the pace of today’s game, and the scathing criticism of the media and fans from a single mistake by the referees, goal line technology is surely the way forward to ensure that football doesn’t turn into a joke, filled with mistakes. Until then, at least we have something to talk about down the pub…
7. Billionaire investors are unfair, but they don’t half create added excitement.
It does seem slightly harsh that certain clubs should suddenly gain an unfair advantage courtesy of a foreign investor and, much like the comments I’ve made already with there being too much money, is slightly ruining the game. But you can’t deny the euphoria that such an investor brings with him. A new, unlikely force challenging for titles as an array of new talents enters the club. It’s not like Manchester City haven’t caused a few shockwaves in recent years…
8. Never forget the past.
Sometimes I think about the best players who I have ever been lucky enough to watch play, and who have influenced myself, but it is difficult to look past the players currently starring today. Yet cast yourself back and remember there is a whole history with countless generations of tremendous players that you can never forget. Although I’ll respect their achievements, I won’t pretend I ever watched much more than the odd YouTube clip of most world stars such as Cruyff, Pele, Platini or Maradona. Fortunately however, I grew up watching Bergkamp, Di Canio and Zola all light up the Premier League: terrific players who I adored watching as a youngster. If it weren’t for many of these players, we would not be seeing the talents on display today.
9. Nothing beats the feeling of scoring a goal. Nothing.
Ask any footballer what is the greatest sensation and they will probably attempt to describe scoring a goal; the emotion behind scoring, both as a personal achievement and by helping your team, is incredible. But what is amazing is that the euphoria doesn’t change regardless of what level you are playing at. I personally have never not enjoyed scoring a goal, whether for my school, club, or simply during a kick about with friends, and it is not something that I will be alone in admitting. It is the simple pleasures in life which mean the most.