The Perfect Footballer: What Skills Would He Possess?

Stefan Vasilev by Analyst Written on May 09, 2009

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We have all seen some very good, even great, footballers during the years. But if you think about it, they all have been human; they all had some kind of deficiencies, or weak sides. What would have been like if they didn’t?

A perfect footballer is practically non-existent, due to the human factor. We just don’t have enough time to develop all sides of a particular subject so we usually concentrate only on those who we are naturally good at, you may called that talent, and on which we are most effective at.

But purely theoretically, a perfect footballer would be able to play on all positions and would have the following skills (In this list, I have included only currently active footballers):

The work rate of Gennaro Gattuso

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - JUNE 19: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy in action during Italy training at Bundesstadion Suedstadt on June 19, 2008 in Maria Enzersdorf, Austria.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

This guy has ran more miles than probably every one else on the football field. He gives it all when he plays, and never stops running, until the final whistle. A player of this sort is always needed.

They are usually the black workers of the team, who maybe deserve more credit than they are given.

The pace of Cristiano Ronaldo

PORTO, PORTUGAL - APRIL 15:  Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Estadio do Dragao on April 15, 2009

Considered a good quality for wingers as they can capitalize on a potential free space on the wings. But pace is needed in all compartments of the team, although it is not necessary to be existent in all of the players.

A highly specialized player that possess great pace is a must for every team. The trait is a must also for our perfect footballer.

The technique of Ronaldinho

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 03:  Ronaldinho of AC Milan looks on during a training session during the AC Milan Winter Training Camp at the Al Nasr Sports Club on January 3, 2009 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

A quality which is always needed on the field. A player with a good technique can surprise the opposition and create chances, helping to free his teammates from their markers.

It’s not only a fancy display of skills but also a very useful and effective attribute.

The dribbling of Lionel Messi

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06:  Lionel Messi of Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on May 6, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Oh, how easy playing football looks when a player with superior dribbling skills possesses the ball.

Messi just slaloms through the oppositional players and leaves the impression that he is doing whatever he wishes. And it is so entertaining to watch it as well

The heading of Tim Cahill

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Tim Cahill of Everton heads the ball next to Ashley Cole of Chelseaduring the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on April 22, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

This attribute is usually considered to be a must for most defenders and it is quite understandable why this is such a big requirement. But it comes as a huge plus when organizing attacks as well, opening new variants for attacking.

It is a deadly weapon which adds another dimension of the playing.

The composure of Filippo Inzaghi

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26:  Filippo Inzaghi of Milan runs with the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Citta di Palermo at the San Siro Stadium on April 26, 2009 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Keeping composure during stressful times is a sure way to dramatically improve the efficiency of a performance. Filippo Inzaghi is a living example of that. He has succeeded in scoring many important goals throughout his career.

A good composure in necessary to perform well, especially in big, important matches.

The leadership skills of John Terry

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06:  John Terry of Chelsea screams instructions during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on May 6, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

A true leader, I doubt if anyone would disagree with that. He is a man that a team will always need, no matter what age of its development football is.

John Terry is inspirational for his teammates. Coupled with stability at the back, his teammates know that they could always count on him.

The determination of Steven Gerrard

LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 03:   Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on May 3, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

An attribute that could win matches. We have seen him countless of times to singlehandedly materialize his determined actions into one of many comebacks of his team.

It is a very important and useful trait in nowadays, not only in football but also in life.

The passing of David Beckham

LONDON - APRIL 01:  (LDavid Beckham of England smiles prior to the FIFA 2010 World Cup Group 6 Qualifying match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium on April 1, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Football is a team game. A player needs to communicate with his teammates, and that in football terms is usually done by means of passing. What more specific example can we give than Beckham? That's right, we can't. His down-to-the-spot long balls have become a trademark of his.

Passing the ball well also requires something else. In order for the passes to be effective, the player needs to do them intelligently and with purpose. A good vision is needed.

The strength of Wayne Rooney

LONDON - MARCH 21:  Wayne Rooney of Manchester United runs with the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on March 21, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

This could include stamina as well as raw strength. The increasing dynamics of modern football require a player to possess some strength and stamina in order to perform at his full potential.

What better for the perfect footballer than to posses the strength of the Manchester United’s “engine” - Rooney?

The precise shooting of Ruud van Nistelerooy

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05:  Ruud Van Nistelrooy of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Espanol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on October 5, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He is deadly in front of goal. Someone has to finish the effort of the team. What more beautiful way than a well placed shot.

The perfect player must also posses this skill. Combine it with the good composure and the player is surely a class act.

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written on May 09, 2009 Rankings/List

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