Top 15 Scariest Small Guys in Football History

One of the greatest parts of football is that it is a sport that can see players of all heights achieve great things.

While there is no shortage of tall powerful tacklers and big hard nosed players, the uniqueness of the tough little guy in football is great.

It is always a sight to see when the little man that could becomes as tall as Wilt Chamberlain with nothing more than the heart and tenacity of his play.

However, some of those little guys are so good at it that they strike, or struck fear into the hearts of their opponents on the pitch.

Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin was part of a hard tackling Manchester United defense from 1990-2002.

He was part of the famous career ending tackle of Coventry City's David Busst and could unleashed a crunching tackle on demand.

Javier Mascherano

FC Barcelona defensive midfielder (and makeshift defender in times of need), Javier Mascherano is a primary example of a hard-nosed Argentine footballer.

He made his presence known all over the pitch during his time in England with Liverpool, and his shooting skills have improved as well, but they are in no way as good as his ability to land a crunching tackle.

Paul Gascoigne

Another Spurs hard man was Paul Gascoigne.

The Englishman was a tough tackler that also had a nose for goal, as he managed to also score for every club he ever played for.

Nigel De Jong

Manchester City and Holland international, Nigel De Jong has a long history of being one to get a shot in.

Just take a look as some of his worst moments above.

Gennaro Gattuso

AC Milan and Italian national team defensive midfielder, Gennaro Gattuso is one of the hardest nosed players in the game.

His temper can flair and his attitude can flip on the turn of a dime.

He will never shy away from a tackle or a challenge, and will come after you if given any sniff of a reason.

Marco Tardelli

Juventus and Italian National team player, Marco Tardelli is one of the forgotten players from the 1970's Juve teams.

He scored the 1982 World Cup winning goal for Italy, but was the midfield enforcer that made Juve a powerhouse for the Serie A.

Dave Mackay

Tottenham Hotspur great, Dave Mackay was a fighter in the midfield for the 1961 rendition of his club.

While the flair was left up to Danny Branchflower and Cliff Jones, Mackay was the hard-nosed, all around player that made the midfield tick.

Tarcisio Burgnich

Former Inter Milan defender, Tarcisio Burgnich was a rough and tough defender for the Nerazzurri.

He was part of the defense that held for two back-to-back European Cups in 1963-64 and 1964-65.

Diego Maradona

Argentine and footballing legend, Diego Maradona was not one to get riled up.

The little attacker was more than willing to throw down if provoked.

Nobby Stiles

Loved by fans and managers, while loathed and feared by opponents, Nobby Stiles will forever be remembered as one of the hardest tacklers and best man-markers in England.

Roy Keane

Another Manchester United player that made the list is the ruthless Roy Keane.

If you pissed him off he was more than willing to get even.

Otherwise, he might just blast you for the fun of it.

Johnny Giles

Don Revie built his Leeds United dynasty around Johnny Giles.

The Irishman was as fearsome in the tackle, as he was as a passer and midfield maestro, and was not one to get on the bad side of.

Billy Bremner

Don Revie employed one of the smallest players in English football with 5'5" Billy Bremner.

The tenacious little Scotsman was voted Leeds United's greatest player ever in 2000.

Tommy Smith

Liverpool legend and hardman Tommy Smith, was known as "Anfield Iron."

Smith was the hard-nosed midfielder that helped the club become the legendary fixture of English football they are under Bill Shankly.

Peter Storey

Arsenal legend, Peter Storey was a terror for all those that came into contact with him, as he was one of the most tenacious tacklers in Gunner's history.

Conclusion

There are plenty more small players that have made a huge influence in the footballing world.

Who are your picks for scariest small guys in football?

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