4 Players Who Will Make Great Pundits

As a rule of thumb, footballers do not make the best pundits—maybe they've headed the ball a few too many times?

But there are a few active players who are showing promising signs that they could have a successful career after hanging up their boots.

Recently, the additions of Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville to Sky Sports have been well-received by viewers who appreciate an intellectual in-depth look into specific tactics and incidents.

But for every good ex-player, there are three or four nightmares—Roy Keane's distinct lack of enthusiasm, Alan Hansen's monotone voice, Dean Windass being Dean Windass—it really is slim pickings.

But help is on the way. Here are four players who will offer plenty of useful insight should they decide to take up a media role in the near future...

4. Phil Neville

Many people thought Phil Neville’s recent retirement would pave the way for the 36-year-old to follow in brother Gary’s footsteps.

However, a coaching role at Old Trafford under David Moyes has meant that a potentially fruitful media career will have to be put on hold for a little while yet.

Neville’s calm demeanor on and off the pitch lends itself well to television analysis. During press conferences, all answers are always very well spoken and thought-out.

His past experiences at Manchester United and Everton give the midfielder plenty of insight at domestic, European and international level.

He is very much the opposite of his brother Gary, who was certainly more vocal and controversial during his playing days. However, both viewpoints will make for very interesting viewing should Phil decide to pursue a career on the other side of the camera.

Possible channel: Although he will be in demand, a potential duo with his brother Gary at Sky Sports seems the likeliest option.

3. Steven Gerrard

Gerrard is a national treasure and was one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world a few years ago. He may not have been as effective over the last three seasons, but there is widespread respect for the player and the person.

This is an important attribute to have as a pundit—people will automatically want to listen to what you have to say.

His CV could not be much more impressive—Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Cup honors together with a plethora of individual awards.

Gerrard is not a slam-dunk as a pundit by any means, but his persona has improved significantly over the years. Once extremely awkward, the 33-year-old is now more than passable on camera.

He will probably need more media training than anyone else on this list, but the results would certainly be worthwhile.

Possible channel: Gerrard would undoubtedly be a big draw but not the most controversial, which would lend himself to the BBC.

2. Rio Ferdinand

Perhaps slightly off the radar, Ferdinand has the ability to make a significant impact as an expert should the United man decide to pursue a media career.

Ferdinand has already had experience and contributed to Sky Sports and Al Jazeera Sport as an expert analyst.

He is certainly not shy to say what he’s thinking, and that could be an endearing quality should he make the switch. Too many pundits sit on the fence and give politically correct opinions so as not to offend.

English media as a whole should take a leaf from the USA analysts, who aren’t afraid to give their true thoughts, regardless of whom it may offend. Sometimes the right to free speech in England is lost, because too many are worried they might alienate the player or manager should they work with him in the future.  

Ferdinand could make a refreshing change to that irritating trait.

Possible channel: Ferdinand would make an interesting option for ITV, who continue to struggle with poor broadcasts and pundits. Only Gareth Southgate has any credibility at the station.

1. Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard is almost a certainty to have a prosperous media career after he decides to hang up his boots. The 35-year-old has all the attributes to make himself a very likable and interesting media pundit.

His on-the-pitch achievements are incredibly impressive, both with Chelsea and England. In fact the only thing eluding Lampard is a World Cup—although that could be achieved in Brazil next year.

His "cheeky chappy" persona lends itself to television, while model looks and the celebrity wife also make the midfielder an attractive proposition.

Always calm and well-spoken on-camera, Lampard knows exactly how the media world works and should adapt quickly if and when he converts to the other side.

Lampard has currently signed a one-year extension with Chelsea, and there has been plenty of interest in the past from the MLS, should he decide to explore playing overseas.

But he may be wise to stay in England and walk straight into a lucrative long-term television deal, very much like Jamie Redknapp. He is seen as the face of Sky Sports at the moment and Lampard definitely has that ability.

Possible channel: Lampard loves the limelight, and Sky Sports will not want him to be with any other rival.