Writing exclusively for TOI, former Argentina captain and football legend Diego Maradona picks the players who can set the grass on fire in this World Cup in Brazil.
Football is a team game but there are individuals who often make the necessary difference on field with their exceptional skills.
A manager has to ensure an environment where the team’s goals are never sacrificed. At the same time, he must ensure that the gifted individual gets the space to express himself.
If an individual inspires the team with his brilliance, it helps immensely. That is why I believe the presence of Messi and Ronaldo will help Argentina and Portugal play better. These two are the best of this generation and both are yet to play at the best of their abilities in the biggest tournament. It is difficult for them to recreate the magic that they produce while playing for their clubs, but they have the ability to do so.
Neymar is an exciting youngster with exceptional talent. What he did for Brazil in the Confederations Cup was extraordinary. But he is too young to light up a World Cup on his own. Brazil will definitely root for him, especially after he has shown what he is capable of.
The Netherlands have always produced exciting footballers. Arjen Robben is definitely one of them. Under Louis Van Gaal, Robin Van Persie has played well. But I was not happy with the football the Dutch played in the 2010 final. I expected skill to dominate, while they were intent on exerting physical power.
For France, Karim Benzema is in tremendous form. Didier Deschamps has cleared the dressing room of ego clashes. You need someone in the dressing room with the control button in his hand.
My experience says that every coach has his captain.
I remember the days when Luis Cesar Menotti was in charge of Argentina. You just could not touch Daniel Passarella! EL Flaco would never allow it. Under Carlos Bilardo, I enjoyed almost the same position. When I was the coach, I had a very good relationship with captain Javier Mascherano. He is a thinking footballer who leads from the midfield. He is definitely not as talented as Messi, but he commanded respect. And we had a healthy dressing room.
Looking for such a relationship between the coach and the captain these days, I hardly find one. Yes, it depends on so many factors and the most important one is, the coach and the captain should be there long enough to develop a great relationship. Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff were inseparable because of this. Nowadays, this is almost impossible to find.
Italy rely heavily on Andrea Pirlo. He is one of the finest midfielders of his generation and helped Juventus win another Serie A title this time. England will depend a lot on Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, but they are aging stars.
Alejandro Sabella has been in charge of Argentina for almost three years and has developed a core group where Messi is the indisputable leader.
Mascherano has no problems in supporting him since they play for the same club. And I was happy to see Angel di Maria supporting Messi when Barcelona fans found fault with their prized possession. It reflects a healthy relationship between them, although they are fierce rivals in club football. And I won’t be surprised if Sergio Aguero gets going.
With the established stars, keep an eye on exciting youngsters like Eden Hazard of Belgium and Oscar of Brazil. They have the ability and talent to set the grass on fire.
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