Back of the Net!

I remember watching Darren Anderton turn out for Portsmouth in their 1992 FA Cup Semi Final against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at Highbury, and being blown away by the magic of two teams with young flight-footed wingers (Liverpool had Steve McManaman on the pitch).

Here was a young player with a hunger, a lack of fear of opposing defenders who was a good crosser of the ball - and looked nothing like a typical footballer.

As the 1990s progressed, it became apparent that Anderton was worldclass, earning his first cap in 1994 after a move to Tottenham and becoming a key player in the Euro 96 squad under Terry Venables and the France 98 squad under Glenn Hoddle.

His gangly, awkward-looking frame was always a sight to behold as he spun the ball past players, dribbling around defenders and scoring the odd goal, and his ability and his attitude have won plaudits from commentators around the world.  Out of loyalty to Tottenham Hotspur and a desire to play alongside Jurgen Klinsmann, Anderton turned down a move to Manchester United - but he was never really their type of player; Spurs was home.

With his long arms and unusual face, Anderton is one of the most recognizable faces from English football over the last 20 years.  It’s sad to see him hang up his boots at Bournemouth recently, but his two years there tell an interesting tale on their own.

Few players in the English Premier League today will consider dropping leagues to stay in the game, such is the amount of money in the game today.  Most fall out of love with footy before they hit 30, if their performances are anything to go by.

Darren Anderton was lucky enough to play through to the age of 36, and has proved that to be a great player you don’t need to look good or play for the biggest teams.  He’s scored international goals, won cups and had quite an enviable career, and he wasn’t too big to turn out for little Bournemouth AFC.

That is the mark of true class, of true passion.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS