Post by Macmoish on Dec 31, 2010 8:16:42 GMT
In the view of Harry Winter/The Telegraph: For more than just skill, character, etc.
- Including Gareth Ainsworth, Ian Holloway and Clarke Carlisle
Telegraph
Henry Winter: Harry Redknapp, Lionel Messi and Eddie Afekafe are among football's 20 stars of 2010
From Harry Redknapp to Howard Webb, from Kelly Simmons to Clarke Carlisle, from Gareth Bale to Gareth Ainsworth, Henry Winter reveals his 20 football stars of 2010.
Stars: World Cup final referee Howard Webb (left) and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are among Henry Winter's 20 football stars of 2010 Photo: AP/GETTY IMAGES By Henry Winter 9:00PM GMT 25 Dec 2010
Henry's Twitter
5 Comments
Harry Redknapp
Plays football how it should be: with passion, honesty and high-speed adventure. Redknapp has taken to the Champions League easily, outwitting Rafa Benitez at the Lane.
Few teams outside Catalonia and the Emirates attack with such verve as Spurs, who unleash Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon out wide and such deft talents as Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart through the middle.
A master at motivation, Redknapp's prowess is seen in reviving William Gallas's career. Maturing into a vintage manager.
Carlo Ancelotti
An honourable man in an often dishonourable trade. Successful too. He did the Double in his first season, playing hugely attractive football. Chelsea's engaging manager then reacted with sangfroid to Roman Abramovich's meddling, whatever his raised-eyebrow frustration at losing Ray Wilkins.
A civilised soul, Ancelotti rarely whinges about refereeing or internal problems at Chelsea. Blessed with a sense of perspective, the Italian always finds time to reply to emails from an old AC Milan team-mate, struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Lionel Messi
He makes the ball dance, anything from quickstep to Argentine tango. Planet Football is fortunate to witness such a stellar talent as Messi, who may be remembered as one of the greats.
In truth, Messi actually experienced a disappointing spring/summer, failing to deliver in the World Cup or the Champions League (Arsenal apart), but has been scintillating this term. Cherish him.
Wesley Sneijder
What a year! What technique! Sneijder won the Champions League with Inter Milan and reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands. A joy to watch, Sneijder dribbles and passes, creates and scores with dead ball or moving, even finding the target with his head in South Africa.
Like Messi and Xavi, Sneijder proves that agile and skilful can outwit big and physical in the modern game. Fight the power. Sneijder does brilliantly.
Kelly Simmons
A reminder of what the FA does best: somebody passionate about football working 24/7 to improve the English game, giving more kids more access to football opportunities, encouraging more referees and attacking the dissent that has plagued parks' pitches (and stroppy touchline dads).
Head of the National Game at the FA, Simmons is too selfless to seek plaudits but her admirable work and example deserves acknowledgement. Government, let alone football, could do with more principled individuals like Simmons tackling childhood obesity, indiscipline and the hazards of youth.
Howard Webb
In a grim year for the English, at least there was the Rotherham whistler bestriding the globe, doing the referee's Double. Webb acquitted himself superbly in both the Champions League and World Cup finals.
Inter Milan, then schooled by Jose Mourinho, were no strangers to gamesmanship but Webb handled them well in Madrid, showing his fitness by keeping pace with their counter-attacks. In Johannesburg, Webb was faced with the Nihilists of the Netherlands but somehow kept the game going.
Scott Parker
He keeps showing for West Ham, keeps being their best player. Parker could have walked out on the troubled club long ago, and Spurs would love to buy him in January. It's a tribute to his loyalty that he has stayed.
When professional football gets pilloried, with all players assailed as wealthy wastrels, the riposte is to mention Parker, a model pro on and off the pitch.
Gareth Ainsworth
In a year of spiralling wages, player mutinies and public alienation from the professional game, Wycombe Wanderers' club captain reminded everyone of the good that footballers do, of the sacrifices they've made. Ainsworth travelled to the Somme in October to help Phil Stant, the PFA and the Football League commemorate the footballers who died in WWI.
In interviews on Armistice Day, Ainsworth spoke movingly of those players who paid the ultimate price for their country. Intelligent, eloquent and caring, Ainsworth is a magnificent role model in a sport often short of them.
Asamoah Gyan
Failure is not the act of falling down; it's the refusal to get back up again. The Ghanaian refused to hide after missing that last-minute penalty against Uruguay in the World Cup quarters.
A shoot-out awaited and the nerveless Gyan took the first kick. And scored. And demonstrated to any watching schoolboy that the game's about taking responsibility. Sunderland have bought a strong character.
Jose Mourinho
Still special. Barring that 5-0 Barca rout, Mourinho has made Real Madrid effective without compromising their commitment to expansive football. And he won the Champions League and Serie A with Inter Milan. Still winning trophies. Still missed in England.
Ian Holloway
A breath of fresh air, Holloway cuts through all the hype and nonsense in football. His rants have been the soundtrack of the season, vivid stitches in the rich tapestry of the Premier League.
Blackpool's promotion was impressive enough; building a mid-table team with such top-rate spirit on a shoestring has been a miracle by Holloway.
Gareth Bale
The Tottenham flier shows the world the game is actually very simple: it's about the one-on-one duel. "Taxi For Maicon" has been the chant of the season. Inter's revered right-back was not only taken to the cleaners by Bale, he was starched, folded and bagged.
Making schoolboys fall in love with football is made easier when they watch Bale in this exhilarating form. Taxi for Maicon? Limo for Bale.
David Sheepshanks
During the darkest of years for English football, the light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be an Old Etonian holding a torch over the weather-beaten plans for the National Football Centre. Sheepshanks has helped drive the Burton project through, finding the funding, playing the political game adroitly within the manic maze of English football, and always believing in this college of coaching.
Sheepshanks even convinced the many media sceptics of the NFC's importance. Building should begin shortly and England can then begin thinking of emerging from the dark ages.
Kelly Smith
Hurtling towards a century of caps, a 32-year-old striker with no hint of slowing, Smith remains a vital figure in Hope Powell's ambitious England team. Five goals in qualifying for the 2011 World Cup highlighted Smith's importance. In her 16th year as an international, Smith's hunger and durability, let alone her finishing skills, are an example to all.
Mike Lee
Another good year for the Lord of the Bids. Skilful strategist who advised the successful NESV takeover of Liverpool and the Qatar 2022 team. Few in football network as cleverly as the former Uefa communications chief, whose services were turned down by the FA for 2018. Big mistake.
Florent Malouda
Some player, some charity-worker, some drummer. The renaissance man in Chelsea's No 15 shirt has so many passions. 2010 has seen Malouda gliding forward from left midfield with skill and end-product.
Off the field, Malouda travelled to Haiti to assist the relief effort. A man who lives life to the full, the Frenchman has now taken up drumming. If only more players had such hinterland.
Eddie Afekafe
For a brief few moments, a 26-year-old former Moss Side gang member held the attention of the world. Suited and booted, speaking lucidly without notes, Afekafe told Fifa's ExCo of how football saved him through the KickZ project and the good offices of Manchester City's community department. He wanted others to have that chance.
Just because Fifa refused to listen doesn't undermine the power of Afekafe's argument. Just because England's 2018 bid failed cannot mask the reality that Afekafe made the country proud.
As long as there are schemes like KickZ and characters like Afekafe, English football will have a soul.
Danny Jordaan
He threw a great party. So many predicted South Africa 2010 would be plagued by poor organisation and crime. Somehow Jordaan held the whole country and event together.
As chief executive of the organising committee, Jordaan cajoled, charmed and demanded. People responded, ensuring the World Cup largely ran smoothly.
Jordaan flew everywhere, attending game after game, living on adrenalin and patriotism for five weeks. Jordaan knew how much the World Cup meant to the whole continent, let alone South Africa. He didn't let his country down, nor his continent.
Clarke Carlisle
In a sport often lacking moral fibre, the new chairman of the PFA is a welcome antidote to the "too much, too young" glee club. Already armed with 10 A-grade GCSEs, Carlisle's run on Countdown in February confirmed that this was not your average footballer.
An eloquent ambassador for the game on radio and TV, the Burnley defender should bring his intelligence to bear in helping direct the players' union. The FA could do worse than calling on Carlisle's brain-power and energy.
Jack Wilshere
Hope for the future. Mention Wilshere's name to any manager or old pro and they go all misty-eyed over the Arsenal teenager's technique. For the experts, it is the way Wilshere receives the ball under pressure, confident in his own touch and knowing where to move it next, that so impresses.
Some find echoes of Liam Brady, a marvellous compliment, and also testament to the fine work done by "Chippy" at the Arsenal Academy. A coltish thoroughbred, Wilshere must not be overworked, though.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/8223904/Henry-Winter-Harry-Redknapp-Lionel-Messi-and-Eddie-Afekafe-are-among-footballs-20-stars-of-2010.html
- Including Gareth Ainsworth, Ian Holloway and Clarke Carlisle
Telegraph
Henry Winter: Harry Redknapp, Lionel Messi and Eddie Afekafe are among football's 20 stars of 2010
From Harry Redknapp to Howard Webb, from Kelly Simmons to Clarke Carlisle, from Gareth Bale to Gareth Ainsworth, Henry Winter reveals his 20 football stars of 2010.
Stars: World Cup final referee Howard Webb (left) and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are among Henry Winter's 20 football stars of 2010 Photo: AP/GETTY IMAGES By Henry Winter 9:00PM GMT 25 Dec 2010
Henry's Twitter
5 Comments
Harry Redknapp
Plays football how it should be: with passion, honesty and high-speed adventure. Redknapp has taken to the Champions League easily, outwitting Rafa Benitez at the Lane.
Few teams outside Catalonia and the Emirates attack with such verve as Spurs, who unleash Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon out wide and such deft talents as Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart through the middle.
A master at motivation, Redknapp's prowess is seen in reviving William Gallas's career. Maturing into a vintage manager.
Carlo Ancelotti
An honourable man in an often dishonourable trade. Successful too. He did the Double in his first season, playing hugely attractive football. Chelsea's engaging manager then reacted with sangfroid to Roman Abramovich's meddling, whatever his raised-eyebrow frustration at losing Ray Wilkins.
A civilised soul, Ancelotti rarely whinges about refereeing or internal problems at Chelsea. Blessed with a sense of perspective, the Italian always finds time to reply to emails from an old AC Milan team-mate, struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Lionel Messi
He makes the ball dance, anything from quickstep to Argentine tango. Planet Football is fortunate to witness such a stellar talent as Messi, who may be remembered as one of the greats.
In truth, Messi actually experienced a disappointing spring/summer, failing to deliver in the World Cup or the Champions League (Arsenal apart), but has been scintillating this term. Cherish him.
Wesley Sneijder
What a year! What technique! Sneijder won the Champions League with Inter Milan and reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands. A joy to watch, Sneijder dribbles and passes, creates and scores with dead ball or moving, even finding the target with his head in South Africa.
Like Messi and Xavi, Sneijder proves that agile and skilful can outwit big and physical in the modern game. Fight the power. Sneijder does brilliantly.
Kelly Simmons
A reminder of what the FA does best: somebody passionate about football working 24/7 to improve the English game, giving more kids more access to football opportunities, encouraging more referees and attacking the dissent that has plagued parks' pitches (and stroppy touchline dads).
Head of the National Game at the FA, Simmons is too selfless to seek plaudits but her admirable work and example deserves acknowledgement. Government, let alone football, could do with more principled individuals like Simmons tackling childhood obesity, indiscipline and the hazards of youth.
Howard Webb
In a grim year for the English, at least there was the Rotherham whistler bestriding the globe, doing the referee's Double. Webb acquitted himself superbly in both the Champions League and World Cup finals.
Inter Milan, then schooled by Jose Mourinho, were no strangers to gamesmanship but Webb handled them well in Madrid, showing his fitness by keeping pace with their counter-attacks. In Johannesburg, Webb was faced with the Nihilists of the Netherlands but somehow kept the game going.
Scott Parker
He keeps showing for West Ham, keeps being their best player. Parker could have walked out on the troubled club long ago, and Spurs would love to buy him in January. It's a tribute to his loyalty that he has stayed.
When professional football gets pilloried, with all players assailed as wealthy wastrels, the riposte is to mention Parker, a model pro on and off the pitch.
Gareth Ainsworth
In a year of spiralling wages, player mutinies and public alienation from the professional game, Wycombe Wanderers' club captain reminded everyone of the good that footballers do, of the sacrifices they've made. Ainsworth travelled to the Somme in October to help Phil Stant, the PFA and the Football League commemorate the footballers who died in WWI.
In interviews on Armistice Day, Ainsworth spoke movingly of those players who paid the ultimate price for their country. Intelligent, eloquent and caring, Ainsworth is a magnificent role model in a sport often short of them.
Asamoah Gyan
Failure is not the act of falling down; it's the refusal to get back up again. The Ghanaian refused to hide after missing that last-minute penalty against Uruguay in the World Cup quarters.
A shoot-out awaited and the nerveless Gyan took the first kick. And scored. And demonstrated to any watching schoolboy that the game's about taking responsibility. Sunderland have bought a strong character.
Jose Mourinho
Still special. Barring that 5-0 Barca rout, Mourinho has made Real Madrid effective without compromising their commitment to expansive football. And he won the Champions League and Serie A with Inter Milan. Still winning trophies. Still missed in England.
Ian Holloway
A breath of fresh air, Holloway cuts through all the hype and nonsense in football. His rants have been the soundtrack of the season, vivid stitches in the rich tapestry of the Premier League.
Blackpool's promotion was impressive enough; building a mid-table team with such top-rate spirit on a shoestring has been a miracle by Holloway.
Gareth Bale
The Tottenham flier shows the world the game is actually very simple: it's about the one-on-one duel. "Taxi For Maicon" has been the chant of the season. Inter's revered right-back was not only taken to the cleaners by Bale, he was starched, folded and bagged.
Making schoolboys fall in love with football is made easier when they watch Bale in this exhilarating form. Taxi for Maicon? Limo for Bale.
David Sheepshanks
During the darkest of years for English football, the light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be an Old Etonian holding a torch over the weather-beaten plans for the National Football Centre. Sheepshanks has helped drive the Burton project through, finding the funding, playing the political game adroitly within the manic maze of English football, and always believing in this college of coaching.
Sheepshanks even convinced the many media sceptics of the NFC's importance. Building should begin shortly and England can then begin thinking of emerging from the dark ages.
Kelly Smith
Hurtling towards a century of caps, a 32-year-old striker with no hint of slowing, Smith remains a vital figure in Hope Powell's ambitious England team. Five goals in qualifying for the 2011 World Cup highlighted Smith's importance. In her 16th year as an international, Smith's hunger and durability, let alone her finishing skills, are an example to all.
Mike Lee
Another good year for the Lord of the Bids. Skilful strategist who advised the successful NESV takeover of Liverpool and the Qatar 2022 team. Few in football network as cleverly as the former Uefa communications chief, whose services were turned down by the FA for 2018. Big mistake.
Florent Malouda
Some player, some charity-worker, some drummer. The renaissance man in Chelsea's No 15 shirt has so many passions. 2010 has seen Malouda gliding forward from left midfield with skill and end-product.
Off the field, Malouda travelled to Haiti to assist the relief effort. A man who lives life to the full, the Frenchman has now taken up drumming. If only more players had such hinterland.
Eddie Afekafe
For a brief few moments, a 26-year-old former Moss Side gang member held the attention of the world. Suited and booted, speaking lucidly without notes, Afekafe told Fifa's ExCo of how football saved him through the KickZ project and the good offices of Manchester City's community department. He wanted others to have that chance.
Just because Fifa refused to listen doesn't undermine the power of Afekafe's argument. Just because England's 2018 bid failed cannot mask the reality that Afekafe made the country proud.
As long as there are schemes like KickZ and characters like Afekafe, English football will have a soul.
Danny Jordaan
He threw a great party. So many predicted South Africa 2010 would be plagued by poor organisation and crime. Somehow Jordaan held the whole country and event together.
As chief executive of the organising committee, Jordaan cajoled, charmed and demanded. People responded, ensuring the World Cup largely ran smoothly.
Jordaan flew everywhere, attending game after game, living on adrenalin and patriotism for five weeks. Jordaan knew how much the World Cup meant to the whole continent, let alone South Africa. He didn't let his country down, nor his continent.
Clarke Carlisle
In a sport often lacking moral fibre, the new chairman of the PFA is a welcome antidote to the "too much, too young" glee club. Already armed with 10 A-grade GCSEs, Carlisle's run on Countdown in February confirmed that this was not your average footballer.
An eloquent ambassador for the game on radio and TV, the Burnley defender should bring his intelligence to bear in helping direct the players' union. The FA could do worse than calling on Carlisle's brain-power and energy.
Jack Wilshere
Hope for the future. Mention Wilshere's name to any manager or old pro and they go all misty-eyed over the Arsenal teenager's technique. For the experts, it is the way Wilshere receives the ball under pressure, confident in his own touch and knowing where to move it next, that so impresses.
Some find echoes of Liam Brady, a marvellous compliment, and also testament to the fine work done by "Chippy" at the Arsenal Academy. A coltish thoroughbred, Wilshere must not be overworked, though.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/8223904/Henry-Winter-Harry-Redknapp-Lionel-Messi-and-Eddie-Afekafe-are-among-footballs-20-stars-of-2010.html
