They are loved by their nation like a royal in football boots. These national treasures gave us a lot of moments to saviour!
Across his illustrious CV, Roy Makaay’s lethal ability to strike the ball terrorised defences all over Europe but, it was his remarkable achievements at Deportivo La Coruña that are still remembered today. Cushioned volleys, neat finishes, audacious long-shots. You name it. He did it. The endless YouTube… Read More »Roy Makaay: The ‘Dutch Dynamite’ of Deportivo (1999-’03)
One of the greatest football upsets in history. The Cinderella Story of Cinderella Stories. Here, I want to re-live the ecstasy and chills we all felt when Greece won Euro 2004. So, buckle up … Drawn into the ‘group of death’ Group A with Spain, Russia and hosts, Portugal, Greece were an afterthought.… Read More »The Miraculous ‘Cinderella Story’ of When Greece Won Euro 2004
We’ve gone into some of the more famous free-kick merchants at Ultra UTD with David Beckham and Juninho Pernambucano, but now let’s sit down and appreciate the grossly under-appreciated Ian Harte … With St. Patrick’s Day just gone, I thought it be appropriate to focus… Read More »Bend it Like … the Irish Wizard, Ian Harte!
Naturally talented and with a carefree attitude, I sincerely believe that nowhere near enough commentators give Nwankwo Kanu the credit he deserves! Think about it yourself: just taking a quick glance back at the illustrious career of Nwankwo Kanu will reveal a number of top-level… Read More »Put Some Respect on Nwankwo Kanu’s Name!
You really don’t need big names in your team to be a strong unit. And Thomas Gravesen’s surprise move to Real Madrid in 2005 proves that fact very well indeed! Prior to his move to the Spanish giants, Gravesen was developing quite the reputation for… Read More »Thomas Gravesen: A Real Unlikely Hero! (2005-06)
In my opinion, it’s such a shame that the frivolous nature of journalism in this industry tends to forget the importance of players like Gilberto Silva. Whether we like to admit it or not, we are all more likely to click on, read or hear… Read More »Gilberto Silva: The ‘Invincible’ Water Carrier (2002-08)
It’s always nice to see a prodigal son ‘return home’ … and even more so when they do well! And thus, we arrive at the story of Dirk Kuyt and his renaissance at Feyenoord! Dirk Kuyt is an icon, on Merseyside. He drove Liverpool’s forward line… Read More »Dirk Kuyt’s Fabulous Final Flurry at Feyenoord (2015-2017)
It takes a special player to stand out at one club, and an even more special one to do it multiple times! And by that judgement, Luca Toni is special! Luca Toni is one of the most successful journeymen strikers in the history of the… Read More »Luca Toni: A Truly Great Journeyman (1994-2016)
This is written to make sure we don’t forget how flipping brilliant Luis Nani was! Quite frankly, he’s appeared to be irreplaceable! I have sat on my comfortable chair, in front of my TV, with a bag of whatever unhealthy food I can find –… Read More »Remembering The Fantastic Luis Nani (2007-14)
Despite the odd scandal, a broken leg and no shortage of bust-ups, Ever Banega endeared himself to millions worldwide. Personally, and as a lifelong Preston North End fan who has grown up on the fringes of London, my self-professed ‘love’ for the Argentine has raised… Read More »Ever Banega: A Mini Maestro Many Loved to Hate!