I've just seen he's 34 today and it's got me thinking. Have we ever had a more naturally talented player? If he could shoot he'd have been a Top 4 player. The only player I've seen in my era with talent like him is Steed. On a side note I met him personally and I loved him at the time but I was massively disappointed to find out He was a miserable little tw@t. His face on this pic after meeting him with my young nephew who was about 15 at the time and buzzing says it all. He acted like I'd asked him for half his wages when I asked him for this pic to make a young fan happy ..
Great and frustrating to watch was our Sess, and certainly up there, but I'd say Arca and Malbranque were more technically gifted. Edit: I ****ing loved Steed! If he could shoot he'd have been Zidane
He's got to be a strong contender but I'm always suspicious as **** about attacking players who can't shoot, even simple finishes. Detracts from my view of them as talented players if they can't kick the ball at the rectangular thing.
Steed was the boy for me like in terms of natural ability. Much more consistent with it. But Sess on his day was completely unplayable. Remember Kieran Brady was blessed with natural ability. Retired at 22
Gyan for me, he and Sess were a dream together, both magicians, but Gyan had more tricks and variety in his play.
Loved him as a player though, his intelligence shone like the star he undoubtably was, disappointing the way he left of course but sadly money talks.
Not just the way he left us, the way he sold out his entire career. Just like Sebastian Giovinco, followed the money before they'd hit their peak.
Giovinco is a class player. Sadly it's the sorry state of football now, the same can be said with Oscar leaving Chelsea for China at such a young age.
Totally agree Bri. he chose the easy way out, sadly he will never know just how far he could have gone, if he had wanted too.
I think it's genuinely sad when players do that. You only get one shot at life, and if you happen to be a **** hot footballer but pack it all in for a payday, you've failed in my book. Fair enough if you're 36 and can barely run and a Chinese club are offering you £100K a week, but to piss your career down the toilet at your peak for more money when you're already very wealthy is very sad, I think.
I don't really equate what him and steed had to natural ability. The ball stuck to their feet but they couldn't pass, couldn't shoot, couldn't tackle, couldn't head the ball. Arcs had flair but he could actually move the ball. In another note... big Alfie N'Whatever could shin the ball like no one I've ever seen before or since.
Succinctly. No, we have never had a more naturally talented footballer, but the ****er element expected 14/10 every game and he was sorely underrated. Loved the club (I spent social time with him), was expected to go beyond what a luxury player should. Top 3 players of my 36 years.
Giaccerini would have been one of our most technically gifted players ever aswell if he'd played more.
He pips Sess for me, cos he can do everything that Sess can but he strikes the ball beautifully too. It's a shame that it didn't work out for him with us.
Absolutely incredible natural footballer. If only he was build like Chris Samba. He'd have been unstoppable.
I half expected Giacca to end up at Chelski along with Marcos, but it never came about. It's a shame cos I think that he would have fitted in, but perhaps his injury record put the bigger clubs off.
