His physical abilities at the age of 38 and half ignites jealousy among millions. He warms himself on the praise and affection that are endlessly showered upon him. Sketching yet another piece on his personality or footballing brilliance would be a cliché. Though that does not mean the fans, out of sheer amazement, should stop holding their breath, pressing their heart with one palm and with another pointing to him, and delightfully gasping – “look at the man! He’s 38!”.
Consequently, this article will list and elaborate four reasons why Il Capitano is superior to his fellow team mates on the pitch. Yes, the number four is imprinted on his jersey, and it should be permanently retired when the great man hangs his boots!
Reason #1 – Get up, Stand up!
If you’ve been watching this Inter team over the past several years, they’ve reached great heights and they have also been pulverized. Through thick and thin, some players have never changed. If you look at Maicon, when a throw-in decision goes against him, or when he feels he’s been brought down while sprinting down the flank, he sits, with arms wide stretched, debating with the linesman with eyes that nearly pop out. Meanwhile, he leaves a great big space behind him, often El tractor falls back to cover up.
Thiago Motta is a master of slowing or unsettling the momentum (which works to perfection at times). He takes hours to get back to his feet, and on many occasions you can’t really distinguish if it’s his anguish or theatrics. Moreover, Wesley Sneijder has been caught punching the grass after losing the ball, his balance and also his composure.
One player that never lingers around horizontally more than what is required is Il Capitano. Endurance and determination characterizes him. Often, he quickly regains his balance and tracks back to retain the lost possession. Never have I seen him put on a show of agony to win a free kick!
Reason #2 – Holding over hoofing
Inter show signs of nervousness when defending deep or when they scramble to get the ball cleared. Usually, the ball gets hoofed off the field or chipped out. Desperation is pretty evident. However, one man is different. He holds on to the ball and if there is space to be exploited, he single-handedly charges up the field, going past two, three or four players at times. Holding on to the ball releases tension and pressure looming in an unorganized back line. Pupi is a ‘giver‘. Not only does he lead the team but he is also willing to work for his team mates and that sets him apart from the rest.
Reason #3 – A game is worth 90 minutes
Inter have been criticized by many for fielding their players behind the ball and sitting deep. Thus, ‘killing the game’ and ‘negative football’ are often associated with Inter’s style of play. Interisti argue that their style of play comes down to tactics or rationale. In any case, one player whom you can see galloping towards the opponent’s half, even at the absolute tail end of the game, is the beloved Zanetti. On any given point of match, you can count Il Capitano to spark an attacking move or propel down the field on his own. We’ve seen him chase down the ball for a lost cause at the absolute end, even when Inter were leading by 2 or 3 goals.
Reason #4 – Mr. Clean
Not being red carded for 548 games depicts the manner in which he conducts himself on the pitch. He makes use of his strength and balance to make up for his lost pace but never does he resent to desperate, rash tackles. Being the captain of the team, he is exposed to arguments with the referee, however, his bearings are always intact. Definitely makes the man special.
One of my dreams is to see him marshaling the Argentinian squad in Brazil 2014!
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