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Hey guys, I hope everything is going well with you as we complete the first month without football.
This week for my Captain’s Column I have been asked to look back at the five best players I’ve come up against in my career, including one from the A-League, so I’ve named them below.
Andrés Iniesta – World Cup Group Stage 2014 vs Spain
He was playing out wide left but was always coming inside. He had the ability to find space in between the lines and could keep the ball in tight places, as well as play a killer pass in behind our defence.
It felt like he had the ball on a string at times and no one could get near him.
Neymar Jr – Pre-Season 2013 vs Santos
When I was a Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors we went to Brazil for a pre-season friendly and played Santos.
He was very chilled but when he wanted to turn it on he could and his speed, skill and touch was plain to see.
It seemed he was only playing at 30 or 40 per cent, but I think he scored one and set one up in the first half and went off at half time.
You could tell he could have done a lot better if he wanted to. Two months later he signed for Barcelona.
Arijen Robben – World Cup Group Stage 2014 vs Holland
He was frighteningly fast, and as a defender that is hard to play against. He was playing off Van Persie as a number 10 but his speed and ability to get in behind you was your worst nightmare as a defender.
His ability to dribble at pace and keep the ball so close to him was what made him so dangerous and special.
Cesc Fàbregas – World Cup Group Stage 2014 vs Spain
He came on as a sub in the second half and literally dictated the whole game. We were chasing shadows and the way he moved us around the pitch was unbelievable.
He made Spain tick and was able to find the pocket regularly. His ability to keep possession and get out of tight space was second to none.
A-League Player – Alex Brosque
Back in my early years of the A-League I’d say the toughest opponent had to be Alex Brosque. He was very quick, had a great touch and technique and had the ability not only to score but also to assist others as well.
You always had to be worried when you came up against him and thankfully I spent the latter years of his career playing on the same side.
