“This is embarrassing to say but I have cried twice in my life watching a football player; the first one was Roberto (Baggio) and the second was Ryan Giggs”  Quote by Alessandro Del Piero.

Ok they may have had mixed fortunes this week but both Ryan Giggs (37) & youngster Alessandro Del Piero (36) have enjoyed great seasons!

These men are players of the highest quality. In recent games both turned back the clock to give vintage performances that reminded me of their debut seasons.

Giggs against Liverpool was my Man of the Match by a mile, he made some mazey runs that turned much younger opponents inside out. He created chances & never hid from taking the ball. Against Birmingham he did not last the hour but the game was already finished as United were four up with Giggs setting up two & scoring a fine goal himself! With Park at the Asia Cup & a few injuries to the squad Giggs has played often this month & played extremely well!

Over in Turin, Alessandro Del Piero against Bari last week was a joy to watch. It was like watching the same Del Piero of 10-14 years ago. He was always there to receive the ball, his through balls cut open the defence… But it was his wonderful goal from a free kick which brought back so many wonderful memories. In his 21 appearances he has 7 goals this season & still seems to make Juve tick.

There are so many admirable qualities about these two. Not just that they are geniuses with the ball at their feet but look at their loyalty. Giggs has been in the first team picture at Old Trafford for twenty years now! Del Piero did start at Padova but only played 14 games, he has then since been with La Vecchia Signora for 18 years now. Giggs is Man Utd’s record appearance holder, while Del Piero is Juve’s all time leading goalscorer.

The other thing which stands out with this duo is their winning mentality… Both at huge European clubs they have won every major domestic honour & Champions League winners medals but these medals only serve as fuel for more. It is also worth noting Del Piero helped Italy to World Cup success in 2006. They crave success & perfection, they are top pro’s & any youngster interested in football should look at these two just as much as Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi because these two are two of the best role models I have seen in my 22 years of watching football.

Both have been offered new deals at their clubs & I for one would love to see them sign them.

Posted on January 23rd, 2011 by scott
Filed under: Article