And always picked those almost impossible passes that few player expected. Even his own team mates would be caught off guard with the vision he had.His ability to see and execute the impossible pass is unrivalled. Even for Messi more recently.
Yeah agreed, I think some of the nominees are just great footballers and aren't that clever on the pitch - I'd say a player who doesn't have the best technical or physical ability but manages to play top flight football is really understanding the niche they fill in a team and keeping out more naturally gifted players. Someone like Kuyt I'd say is a good shout, played multiple positions at the top domestic and international level but was never individually that incredible a player.When i see topics like this I tend to think of players like Gary Neville. Not blessed with any outrageous talents or physical gifts, but managed to forge an outstanding career because he figured out how to be the best he could be. That's football intelligence
Roberto Carlos for me seemed to make too many blunders defending for me to consider him as having a high football IQ. But perhaps im just cherry picking some games. I didnt watch him consistently.Almost forgot Xabi Alonso: the way he could read the play either defending or attacking is amazing, and how easy it seems to play out of pressure with him on your team.
Roberto Carlos was also left out, despite him being clever enough to make something out of nothing due to his insane accurate passing.
What a player he was!! I'd add Redondo to the list too.Laudrup, Hagi, Aimar, Xabi Alonso, Pirlo.
I agree tat defensively he was too much overconfident on his own abilities, but his ability to pinpoint any kind of pass and to make something ut of nothing was pure joy. And his throw-ins were also legendary.Roberto Carlos for me seemed to make too many blunders defending for me to consider him as having a high football IQ. But perhaps im just cherry picking some games. I didnt watch him consistently.