The Best Players with Notable “Deficiencies”: The B-Side of Success in Football
Soccer, in its essence, is defined by six fundamental actions: running, passing, dribbling, shooting, jumping, and defending. The brilliance of each player lies in the unique combination of these skills. However, some of the world’s most outstanding soccer players, who shine in the most important clubs and win titles, present areas of “weakness.” In this analysis, we explore the best players who, despite their shortcomings in certain facets, remain pillars of their teams.
Harry Kane: The Redefinition of a Goalscorer
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has undergone a notable transformation. After the 2018 World Cup, Kane has decreased his speed and explosiveness. His game has adapted, prioritizing close shots and dangerous passes. Currently, Kane is one of the least running players in the Bundesliga among center forwards, showing a new facet to stay in the elite.
Kylian Mbappé: The Importance of a Team Tailored to Him
Despite his exceptional season, Kylian Mbappé, of Real Madrid, stands out for his difficulty in aerial duels. This deficiency underscores the need for a specific tactical approach and teammates who complement his skills for collective success.
Mohamed Salah: The Art of Prioritizing
Mohamed Salah, from Liverpool, is having an outstanding season, leading in goals and assists. His focus on attack has taken him to a higher level, although he has reduced his defensive contribution. This strategy, allowed by the coach, has maximized his offensive impact.
The image shows Ian Darke and Beth Lindop explaining why Mohamed Salah should be considered the Premier League Player of the Season.
Lautaro Martínez: The Intelligent Decision
Lautaro Martínez, from Inter Milan, although he is a very productive attacker, does not stand out for his dribbling ability. This “weakness” leads him to make intelligent decisions, avoiding situations where his lack of skill could harm the team.
Raphinha: The Goalscorer with “Poor Aim”
Raphinha, from Barcelona, despite his outstanding season, has a low goal conversion compared to his expectations. Although his overall performance is excellent, his ability to convert goal opportunities is inferior to that of other elite players.
Erling Haaland: The Striker Who Prioritizes Goals
Erling Haaland, from Manchester City, is an example of a player who focuses on a single facet: scoring goals. Despite his great goalscoring ability, he does not excel in playmaking, passing, and other defensive tasks. His game is mainly based on scoring goals, which makes him a lethal striker but limited in other aspects of the game.
These examples demonstrate that, in elite football, it is not necessary to be perfect in all areas to achieve success. Each player, with their strengths and weaknesses, contributes uniquely to the team, demonstrating that the diversity of skills is key to victory.
