The Changing Face of Football: The Styled and Charismatic View

A sublime chip from one of today’s greatest attacking artists; Fernando Torres was the moment that ended Spain’s silverware drought spanning 42 years. The Liverpool hitman, together with the most feared striker of the tournament – Valencia’s David Villa, combined to produce one of the most devastating strike forces in European Championship history. The brilliance of Spain’s attack must in no form, cast a shadow of a midfield which supplied the ammunition to Torres and Villa throughout the tournament. Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Marcos Senna were standout performers in the view of many world-renowned football scholars, pundits, and fans alike. Not to mention Arsenal young-gun Cesc Fabregas whose late step up in form and an unfortunate injury to Villa, allowed coach Luis Aragones to throw Fabregas into his starting line-up to fantastic effect after a handful of cameo appearances as a sub.

The Gunner’s maestro dominated the experienced German midfield and showed exactly why there are too few superlatives in the English language to describe his ability. The fluidity and aesthetic appeal of the Spanish in this tournament was nothing short of extraordinary – movement and vision encapsulated the aforementioned midfield quartet was arguably the key to success. In a time when football fans seem to call for more value for money through the turnstiles from the so called entertainment business- it was Spain who delivered the goods in every game. Only the second team to win every game of the Euros made Spain undoubtedly worthy winners which of course this begs the question; “Just how will the new European champions fare in 2010 at the next world cup against the traditional superpowers of Brazil and Argentina?”

In my humble opinion, it is a joy to behold the architects of some of the most precise, exuberant and lethal football being played, what’s more is that it’s these teams who are winning more often than not. In 2008 Manchester United edged out Chelsea in both the Premiership and Champions League, much to the delight of many footballing neutrals who were much more endured to the style and finesse of United than the power and efficiency of Chelsea. The likes of Drogba, Ballack, Lampard and Essien all played vital roles within the 2008 campaign for Chelsea, however it was these powerhouses who were preferred in Mourinho’s and then Grant’s teams selections over the more technically minded Kalou, Malouda and Wright-Phillips.

The appointment of Luiz Filipe Scolari as new Chelsea coach this summer has sparked rumors of a new Chelsea style, comparable to that of Manchester United, Barcelona, and other such iconic teams associated with the beautiful game. The first signing of Scolari was fellow Brazilian (now Portuguese by nationality) playmaker Deco. In a sensational coup, Scolari may have just found the missing component to Chelsea’s title ambitions. The flair, pzazz and audacity of Deco could similarly rake in millions through media interest in a more attractive looking Chelsea team, commercial sales through shirts, and indeed more neutral support – A winner on all fronts for Abramovic, Kenyon, Buck and the rest of the Chelsea hierarchy.

Football is a beautiful game, one remembered for exciting games and gifted players. If the changing face of football is one with this façade, and this looks increasingly likely, it makes for an exciting time to come in the world’s most beloved game. Long live the beautiful game.