In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
XaviRead
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
Interpretation
Xavi admires Scholes as a complete central midfielder, highlighting his skills and contributions to the game.
In this quote, Xavi expresses a deep respect for Paul Scholes, noting his exceptional ability as a central midfielder. He underscores Scholes' all-rounded capabilities, including playmaking, scoring, and strength, while also hinting at potential biases in player valuation based on nationality.
In practice
Using this quote in a football discussion to highlight the importance of versatile players.
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
I am the astronaut of boxing. Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots. I'm in a world of my own.
I have not been short of invitations to other clubs and have been received more warmly by Everton than I have by Liverpool.
You see how Spanish, Italians, Portuguese play football. I don't say they are perfect, I say English football has a few things to learn from them in the same way they have a lot of things to learn from English football.
When you coach Russ Smith, you have a nervous breakdown on every possession. He's not from a different country. He's from a different planet.
The International Cricket Calender shouldn't be so packed with action that it drives spectators away. Also there should be enough space between cricket events to help players recharge their batteries - not just physically but mentally too.
I treat every race the same. We all wanted to swim fast today and give something back to the crowd.
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