Understanding Bastian Schweinsteiger

A senior coach once gave me a nice observation that there are roughly three different types of footballers.

First there are the Type 1 players. Those only doing their job. Following basic tactical orders and trying to beat their opponents. This does not imply they are lesser players. Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of the Type 1 footballer.

 

Then there are the Type 2 players. Those doing their job and have good understanding what the team is trying to do. Like every Barcelona player. Like Blind or Herrera in the current United team.

Then come the few and the gifted Type 3. Scholes, Pirlo, Xavi, Yaya etc. They enforce a style and system on teams. Gifted teams don’t need anything more.

*

I will add to these the Type 4 footballer. He not only enforces the style of play. He recognizes the struggling or ill-disciplined team-mates and reintegrates them into the play. Bastian Schweinsteiger is Type 4. If playing and fit, you will see other players improve the comprehensively.

By Ronen Dorfan.

More Stories Ander Herrera Bastian Schweinsteiger Cristiano Ronaldo Daley Blind Manchester United Paul Scholes