If you want to learn the art of defending, watch Paolo Maldini's videos. 'Il Capitano' is a legend at San Siro and during his days, he was the best defender in the world. Players like Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Marco Materazzi learnt their trade thanks to the exploits and thanks to his influence, they won the World Cup in 2006.
Why the sudden interest in Maldini is because I was going through this website called 'Who ate all the pies' and they posted a video on Paolo Maldini. It's been 3 years since he retired but his presence will always be there. Though, he is not being mentioned much in the media after his retirement, those watching his videos, will surely recall his exploits.
I got to know about Maldini when i was 12. At that time, the 2002 World Cup was going on. At the age of 34, he was a class above the rest. At his age, his form would have dipped and he would have used his experience to catch up with the young players.
In the group stages, he faced young players like Bosko Balaban, Ivan Kaviedes and the man who is famous for his Cuauhtemina, Cuathemoc Blanco. Many were expecting the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta to shoulder the burden of the defence but 'Il Capitano' was adept with these players and qualifying out from the group stages was a easy thing.
The defeat against South Korea was heart wrenching as he played his heart out for the game only to be ruined by the erratic defending of Byron Moreno (currently in jail for drugs smuggling, Karma hits you back...hehhehehe). That was his last World Cup but that didn't stop me from watching his prowess.
One of my uncles told me that he is a gem of a player. At the age of 18, he played like a gazelle and combining with the likes of Franco Baresi did wonders for him. After the World Cup, I was hooked with football and I always watch games with my dad or friends.
Being an Arsenal fan since 7, whenever I got the opportunity to watch their games, I wouldn't miss it. At that time, the likes of Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira were the players to watch out. However at that times, I followed other players too. Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Josep Guordiola, Aitor Karanka, Alessandro Nesta and Paulo Maldini, were inspiring players.
Whenever the name Maldini is echoed, It always reminds me of the World Cup and also his trophy haul. For 25 years, he loyally served the AC Milan faithful and during his years as a professional, he rejected overtures from other clubs, to stay with his beloved club.
Coming through the academy ranks, he is born and bred Milan player. He understand the club, embodies the club and gives his 100% when he is on the pitch. Having gone through many era's, he has faced many strikers from various backgrounds and his ability to nullify them is just pure class. Even the likes of Ronaldo, Hernan Crespo, Gabriel Batistuta and Christian Vieri have earmarked Maldini as their toughest opponent in their career.
His tackles, runs, dribbles, anticipation, awareness and stamina are his best attributes and able to perform until the age of 41 consistently is a mean feat. When he retired, Milan lost a pillar in defence and they were in search for a man to replace him. It was tough but last season, Thiago Silva came into prominence. He might not have the abilities of Maldini but for a moment he made the Milan faithful forget about their legend.
However, at some point, even the Ultras of Milan would agree that Maldini is just a class above the rest. He may not be playing now but I'm sure he will inspiring the likes of Georgio Chiellini, Salvatore Bochetti, Andre Ranocchia and Leonardo Bonucci are the next generation of defende,rs to helm Italy's defence. To ensure the efficiency of Italian defending which was perfected by the like of Him, Cannavaro and Nesta, these guys should learn from these lads.
The current generation of players who can be on par with Paolo Maldini is Spanish International, Carles Puyol, England's Numero Uno, John Terry and Portugal's late bloomer, Ricardo Carvalho. These players are world class lads who have shown assurity and astuteness when defending for their teams. These players still have four to five years in them and they have all shown their appreciation towards the 'Il Capitano'.
Rest assured, Paolo Maldini ranks alongside the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Franco Baresi, Bobby Moore and Paul Breitner. His aura and presence is still with the Milan faithful. Having retired the number '3' jersey in his remembrance, his contribution towards the team is immense. Great service and work, it is hoped that his sons, Christian and Daniel will emulate him and snatch that number '3' jersey.
Avinesh's rumblings: Maldini is a great lad and I'm praying that, one day he will come down to Malaysia and teach a thing or two to our National defenders. The likes of Muslim and Fadhli would surely do well with his advice. Nevertheless, Maldini will always be a legend and his contribution towards football will not be forgotten.
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