Ballon D’or Boycott, Beating The Offside Trap & How Good You Have To Be To Play Premier League Football
Nov 6, 2024
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The podcast dives into the controversy over Vinicius Jr's boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony and the implications for Real Madrid. It discusses the skills required to beat the offside trap, spotlighting players like Haaland and Mbappe. Insights on what it takes to excel at the Premier League level are shared, along with amusing anecdotes about managerial dismissals. The conversation also touches on club ownership challenges and the tactical missteps of teams like Wolves as they strive to escape relegation.
27:49
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Quick takeaways
The podcast critiques Real Madrid's response to Vinicius Junior's Ballon d'Or omission, advocating for humility in such high-stakes scenarios.
A discussion on the intense skill and dedication required in modern football highlights how even mid-tier players display remarkable talent.
Deep dives
Vinicius Junior and the Ballon d'Or Debate
The discussion centers around the controversy of Vinicius Junior's omission from the Ballon d'Or finalist list, with opinions expressing disapproval of Real Madrid's reaction. It is suggested that while Vinicius Junior had a remarkable season, other players, such as Rodri, demonstrated exceptional performances worthy of the accolade. Rodri's achievement as player of the tournament at the Euros is highlighted, with a consensus that he had a stronger claim to the title than Vinicius, despite the latter's contributions to Real Madrid's Champions League triumph. The narrative emphasizes a sense of entitlement perceived in Real Madrid's response, arguing that players and clubs should exhibit humility in such situations.
Players Learning About Managerial Changes
The podcast explores how players typically find out about managerial changes within their clubs, revealing that they often learn this information shortly before it is made public. Players may only get notice an hour before announcements, leaving them at the mercy of media leaks. Experiences shared include unexpected departures and surreal locker room moments where managers inform players of their termination. This highlights the often impersonal nature of such decisions, where players feel disconnected from the timing and communication regarding managerial firings.
The Challenge of Playing Top Division Football
A significant point raised is the level of skill and dedication required to play in top division football, stressing that even mid-table players possess exceptional talent. The conversation illustrates how the physical demands of the game have shifted, with players needing quick decision-making skills to compete effectively. There's a comparison between the fitness levels of modern players and those from previous decades, suggesting that physicality and stamina are more crucial than ever. The discussion aims to highlight the rigorous competition in football as a global sport, emphasizing how challenging it is to reach and succeed at the highest levels.
Why was it wrong of Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony? Which players are the best at beating the offside trap and how do they do it? How good do footballers really have to be to make it at the top level?