It was Robert Pires, the very child posessed by the idea of being a forward and it is indeed the same ’Robert Pires’, one of the most creative midfield playmakers in world soccer today.He may not be a full fledged striker as things stand currently, however his attacking instincts of childhood have definitely not abandoned him.
PIRES’S ROAD TO GREATNESS
A central midfielder, shy by nature and a very talented prospect to begin with, Robert Pires spent most of his earlier years at home club Metz during which he came up with 164 match appearances to go with 43 goals.The biggest highlight of his Metz career was him playing a major role in his club’s victory in’The League Cup’ in 1996. Robert Pires in full flow first came into notice during his short stay at Marseilles where as a player he had 83 appearances and pulled off 11 goals before the offer to move to Arsenal came about.
ROBERT’S STINT AT ARSENAL
With Marc Overmars due to be off to Barcelona and Emmanuel Petit destined to shift elsewhere, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was put in a dilemma regarding the vacant winger spot in his squad.That is when he turned to Pires signing him from Marseilles on a 6 million pound deal in 2000. Pires scored in the 2-1 win against Tottenham in the FA cup semis and the London crowd at once took a liking to him.However he soon found out that’The English Premier League’ is about being a tough character where only the fittest survive.Overall, he had a very disappointing year but by self admission, it was the very passion of the supporters that kept him going. Deeply overwhelmed by the support he had with him and being the motivated person he always has been, he worked his way into a muscly player, his fitness came up to the required level in a matter of time and after that.....there was no looking back.It was only Pires, Pires and Pires.
PIRES-THE HEART OF ARSENAL
Well, i’ve never been a huge fan of Arsenal F.C. but if I were to pick a player who consistently makes a huge difference to the team, no guessing games there-it would undoubtedly be Robert Pires.People could argue that there is Vierra, but Vierra goes through bad and good phases, not my idea of a reliable character.It is Pires in his dynamic partnership with Freddie Ljunberg that create the openings for Henry and Wiltord at the front.Especially, considering the fact that Arsenal stick to the plan of attacking through the middle lacking genuine flank players, it is Robert’s versatile play that makes a difference.
SO WHAT ARE THE HALLMARKS OF HIS GREATNESS?
Pires, the artist: It’s quite unbelievable how enduring all the physical and verbal abuse thrown at him constantly, in a cool, calm and collected manner Pires just runs through the opposition with elegant and unpredictable manoeuvres to draw dfferent patterns through the field each time, all the way to the opposite post.
Pires, the scavenger:He is very much like a silent predator.Being both a quiet person both on and off the field, he seems to carry out his moves in an equally quiet manner on the field.The sign of a great player is his ability to capitalise on the opposition’s mistakes and not many can match Pires in that respect.Before you know it he’s onto you and through you.
Pires, the playmaker:He has been primarily a midfield player with good power pace and crossing ability with an inclination to cross over to the right or left to cross or cut the ball in or out to his strikers.An industrious playmaker who works hard for his teammates.
Pires, the striker:Pires is no mug at bringing about flexibility in his game if need be.He’s very quick to seize the initiative and hone in the advantage if opportunity beckons, always willing to give his regular strikers a hand on their bad days.
PIRES-THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL
His development as a player in Arsenal has helped him on the international scene by leaps and bounds as well.However, he plays a less adventurous role there, just doing the feeding job and letting his strikers do the rest.His absence at the world cup 2002 was sourly regretted, being an important factor in France’s early exit.Even now as I speak, he’s going about his job ensuring his nation’s spot in the Euro2004 finals.With an international record of 51 appearances and 8 goals, his next target for his country would definitely be to win his country the EURO2004 cup.
HIGH POINTS OF PIRES’S CAREER
And , he’s had loads to show for his stupendous capabilities.Just to underline a few of his prime achievements:
1.It was Pires who set the record for the highest number of assists in the English Pemiership in 2001.
2.It was also Robert who got the ’writer’s player of the year’ in the same year.
3.A player who inspite of being injured for the last quarter of the season, had done enough to ensure that his side go on to win the premiership last year.
4.Apart from being part of the world cup winning squad in FRANCE’98, it was he who set up Trezeguet to score the golden goal in the EUROCUP 2000 finals against Italy.
5.If his contribution to Arsenal winning the FA cup last year wasn’t enough, it was he who did it all this time scoring the sole goal in a gruelling final versus Southampton this year.
In spite of Pires scoring 17 goals this season to move his tally upto 37 goals from 137 appearances for Arsenal, the gunners did lose out on the premiership to Manchester United this season.Equally disappointing was Arsenal’s champion’s league campaign this season walking out in the 3rd phase.So, all is not well and good for Arsenal.There still remains a lot to be achieved for them and what better player to have in one’s ranks than Robert Pires to do the job.Do watch out for this Reims born 30 yr old midfielder in the near future.He can make a difference!