Fabio Gives the Nod to Football's Smallest Ego
Sunday, 22 March 09, 05:48 PM · Comments(0)
By Joe Walton
Fabio Capello’s England squads always have a healthy mix of the established, the up-and-coming and those on form. His latest addition to the England squad, Leighton Baines, is a healthy mix of all three.
Baines deserves this chance. He has made 23 appearances for Everton this year and is a typical example of a well rounded modern full-back. In defence he combines a good reading of the game with though tackling; in attack his left-foot is a dangerous weapon, capable of providing strikers with accurate service. While at Wigan he was a regular set-piece taker, proof of his set-piece quality was evident at Fratton Park on Saturday.
But what is most striking about Baines is his lack of ego in a sport so often swamped with big-shots. In an interview with the Guardian conducted shortly after his move to Everton, Baines talked about his battle with self doubt. “I’ve always struggled in terms of self-confidence,” he said, “the whole time I was playing for Wigan in the Championship I was going into games thinking, ‘I’m going to get found out soon, is this going to be the week they see through me?’”
It is understandable that Baines is prone to questioning his ability given that he was rejected by both Merseyside clubs before being picked up by Wigan, who were at that time a far cry from Steve Bruce’s current team. He was lucky to be able to establish himself in the Wigan side as they made their ascent up the football league. After being part of the team that kept Wigan in the Premier League he moved on, because a lack of ego does not mean a lack of ambition.
It will be interesting to see a competition between Baines and Ashley Cole for an England place. While many feel that Cole is the best left-back in the world, Baines offers something extra in attack and it is hard to argue that he gives away too much defensively. And that’s leaving aside the inherent likeability difference.
If Baines had trouble sleeping before Wigan games, I hope he is able to get his head down tonight.
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Freddy said:Also never bet on a match involving your own side. Too messy!
obaino said:i love ibra and i think he's better than eto'o, for now cos eto'o have realy pl...
Freddy said:I'm curious to see if English sides maintain their domination. But some pretty ...
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