What exactly is meant when someone is said 'to have a footballing brain?' Who is the best example at Oakwell of a player 'with a footballing brain?' And are physical abilities of any use if the player hasn't got this 'footballing brain?'
What you end up with is the headless chicken. Personally, I appreciate a footballer who has a firm grasp of advanced calculus.
Your calculus player is your typical kick and rush merchant Unless they've got a full understanding of quantum mechanics then I'm not interested.
1. I would say it's the ability to make quick and astute decisions on the pitch which are different to, and better than, the typical decision/action you would expect from a player in that situation. It's often a term applied to midfield string pullers referring to their ability to see what others don't. 2. Couldn't tell you. 3. Theo Walcott has done ok for himself.
I'd say i've got a good footballing brain I can read a game well, command my defence and identify a killer pass Such a shame that I have two left feet and can't kick a ball to save my life
What we need, is a 'brainy football'.. One that rolls away when Miles Addison goes near it. One that doesnt allow for centre halves Cruyff-turning into trouble 20 yards from their own goal. Or one that moves itself towards a man wide open in space rather than allowing Jacob to take 30 touches, twists and turns without getting anywhere.. but my favourite reason would be, for the brainy ball to sail at the goal, whenever our players shoot..
