|
|
Goal.com editors and readers from around the world name their favourite cult footballers
The unlikely players who earn a special place in the hearts of fans
7 Mar 2011 10:15:00
Goal.com UK asked readers last week for suggestions of your cult footballing heroes following the sensational performance from David Luiz for Chelsea against Manchester United which seems to have earned him special status at Stamford Bridge.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
We gathered together a selection of the best suggestions sent in by our readers over the weekend, and also cult players around the globe picked out by Goal.com editors.
Below is our pick of the bunch...
Emmanuel Eboue - Arsenal
"I think im probably saying the most obvious one...Emmanuel Eboue!!! I mean, cmon! he's not amazing but, you just cant help being amused by him and his antics!"
Mark, New Delhi.
Guti - Real Madrid
KS Leong, Goal.com International
"He is not the most skilful player but tries his best in every match. Davies is the real soul of Bolton and I love the way he fights in the air for every ball."
Tony Mu, Goal.com China
Steffen Freund- Tottenham
"He played 100 games for Spurs, no goals, but adored. Freund said he always used to shout "arbeit!" (work) at David Ginola."
Jamie Dunn, Goal.com UK
Obina - Flamengo
"Obina, who now plays for Shandon Luneng, was one of the few players in the world who was adored for how bad he was. Right after he arrived at Flamengo, he went through a very tough phase, not keeping the promise from his early days at Vitoria. Flamengo fans then created an ironic chant in which they sang that "Obina is better than Eto'o".
Andre Baibich, Goal.com Brazil
"He was really fast, had a very inconsistent cross but Chelsea fans loved him!!"
Mikey268, Scotland
"I'd have to say Jimmy Bullard!"
Chris, London
"John Jensen was a huge cult hero at Arsenal. He scored once in 132 games from midfield and the crowd cried 'shooooot' every time he got the ball whether it be two yards from goal or 50 yards."
Oliver Yew, Goal.com UK
Gary Neville - Manchester United
"It has to be Gary Neville, he admitted himself he's not the most naturally gifted footballer, but the kissing of the badge, taunting other fans and pure love for the club makes him a top hero."
Russel, London
Seth Stammler - New York Red Bulls
"A solid, hardworking utility player with a reputation for absolute niceness (he founded a Haiti charity group - before the earthquake), Stammler endeared himself to tough New York fans with his dogged determination. This culminated in a match versus rivals DC United when Stammler's boot came off. Rather than stop to put his footwear back on, Stammler made a crucial tackle to prevent DC United from scoring. He then cleared the ball to safety with his socked foot."
Andrea Canales, Goal.com USA
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Manchester United"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Easily. I'm not even a Utd fan and I think he's a legend."
Eoin, Ireland
Darren Moore - West Brom
"Big Dave, aka Darren Moore, is a huge cult hero at West Brom. A good old-fashioned centre-half and a lovely bloke too. When he joined West Brom in 2001 he was instantly christened 'Big Dave' for his resemblance to a charcter from a TV ad. He was a tower of strength at the heart of Megson's defence, winning every header and committing to every tackle. A last ditch tackle on Arsenal's van Persie will live long in the memory."
Ian Murphy, Goal.com UK
Billy Hamilton - Burnley "He never wore shinnies, socks rolled down, hard as nails and scored in the World Cup while playing for Burnley."
@dannybananas, Danny Brierley, London
John O'Shea - Manchester United"No one other than the demi-god that is John O'Shea. I mean, he's far from the best player in the world and he knows it, yet you can't hate on him. Without doubt a cult hero."
Ryan, Leeds
Gennaro Gattuso - AC Milan"Rino Gattuso plays football with the grit and determination of someone whose life is on the line. He has endeared himself to the Rossoneri faithful with countless performances where his style of play and 'grinta' have allowed the team to do well. Not technically gifted by any means, the holding midfielder would give an arm, a leg and his spinal fluid for the colours of his club."
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com International
Igor Biscan - Liverpool"He went from comedy figure to legend in the final months of his Liverpool career..Igor turned into a mixture of Matthias Sammer and Dolph Lungdren."
@n0097773, Matt Smith, Sheffield.
Frank Worthington - Leicester City
"Frank Worthington. A maverick figure if ever there was one."
Paul Macdonald, Goal.com InternationalOur 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
