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[Football] Players who have maximised/wasted their natural ability
- Thread starter WATFORD zero
- Start date
Is it PotG?
Thrifty non-licker
Milner & Barry.
Not superstars, but looked after themselves and kept their heads down.
Played for about 93 years at the top level between them.
Great role models.
Not superstars, but looked after themselves and kept their heads down.
Played for about 93 years at the top level between them.
Great role models.
Really?
In terms of Brighton, don’t recall him being at Locadia’s level......
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nwgull
Well-known member
I can't think of any player that had so much wasted potential as Gazza. If he'd been able to apply himself like Beckham, he'd be up there with Pele and Maradona as one of the greatest to have ever played.
- Jan 3, 2012
- 17,357
I find myself thinking about two players who were team mates at Manure a while ago:
Cristiano Ronald has kept himself up together and is still in demand and operating at the highest level.
I can’t help thinking that Wayne Rooney could have done even more with his playing career if he had applied himself better.
Juve or Derby?
Cristiano Ronald has kept himself up together and is still in demand and operating at the highest level.
I can’t help thinking that Wayne Rooney could have done even more with his playing career if he had applied himself better.
Juve or Derby?
madinthehead
I have changed this
Wasted talent: Matt Le Tissier
stewart12
Well-known member
- Jan 16, 2019
- 1,924
From a Brighton perspective it's hard to look beyond Leon Knight. Should have played the bulk of his career in the second tier but by the time he was in his late 20's he was playing in Northern Ireland
For a player who made the most of their talent- Gary Hart. A player who took each day as a professional footballer as a blessing and did as much as he could with what he had. Was part of 3 promotions (4 if you count his bit part role in Poyet's team), huge part of our great escape season. Played under countless managers. Always put in a shift in whatever role you put him in. Must have been a dream for a manager
For a player who made the most of their talent- Gary Hart. A player who took each day as a professional footballer as a blessing and did as much as he could with what he had. Was part of 3 promotions (4 if you count his bit part role in Poyet's team), huge part of our great escape season. Played under countless managers. Always put in a shift in whatever role you put him in. Must have been a dream for a manager
Robinjakarta
Well-known member
Mickey Thomas could play a bit - over 100 games for Manchester United and starred in a few. To be fair, he couldn't settle here apparently, but it was very clear he couldn't give a shite. I do think Locadia can (could)? also play .. when he felt like it. TBH, don't see much difference between the two.
Icy Gull
Back on the rollercoaster
- Jul 5, 2003
- 72,015
At least Locadia scored some goals, Thomas was an absolute piss taking disgrace for us and brought nothing, as he was normally back in Wales on match days
Is it PotG?
Thrifty non-licker
At least Locadia scored some goals, Thomas was an absolute piss taking disgrace for us and brought nothing, as he was normally back in Wales on match days
Thomas was a busy lad
boik
Well-known member
Why wasted? Would he have scored better goals in another team?
Not everyone's ambition is about acquiring things. Some people's ambition is for happiness which is far more important.
darkwolf666
Well-known member
This, I don't understand how Le Tissier has been dragged into this thread just because he decided to be loyal to his club...
vegster
Sanity Clause
- May 5, 2008
- 28,273
Does he come under " Maximised " or " Wasted" ?
Seeing BDB score last night, he is a prime example of a man who's psychological make up has ensured he has got the maximum from his natural football ability. (See also Ashley Barnes).
Albion 'related' Players who had great natural ability and wasted it - Leon Knight/Wilfred Zaha (I'm watching Palace/Arsenal, how did he never make the level he should have ?)
2 of each
"Natural ability"?
wolfie
Well-known member
Got to agree with this. Some of the real "greats" stuck with their club through thick and thin. Maybe they didn't get the recognition they fully deserved at the time (International call-ups etc), but their iconic status survives.
I'm thinking of Le Tiss, Steve Bull and, even Lewis Dunk might come into this category.
vegster
Sanity Clause
- May 5, 2008
- 28,273
As we all can see now Gazza struggled mentally for years and he never got the help and support he needed. His move to Italy may not have done him any favours and he was never quite the same after his knee injury. Not sure he wasted his talent though, Had amazing skills and the ability to pick a game up by the scruff of the neck.
Icy Gull
Back on the rollercoaster
- Jul 5, 2003
- 72,015
Exactly I look forward to the day when we get a mega talented home grown player coveted by much bigger clubs, who decides he’d rather stay with us for a few seasons. Much like Grealish at Villa.
Can you imagine how over the moon (football parlance at it’s best
) we’d be if Biss turned down offers and asked to stay with us?
madinthehead
I have changed this
I actually was referring more to the fact that he only played 8 games for England.. Not necessarily his fault, but I find it a shame. I would never knock someone because they didnt join Man City, Man U etc...
PFW
Active member
John Crumplin, football genius!!!. Still don't know if he was a genius or just plain sh1t.
Remember him having John Barnes in his pocket all game, up at Anfield in the FA Cup though!!!
Remember him having John Barnes in his pocket all game, up at Anfield in the FA Cup though!!!