It is a wonderfully unique and true artistry we are watching when we see the natural, effortless manner in which players like Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerard, Paul Scholes, Xavi (and many others) execute their craft.  This week we try to understand and explain the array of gifts that form the total package of the great attack minded central midfielder.

Try this:  Look through a camera lens and behold the scene of stationary objects you intend to capture as a photo.  Then, turn around and with your back to the lens, take the snap and observe that the picture usually turns out as you first thought it would.  Now try the same exercise; only this time, try and capture a scene that has some moving objects?like a traffic intersection.  You want to capture a certain type of car as it crosses the traffic light. You realize that you have to act quickly between the scene as it stands, turning yourself around, and taking the snap because objects are moving.  You anticipate the scene you captured in the snap to be different from the scene you first saw but you act as quickly as possible to capture the car just where you think it will be when you push the button.  Eyes behind the head, anticipation, action.  See the present.  Lock in the image so it is now the past but guiding your anticipation of the future. Execute to create the future you believe is best while being back in the present moment.  This is the play-maker's digital camera?an absolutely advanced crystal ball, camera and photo production unit all-in-one.

So what are some of these gifts?

Vision. 
Yes, but what does this mean?  He always tries to understand the maximum number of options he has especially when his back is to the goal, before receiving the ball.  That means in addition to seeing 180 degrees by playing the way he is facing, he will try and gain at least another 90 if not achieving a full 360 degrees of viewing by taking a quick glance behind.  You will always observe this quick turn of the head or the check of the hand to feel immediate pressure from behind.  He will have determined at least three options?one near option, one medium, and one far option.  He keeps these images like well-taken photographs, squarely in his mind.

Listens. 
He combines his vision with an acute ear for any guidance coming from his teammates facing play.

Decisive. 
While vividly carrying the image of his options, and decides his best option in an instant.

First touch. 
Besides being a master of the ball, because he knows what he wants to do before receiving the ball, his first touch be it a preparation touch or first time pass, is consistently effective?i.e., crisp, and the fastest way possible to his target with limited risk.

Composure. 
He is composed under pressure.  Rarely does he rush or panic.  He rarely misses an opportunity to turn, face the field of play and decide if a through ball maybe on or the opportunity to take space on the dribble.  He is adept at turning quickly, while protecting the ball.  

Consistency.
He maintains a low-turnover rate, but still attempts higher-risk through passes.  He is almost like a great tennis player deciding to go for a winner when an unforced error will prove less costly, but not afraid to take more risks based on the context.

Anticipation. 
He plays the ball with the appropriate pace to the appropriate space, or to feet, giving the receiving player a very usable ball.  Simply put, his teammates have complete confidence in him, and look to him to
lead them forward.  He makes the game easier for his teammates.  He wants the ball always.

And it all starts with that in-built camera available to all mankind?vision and image recall as the foundation of their ability to create.  Who are your favourite playmakers in today's game?

Weekly Musings

On The Arsenal:

Good victory against Liverpool.  The Professor has been taking a lot of heat for the results against ManU and Chelsea.  One must appreciate his consistent, dogmatic devotion to the Arsenal philosophy of football and his fiscal responsibility in running the club.  However, if effectively deployed tactics work against his team, he has to wonder whether a stubborn commitment to the same tactics and perhaps, player mix is really giving them the best chance against the best sides.  "The men against boys" has been evident on more than once occasion this season?how many times was Cesc Fabregas levelled with no response from his teammates? We tip our cap to Carlo Ancelotti by the way.

      The frustration of those of us who love
      the Arsenal way of football is the
      belief that if they had added a few
      more experienced feet, they would
      have been comfortably top of the table.  

Much maligned Bendtner still seems to offer little more than size in the box, but at least he stood up body to body against Chelsea.

Eboue has devastating speed if he could develop his ability to deliver a final ball.

Can we see Rosicky, Arshavin and Fabregas play together more often please?

Walcott, right now, looks like a slightly sleeker, younger, and even faster version of Eboue?but no real conviction or creativity with the ball. Recommended that he study Lennon's game, but preferred that he plays as an out and out striker.

Clichy has shown terrific speed going forward but too often falls short on executing crosses well. Sagna as well.

While they miss Van Persie immensely, will they ever sign another player that is as threatening as Thierry Henry?

Almunia?The Professor has never spent much on goalkeepers and it is unlikely he will change that policy.  Almunia has all the physical gifts?it is his temperament and ability to read crosses and set pieces that remain wanting.


Man United
2nd from the top? 1 point back? Come on, stop complaining. How many times will you bet against Sir Alex??

Love the way the table is shaping up?from Stoke on upwards, wonderful parity and more and more quality football on display?how about The Villa (without Gareth Barry but a rejuvenated Richard Dunne)? Birmingham (with a revived Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson and?Kevin Phillips)? All playing well and there of course are Fulham, Everton, Tottenham and ManCity all providing a regular dosage of honest, attacking football.