If you take the fire, you lose the player

Modern day football is full of talented players in all areas of the game, gifted with flair and technical brilliance. But look at the names of history, the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Zidane, Eric Cantona, and Roy Keane and compare them to the players around now, such as Mario Balotelli, Fellaini, Wayne Rooney and Pepe. What do they all have in common? They all have attitudes, something our very own Ravel Morrison has too.

 

In the sport of football it’s quite hard praising a players capabilities with a ball on the pitch when so many of the present greats and potential legends, have so many issues when it comes to dealing with their emotions and passion towards the game.

 

Whilst Ravel Morrison was at Manchester United, he was often praised by senior players and the coaching staff of the Red Devils for his potential and what he already possessed. However, he frequently found himself slated for his fiery temper and problems outside of the game, which eventually lead Sir Alex Ferguson giving up, allowing him to move to West Ham on a free transfer.

 

I for one was shocked to see Ferguson let him go, as he managed to help Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney develop not just as players but as personalities and team players, maybe he finally felt he met his match in Morrison.

 

There could be endless reasons as to why players such as Morrison have such tempers, it could be because of a tough childhood, or maybe the high wages players get is causing arrogance and ignorant mentalities to kick in, whatever the reason, you cannot deny the fact that many hot-headed characters in football have great technical ability and taking that away from them sort of players, can ruin them.

 

The problem with Morrison is that not only is he having problems on the pitch and in training, but he is building a list of errors in his day to day life. Receiving finds from the FA due to his twitter comments is one example. The difference between Morrison and players like Cantona and Rooney, is the fact that they channel their anger in the right way to benefit their games, providing them with more passion and determination to win. But it’s also because they kept themselves out of trouble, when they weren’t playing football.

 

As a fan of his ability, I honestly hope he takes note just how great he can become and hone in his aggression the right way without losing that fight. I don’t want him to be the same type of hell-raisers such as Mario Balotteli or Joey Barton, but to follow the footsteps of Paolo Di Canio and become a claret and blue hero.

 

COYI! Follow me on twitter @JimboWHUFC77