Greatness is measured in many ways and one of the players who springs to mind is Ryan Giggs. He has never really achieved anything with Wales at international level, be it the European Championships or the World Cup. Medals, statistics and individual awards show what a great player the Welsh man has been for Manchester United since he turned professional in 1991. He has so many magical qualities which make him a legend in the modern game.
He has been at it for close to two decades but he still produces great performances week in and week out like he has recently shown in Manchester United’s quest for a fourth successive Premier League crown. In the Manchester derby against City he came up with 3 assists which included the winning goal for Michael Owen. Every time he comes into the soccer pitch he seems to be defying the norm in the soccer world that your legs go as you age. So far he has close to eight assists in the new season if you include Abou Diaby’s own goal in the match against Arsenal. He came to Manchester United’s rescue again in the game against Stoke when he came in for an ineffective Nani and he showed how experience can be used for the team, he provided both assists. He showed the same form again in the game against Wolfsburg in the Champions League, scored a goal and provided another assist for Michael Carrick. He is showing that he is still an influential performer for Manchester United. It was no fluke when his peers voted him their player of the season last year, if he continues with this form he might be in line to win it again. His form right now showing that when you are as committed as Giggs then you could reverse the ageing process and an injection of experience is really needed if you want to win matches.
Giggs is always an experienced contributor to the Manchester United cause although he has lost the speed. You will find him switching flanks from left to right, going past opponents with ease. The United fans chant that “Giggs will tear you apart”, the chant remains true today as it was in the 90s. He can still run with the ball at his feet, do some of those zigzag dribbling skills that he is famous for and then find that magical pass that curves any defence wide open. The 35 -year-old always justifies Ferguson’s faith in him. His reading of the game and willingness to track back and help with defensive cover is always invaluable. The veteran midfielder has also shown that he can rebrand himself, he can play on both flanks, as a playmaker — just behind the strikers, as a deep-lying midfielder or even as a second striker. He has shown time and gain that when you have his experience, skills and ability then the age ain’t nothing but a number applies.
He hasn’t been able to reach higher heights with Wales internationally. His 64 caps and 12 goals do not do justice to his repertoire in an international career spanning 16 years but his Manchester United career is littered with trophies; 11 Premier League titles, 4 FA cups, 3 league cups, 2 Champions League titles; 7 community shields. He is the only player to score in every Premier League season since its inception in 1992. He has also been inducted into the English football hall of fame in 2005. Giggs is a great role model for every young player coming through the ranks that no matter how much you have won, you can still have the same appetite for more trophies season in, season out.
His form and contribution so far presents a strong case for a more regular berth in United’s starting eleven but knowing Sir Alex Ferguson, he will try as much as possible to rest him and use him sparingly. But then credit has to go to Giggs for looking after himself so well when a lot of footballers have been trapped by fame. Credit is also due to Sir Alex for looking after Giggs so well since he turned professional. They have been calls for him to be knighted by the Queen for his services to football. Take a bow for a true legend of the game
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