Football’s Inspirational Leaders: Man Utd & Liverpool Legends Feature

Football is of course without doubt very much a team game; a solid squad that pulls together as one on and off the pitch is the bedrock of any successful side and history is littered with examples of brilliant teams that have endured years of glory off the back of this philosophy. However, every now and then a single player somehow manages to stand head and shoulders above the rest, taking games by the scruff of the neck, rallying the troops and dragging their side from the depths of defeat to cusp of victory. The greatest teams of all time have all boasted such players and here we’ve chosen to look back at 3 stars who provided the foundation for their club’s success.

ROY KEANE

Irish footballer and Premier League hardman Roy Keane was a particularly animated character both on and off the pitch throughout his career both as a player and now in a coaching capacity. Energetic, gritty, passionate and a born winner, Keane was a central part of the puzzle during the Alex Ferguson years at Old Trafford, helping lead the club to many Premiership titles and trophies. His ferocity and often intimidating presence in the side helped influence players around him and he drove his team to victory after victory.

Keane’s crowning moment probably came during the 1999 Champions League campaign victory; the Cork-born midfielder, desperate for his club to reach the final of that year’s competition, selflessly took a yellow card to stop a Juventus attack but unfortunately for him that meant he was suspended for the final. He also scored in that semi-final match and Fergie hailed his performance in that game as one of the best he has ever witnessed at Manchester United.

STEVEN GERRARD

After a career long stint with his beloved Liverpool FC the brilliant Steven Gerrard has sadly left his Anfield playing days behind and now plies his trade in Major League Soccer for his new club LA Galaxy.

Gerrard played on Merseyside for 17 seasons and became known as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. Not only did he score some wonderful goals, and make some unbelievable passes during his years playing in the Premier League, but he was the one man in the squad who consistently was able to perform with determination and strength and Liverpool benefited from his leadership and drive when they really needed it.

Gerard single-handedly inspired a number of Liverpool’s greatest moments in recent history; that legendary comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final as well as that stunning performance in the FA Cup victory against West Ham. Gerrard was one of the most influential reds player of all time; boasting incredible work rate, skill, vision and dominance on the pitch.

FRANCESCO TOTTI

Without doubt Roma’s greatest ever player, their most capped player and their all-time goal scorer, the thought of leaving his beloved club probably never ever crossed Totti’s mind. On the club’s books since the age of 13, his has been a never-ending story of goals and mutual affection with the club’s supporters. Totti inspired the legendary Roma side that won the Scudetto at the turn of the century and he went on to secure his status as a national treasure when he formed an integral part of the Italy side that famously won the 2006 World Cup in Germany.