Everyone has had an opinion on Nigel De Jong’s tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa (and I guess I am now doing the same). Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross has now decided to offer up his qualified opinion, as he defended both Nigel De Jong and Karl Henry. The two midfielders have been the subject of sharp criticism for their overzealous challenges, but have divided the opinions of those involved in the game, and its fans.
Firstly, I would like to highlight that I believe there is a difference in De Jong and Henry’s challenges. While De Jong’s caused more damage (genuinely all the best to Ben Arfa who has looked an exciting player for the last few years, and it’s good to see him in the PL), I am of the opinion that Karl Henry’s was far more reckless and dangerous. Yes, De Jong’s tackle was rough, but I don’t think there was any intent to go out and hurt is opponent. I don’t think Henry was intending any harm either, but was far wilder in his attempts.
Back to Shawcross. In an interview, the Potters’ centre back said:
“It’s part and parcel of football – they are tough-tackling central midfielders whose games are based on making tackles, winning the ball and then giving it to the ball-players. Sometimes injuries are caused.
“You have just got to accept in these times, with the ball moving so fast and the player moving so fast, sometimes you are going to mis-time tackles and that is when injuries can happen.”
Everything that Shawcross said is correct. Tackles will be mis-timed, of course they will, and injuries will indeed occur. It is the same as any sport. A good, strong tackle can give a team a psychological edge, not to mention gee up their fans. When you consider some of the Premier League’s greatest ever players; Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, part of what made/makes them so good and effective is their commitment to win the ball. These are players that led their team to victory through their style, and it is a similar role that the Wolves captain performs. Nigel De Jong has simply been one of City’s best players so far this season.
While I agree with Shawcross’ comments, it may have done him some good if he had stayed out of the debate. His challenge on Aaron Ramsey was a very wreckless one, and one that we should be moving on from. By commenting on the most recent challenges, he has reminded everyone of his own (intended or not) mistake.
The Premier League is a harder, faster league than its rivals. In reality, its only competitor is La Liga, but I personally would rather watch a PL league match than any other league game in the world. Football on the continent can be infuriating at times, with the embarrassing feigning of injuries without a moments shame, and the over protective referees. Players’ careers should always be the priority, and we must always protect their short (if not lucrative) carreers.
Shawcross should have kept his head down, regardless of his opinion. The truth is that we could have guessed what his opinion was. His statements may be bold, and like I said above, correct, but perhaps tainted with some naivety.
Get updates on my articles by following me on twitter.
