When Ryan Giggs entered the pitch against Tottenham as a second half substitute yesterday at Wembley, he entered the game as the most highly decorated player in England. Throughout his 18-year career, his trophy haul consists of 10 league titles, four F.A Cups, two European Cups and now after United’s penalty shootout win against Spurs, three League Cups
He has also broken another record in recent times — Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time appearance record, playing for United over 759 times. Now at 35 years of age, 18 of those years have been dedicated to the Red Devils.
When Giggs first came to United on trial as a teenager, Fergie knew he had stumbled upon a gem. The Scott went on to say that he knew within a few minutes that Giggs was the real deal—that the way he glided over the pitch, seemingly weightless, mesmerized him.
Now he has gone from that day to this, loyal to the cause, and a true professional.
However, Giggs isn’t the only player that Manchester United can be proud to call their own. Paul Scholes is part of the ‘Golden Generation’ that also included the Neville’s, Nicky Butt—and, of course, David Beckham. Scholes can also be credited as the man who made it possible for us to play in last years Champion’s League final, due to a goal reminiscent of the old bombarding Scholes of years gone by against Barcelona.
So the question that needs to be posed: Are these players the last of the one-club players? Are these the last of soldiers of the ‘loyal’ generation?
In the modern game, loyalty to a singular club throughout your entire career is so rare, that Giggs and Scholes are daily applauded for it. So rare that supporters up and down the country spend their days watching their teams, waiting to find a player that may also show loyalty to that team in the mould of Giggs and Scholes.
How many can stay loyal and play at the same level that Giggs and Scholes have over the years? Take Flamini—although not at Arsenal from an extremely young age, he had his breakout season for Arsenal last year, and what does he do? Up and leave for AC Milan. The Frenchman is now struggling to hold down a regular first team place as a result.
Of course, credit must also go their professionalism off the pitch. This may also be the reason for their extended time playing for the club. Roy Keane for instance was Mr.United, but in the end his off-field (and some say on-field) antics led Ferguson to let his best midfielder ever to go. So, Giggs and Scholes also deserve applause for never appearing in papers over contract negotiations, or training-ground bust-ups.
Ferguson too deserves credit—especially for letting Giggs, who for a winger lost his legendary pace, adapts his game, and phase him into a different style, instead of just releasing him and replacing him with a youth long ago. Same for Scholes, who had a career-threatening eye injury at the time. Yet, Ferguson stood by and Scholes repaid him by putting in the season of his life.
Now, there are other examples, such as Gary Neville and if you want to look further a field, Raul at Real Madrid. However, Giggs represents a player that has been idolised over the years, and who many still see as a great example to the youth of today.
In the current climate, it may well be a long time before we see the mix of loyalty, world-class talent and professionalism in another player. Maybe it’s the influx of foreign players into the League, or maybe, just maybe, it’s more about money these days than striving to be the best for your club and for your team to be the best.
So in an age where big bucks rule the Premier League, will we ever see a player who combines talent, professionalism and unrivalled loyalty? Is Giggs the last……?
by Timothy Focas
