It seems like a lifetime ago that the fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United was the undisputed highlight of the Premier League calendar. Two titans in English football led by their respective talisman, it was Keane versus Vieira and it was always an enthralling spectacle.
Both players epitomised the box-to-box midfielder role, acting as the heartbeat of their exceptional teams. Their unrivalled passion and tenacity was equalled by their technique on the ball, always looking to break up play and ignite the next attacking move. Since both players have hung up their boots and slipped into their suits, we’re yet to witness the next thrilling rivalry. I find myself asking, where are the modern day midfield generals?
In spite of Keane’s absence Sir Alex Ferguson has continued to deliver success at the gates of Old Trafford. His midfield is a fine blend of experience and youthful exuberance but he is yet to acquire a worthy successor to his beloved Irishman. With the Red Devils somewhat stuttering in their season run-in, it strikes me that a player with Keane’s mentality and influence would help see United over the line.
Darren Fletcher has the potential to fill Roy’s shoes but his unfortunate illness looks like keeping him out of action for the foreseeable future and whilst Ferguson has moulded Michael Carrick into a deeper, more defensively minded player, he lacks a certain doggedness and drive in his style of play. Both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are seasoned professionals who undoubtedly exert a big influence at the club but neither possesses Keane’s tackling credentials, especially Scholes. Perhaps this is why Ferguson appears intent on retaining the services of young starlet Paul Pogba, who certainly shares plenty of the same physical and playing attributes of his French counterpart.
Speaking of Vieira, Arsenal have suffered a contrasting fortune since his departure from the club in 2005. His importance to the team that dominated a decade ago is highlighted by the fact that the Gunners are yet to win a trophy since his exodus. Of course it would be incredibly naive of me to suggest that this is the sole reason for the clubs barren spell but it’s worth noting that Arsenal no longer boast the same calibre of leaders in their current squad.
Wenger has seemingly already installed Vieira’s replacement in the team with the Cameroonian crusader Alex Song. However, Song has come under criticism this season for a number of below par and error prone performances and lines up behind Robin Van Persie in terms of authority and importance to the team.
Arsenal fans won’t welcome this next point but in my eyes Scott Parker is the closest example to Vieira and Keane’s prestige we have currently playing in the Premier League. Parker is a leader of men, a one-man band type of player whose performances nearly singlehandedly saved West Ham from the drop last season. His battling defensive traits are matched in equal measures by his marauding runs forward and it came as no surprise to me that he was installed as the new England captain.
Looking elsewhere in the Premier League, many Liverpool fans will champion Steven Gerrard as the best box-to-box midfielder in the country. Whilst there’s no disputing his significance at the Anfield club, I believe his best position is further up the pitch akin to his role just behind Torres under Rafa Benitez. Charlie Adam was certainly the architect during his time at Blackpool and perhaps once he returns from injury he can move out from underneath Xabi Alonso’s shadow and dispel his tag as a ‘big fish in a small pond’.
A quick glance into my crystal ball and I can only really see one candidate capable of mimicking the accomplishments of both Vieira and Keane. Everton’s Jack Rodwell is a technically gifted individual who also has a gritty edge to his game; perhaps this is why Sir Alex has made no secret of his affection for the player and is constantly linked with a move the moment each transfer window swings open.
Perhaps football has become too rigid in its definitions, with players being instructed to have either an attacking or defensive playing philosophy. Whatever the reason, I’m left thinking that football’s greatest rivalries will suffer somewhat until two prominent figures lock horns once more.
Come and find me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’m trying to decide who has it worse, Vieira for having to put up with a horde of young egos at Manchester City or Keane for having to stand so close to Adrian Chiles every week.
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