5 footballers who are almost always in the right place at the right time

In a game like football where quick decision-making or a change in strategy often has the capability to work wonders, intelligent application of the mental faculty is not subservient to physical prowess. It is not debatable at all that the legends of the game have all had that particular quality innately embedded in them.This intelligence is most effective when it works in tandem with perfectly placed positional sense, the latter being a definite hallmark of the ideal way of playing the beautiful game. It takes more than mere blind luck for a footballer to arrive at the right place. A lot of movement and tactical awareness, most of which happen ‘behind the scenes’, are key factors in a player being positionally sensible.It may not just be strikers, but midfielders, defenders and also, goalkeepers who can also be deemed to be in the right place at the right time. Here is a list of five modern-day footballers who fit the bill.

#1 Thomas Muller

The primary characteristic which distinguishes Thomas Muller from his other contemporaries is his versatility. Over the years he has been deployed by managers in a range of positions; from winger to second striker, attacking midfielder to striker and false nine – Muller has been there and done it all.

Known for his inimitable positioning, work rate and team spirit, Muller is someone who has been a consistent source for goals, be it for club or country. With his stellar performances in both the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups in South Africa and Brazil respectively, Muller has earned the right to be called a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit.

Germany manager Joachim Loew once said that Muller is impervious to pressure and heaped praise on the Bayern star for his maturity, pace, eye for goal and positioning. Never quite a playmaker, in no way a striker, not a winger or a pure technician blessed with speedy bursts, Muller is indeed the Raumdeuter – German for ‘interpreter of space’, as he has christened himself.

He does possess in abundance a higher degree of instinct and anticipation than the rest of the crop of players. His positioning sense is equally flawless for he goes seamlessly into pockets of space by drifting into little runs around the defenders, sending them scurrying around. It is almost as if his only concern in life is how best to get into space and score, and he does that and much more in quite an immaculate manner.

As far as his positioning is concerned, it is almost as if only he is aware of the gaps and finds them with ease. Muller is really the full package when it comes to positional awareness, and it comes as no surprise when he simply falls at the right place at the right time.

#2 Thiago Silva

Dubbed by many as probably the best defender of his generation, PSG centre-back Thiago Silva is a real beast when it comes to defending. Silva is gifted with the physical and technical abilities of a true defender and guarantees much needed security at the back. Also noteworthy is the fact that he is fast and commits very few fouls owing to him being the first to reach to the ball.

Even Italian legend Paolo Maldini has lauded him, saying that he is the only defender in the world right now who could change the outcome of a match. Footballers such as Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie have rightly labeled Silva as the toughest defender they have played against, and this is no less than a testimony to his experience and versatility.

His positioning while defending set pieces, imposing strength, heading and anticipation are qualities which are second to none. With respect to his positioning, he is a complete and strong individual who seldom makes an error, displaying a sense of tranquility, leadership and reassurance on the field.

With such qualities, the way he brings out the ball from the defence to the front is truly commendable. One of the striking qualities that he possesses is his ability to remain almost invincible in one-on-one situations. Few modern players end up almost in the right place at the right time, but Thiago Silva is surely one of those stalwarts.

#3 Sergio Busquets

Usually employed as a defensive midfielder, Sergio Busquets is known for his strength, aerial ability, selflessness and tenacity. He is regarded as an underrated footballer in the sense that the things he does get overshadowed by the glittering achievements of his teammates.

He is a deep-lying pivotal anchor who nips the opposition attacks from the bud with his tactical intelligence, defensive mentality and precise positional sense. No amount of praise will be enough for his tackling attributes and his willingness to work hard to reclaim the ball. He seldom loses possession, and is a great reader of the game, added to the fact that he has great ball control and passing ability, signified by a patient build-up.

His footballing acumen came to the fore when Spain manager Vicente del Bosque lavished praise on Busquets, saying, “If I could be any player in the world, I would like to be Sergio Busquets. He is the first to get the team moving. When he plays, the football is more fluid. With Busquets in the team, our football is better.”

One of the many characteristics which cements his greatness as a midfielder is his sense of positioning, more so, his ability to being in the right place at the right time. He makes it a point to almost always take up the best possible positions by plucking out gaps on the field no one else figures out; something which sets Busquets apart from other midfielders who are of the view that passing is their sole job.

All in all, it can be said that Busquets is one player who falls in the right place at the right time, almost always.

#4 David De Gea

Widely regarded as one of the ace goalkeepers in the modern era owing to his incredible reflexes and technical supremacy, David De Gea’s height, coupled with his agility and able footwork, has helped his cause in becoming one of the top custodians in today’s game.

He is someone who exudes confidence and pounces on the ball with authority. The 25-year-old is adept at stopping long range shots, be it from any angle, and this particular trait of his has seen him become the saviour for the Red Devils quite a number of times.

It is said that his medical condition of hypermetropia (long-sightedness) is a reason for him being able to save long rangers. But barring all that, everyone knows positional sense is paramount especially for a goalkeeper in the modern game, for systematic attacks are planned by the opposition to hamper the goalkeeper’s confidence from the beginning.

Correct positioning does not come automatically to most goalkeepers. But this is not the case with the Spaniard, as he rarely concedes avoidable goals and is an accomplished distributor of the ball, showcasing excellent command of the game. Moreover his precision in positioning ensures easier shot stopping and also the need to even make a save sometimes.

Unlike Manuel Neuer who relishes the role of a sweeper keeper, De Gea is an epitome of calmness – an expert at saving with his feet. Most importantly, the Spanish goalkeeper is almost always in the right place at the right time.

#5 Sergio Aguero

Regarded by many as one of the leading marksmen in the world, Sergio Aguero is known for his commendable work ethic and undying stamina. The best goalscorers are ones who can create their own luck, and with his incessant runs with and off the ball, Aguero constantly strives to create pressure by being what defenders deem to be ‘a total menace’ on the pitch.

Even though pace, dribbling and shooting prowess are expected of a striker in his gameplay, the ability to almost always being in the right place at the right time is what counts in the end. Aguero does exactly that by providing a lethal combination of luck and an extra desire to get to the final third as quickly as he can.

His claim to the throne of numero uno striker in the world can possibly be challenged by only Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski, both modern-day greats. But on his day Aguero is as good, if not one of the finest footballers on the planet. An unquenchable penchant for goalscoring and an unparalleled way of tearing his way through defenders sets him apart from other strikers in the business.

In a team game such as football, the need for any striker to capitalize on the team’s good work deserves special mention, and he does that with a no-nonsense attitude. His inherent knack of being in the best possible positions is an extremely commendable aspect in times where strikers struggle to find spaces with coaches employing towering defenders on them.

The fact that he does all this in the English Premier League where defending is much more physical and tenacious adds great value to his efforts.