SUMMARY
- Legendary Argentine soccer star Juan Román Riquelme expressed dissatisfaction with modern soccer.
- Riquelme, renowned for his No.10 role, emphasized the declining significance of the No.10 position.
Juan Román Riquelme, the Argentinian maestro with a left foot that could orchestrate symphonies on turf, has claimed that he won’t survive in the modern game. Being an all-time Argentine great, many wondered why he made such remarks about the modern game.
When Riquelme was asked how he would perform in the modern era he replied, “I’m not very happy with modern football… I wouldn’t be able to play today. I don’t know where they would put me in that 4-3-3.” Holding such statements he hinted about the diminishing of the No.10 position in soccer.
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Across his career, Riquelme played as a No.10 who would be a mass creator for his team and would help teams convert defensive transitions into attack in no time. With most teams hosting the formation of 4-3-3, teams are starting to ignore the No.10 position for a couple of No.8s who play as box-to-box midfielders.
To exaggerate his satisfaction Riquelme stated, “I was lucky that I was born 20 years earlier, when the #10 was still hanging around.” He believed that had he been born in the modern era he wouldn’t perform as well as he performed 20 years ago.
Riquelme career statistics
Juan Roman Riquelme has been a revelation of a performer for both the club and country throughout his career. Throughout his career, Riquelme played for 4 clubs Boca Juniors, Villarreal, Barcelona, and Argentina Juniors.
Across these clubs, Riquelme was a standout performer for all. Making 478 appearances across all competitions Riquelma contributed towards his team with 130 goals and 100 assists. Being an all-rounded scorer and creator Riquelma was nicknamed Dios which translates to God in English.
These top club performances led Riquelme to represent his nation 51 times wherein he secured 17 goals and provided 20 assists. With such statistics all around, Riquelme won several honors as a solo contributor as well as with his team.
Throughout his career, Riquelme won 5 Argentine Primera División titles, 3 Copa Libetedores, 1 Copa Argentina, 1 UEFA Intertoto Cup, and 1 Intercontinental Cup for his team. He was a 5-time Argentine Footballer of the Year, FIFA Confederations Cup Silver-Ball winner, FIFA World Cup 2006 top assist provider, and 2-time Copa Libertadores MVP.
Riquelme’s legacy transcends the game. He’s an icon, a cultural symbol who embodies the passion and artistry of Argentina. He’s a reminder that football is more than just goals and tactics, it’s a dance between man and ball, where artistry and passion reign supreme.