10 iconic goals that define the character of world class footballers
Each player has his own style of playing. More often than not, the playing style of a player defines his character. Be it Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless approach in attack or Lionel Messi’s sizzling flair on the pitch, the mentality of the player oozes whenever he takes to the pitch.While doing so, they sometimes score goals that truly represent the type of on-pitch personality they have. Elegance, warrior-spirit, and so on – these goals reflect the nature of the player like none other. So much that these goals become the emblem by which their career is marked.Movie-goers won’t take a moment to say ‘Rocky’ when they are asked to name the movie that best defines Sylvester Stallone. Similarly, there is one goal that fans will never forget when talking about these players.
#1 Wayne Rooney v Manchester City
If a list of strikers with the best work-rate is compiled, then England striker Wayne Rooney would definitely top it. The amount of defensive effort he puts in each game is admirable despite not being among the most consistent players in the world.
The thing with the former Everton man is that he has a knack of scoring some other-worldly goals when he is facing the adversity of criticism from fans and pundits alike.
And this derby goal was no different. After days of issues and differences with the club regarding his contract, the matters were solved and he gifted the club and the fans with a beauty of a goal. As Nani floated in a cross that was deflected off the back of Pablo Zabaleta, Rooney leaped off the ground and drove in a thunderous volley that smashed the net behind Joe Hart, cementing its place as one of the best derby goals ever scored.
“I can’t ever remember a better goal at Old Trafford. In terms of the execution of it, you will never see a better goal than that.” – Sir Alex Ferguson