My Pearly Gates~

I am no Ruud Van nistelrooy. Standing at 6 feet 2, he is the epitome of an ideal centre forward. Amongst all the world class attackers today, Ruud van Nistelrooy arguably stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to finishing. His powerful physique enables him to hold up the ball and shrug off challenges from defenders; he is more than a "fridge", he is a mega-fridge. I envy the height advantage, it is simply an easier job for a striker. Defenders shun tall and towering strikers, as some said today, they couldn't even see the ball in flight when the tall striker was around them. But so what, I am contented to be Filipo "Pippo" Inzaghi.

Yet, a striker is more than that. It's not only about the physical prowess, although it's an added value. I envisage the day when I can work out on my weaknesses and capitalize on my strength, so that in time to come, I will make a better centre forward. Everyday all over the globe-from Copacabana beach, Brazil to the void decks of Singapore-youngsters in their kickabouts dream of emulating the likes of Hernan Crespo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and Andriy Shevchenko. The art of scoring goals is not an esoteric discipline. Rated highly in the following footballing qualities-off the ball movement, goalscoring instinct, physical prowess, technique- and one has gained a tiny foothold on the journey to become a world-class striker. And yes, a little help from Lady Luck along the way would be most welcome. That all requires hard work n effort. The Ideal Striker is a superb reader of the game-this is what the legendary Johan Cruyff coined as game intelligence.

All the great attackers of the past and present are usually speed merchants. Looking back, it's time that I bring my game to a new level. Up the level. No means to elevate myself, but I am comforted to know that I have a goalscoring instinct, or what they call a poacher's instinct. Others say it. To me, it is just an added-value that is an aficionado of the offensive arts. Having intelligent movement off the ball and possessing the goalscoring instinct are two sides of the same coin. I want to find that knack of scoring, it's essential for strikers to score goals, although i understand it is quite impossible for strikers to score in every match. What's more pivotal is the link-up play, anticipation and movement that allow us to keep in possession of the ball and maximize our opportunity at goal. Mistakes are part and parcel of a game. But let's not fret, we have a long way ahead. Sometimes I wonder if all this sweat and blood are worth it, having pondered over for some time, I hope I am right. May we behold a true arcadia and utopia of footballing dreams.