In previous seasons we have heard that players have been afraid to run with the ball. Watching certain games on TV has emphasised this with commentators saying there are a lack of players with this ability.

The history of football has seen many great players who were master dribblers - Pele, George Best, Diego Maradona, Michael Laudrup, John Barnes, Romario and Thierry Henry to name just a few. However, until recently there has been a shortage of players with this talent, which was probably at a peak during the mid/late 90's.

The latest generation of young players has perhaps seen a return of dribbling skills. Currently we have Lionel Messi, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robinho, who are among the best players in this art form. Henry is probably the finest dribbler in recent years and there are very few that will match his art of 'beating an opponent' in the coming years.

'Thierry Henry is probably the finest dribbler in recent years and there are very few that will match his art of ''beating an opponent'' in the coming years'


However, despite this trend of up-and-coming young players, England has shown an opposite of this trend. Players are often critised for showing individual ability. The problem is acute in the English game where there is a lack of players who have the ability to beat an opponent and create space.

Where talent has emerged from other countries with this ability, there is still a lack of English talent, which is possibly a cause for the English national side failing. However, I would argue that players are now showing that the art of dribbling is still alive.