Building a perfect footballer with Wes Morgan

While visiting UCFB, Premier League-winning captain Wes Morgan looked back on his playing career and built his perfect footballer.

Paul recently attended UCFB Manchester as the guest speaker for 2024 Welcome Week, offering advice to students and talking about his career on the pitch.

Looking back on his career and the array of incredible footballers Wes played alongside throughout his time as a player, the former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City man built his perfect footballer.

Right foot – Michael Dawson

From when I first joined Nottingham Forest, and saw him use his right foot, I thought, ‘Wow.’ The way he passed it with accuracy over long distances, short-range, in between the lines. His technique on the ball was unbelievable.

Left foot – Andy Reid

Irish player, left wing. He had a magic wand on his left foot. What he could do with the ball was unbelievable. He could put the ball anywhere on the pitch he wanted.

Heading ability – Robert Huth

Unbelievable in the air. Anything in his zone, I’d put my life on him getting first contact and heading it away. He scored some vital goals with his head as well

Fitness – Jamie Vardy

At the age he’s playing at now, he’s still going strong. He’s still as fit as ever. When he’d come to pre-season, he was always first in the running and the competitions

Footballing ability – N’Golo Kanté

My all-round best player. He’s not got one standout trait, but all his traits, his attributes are all 8/10s. Even for such a small guy, he can win quite a few headers.

Skill – Riyad Mahrez

I’ve played with a few skilful players in my career, but from the very first moment Riyad joined Leicester City, people were falling over with his tricks and he just got better and better. At the start, he had the skill but not the end product, but by his final season with Leicester, he showed that complete player, and still kept getting better and better at Manchester City.

Attitude – Youri Tielemans

His attitude was 10/10. First in the training ground and last out. He worked so hard in the gym and on his weaknesses to be the best player he could be. In the game, he always had that positive attitude. Grinding, working hard, someone to be admired. A fantastic player, also.

Find out more about UCFB’s incredible guest speaker sessions with sportspeople, coaches and broadcasters by clicking here.

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