Few players achieve a career as distinguished as Sylvain Distin. Since joining Newcastle United in 2001 the Frenchman has spent 14 consecutive seasons in the Premier League. Along the way he has collected an FA Cup winners medal, 525 appearances and 9 top half finishes.
Even at the ripe old age of 36 Distin has proved to be one of Everton's most consistent players. He may not be a superstar but some praise for his steady contribution to English football is long overdue.
Bobby Robson, Kevin Keegan, Harry Redknapp and David Moyes are all managers to have valued Distin's talents as a solid centre back in their teams. Yet the veteran defender is not remembered with particular favour by fans of any of his former clubs.
No doubt some of this unpopularity is due to Distin's modest media profile. Humble enough to shirk publicity and the usual tabloid scandals, the ex-Portsmouth defender is clearly not a person that enjoys the limelight. Paul Scholes syndrome strikes again! Except, that is, Scholes scored goals; Distin does not - his record reveals 11 in the last 15 years. Clean sheets rarely get cheered on the terraces in the same way. If they were, his reputation might be more esteemed.
Another reason, however, for a lack of obvious endearment is Distin's unfortunate habit, throughout his career, of indulging in phases of laziness which can last for months on end. Like a bulkier version of Shola Ameobi, his occasionally lacklustre efforts come across as lethargic or plain complacent. It is a minor quibble but one which likely compounded Manchester City's conspicuous defensive troubles during his spell in Lancashire (well, they were managed by Kevin Keegan after all).Moreover, Bagnolet's favourite son (population: 35,000) has consistently been quick to switch his allegiances to the highest bidder. All those contract renewals make for a tidy sum of money. Supporters have generally grown to accept this reality in modern football but not many are happy about it.
However, Sylvain proves that big is beautiful. Firm biceps, strong pecs, large gut; the ideal workman pro! As a master of the defensive arts, he does the simple things well and without fuss. Nobody beats this lad in the air. Duncan Ferguson? Andy Carroll? They don't stand a chance.
Nobody can be sure how long Distin can continue to play at the highest level except the man himself. Judging by his form this season, Roberto Martinez would be a fool to let him retire any time soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment