The Unsung Heros

"Its that man......Carragher again" --remarked Andy Gray........as the lion-hearted defender cleared the ball and thwarted yet another Ronaldinho masterminded--Barcelona attack.

This prompted me to write about some unsung heros of sport.......but don’t expect too much……..it’s a very short article…….focusing only on cricket and futbol.

The Gerrard-inspired Liverpool came from three nil down to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks. "Gerrard was sensational"........he indeed was....."Dudek's saves were unbelievable".......they sure were........but I dint hear anyone say "Carragher--He saved our asses".

Just think about it.......someone like Rio Ferdinand earns about 120000 pounds per week,but Carragher does not even get paid half of that.

Henry.........to Pires.......to Bergkamp......to Ljungberg.......to Henry!!........and you know what happened next......Agreed, that the 49 match unbeaten run of the gunners would not have been possible without the French combo of Pires and Henry.......but few recognize the contribution of Sol Campbell.

Like defenders in football, bowlers in cricket do not get the credit they deserve. Just compare Dhoni and Kumble for instance. Here is one guy who has been playing for more than a decade.....working day in and day out.....But I can hardly remember any commercials starring Kumble......On the other hand ......Any one following India cricket is expected to know by default ki "Din ka Dhoni kitne litre doodh pita hai?"

Coming back to futta....I think Andrea Pirlo was sensational in the world cup for Italy.........While the contenders for golden ball were Zidane and Cannavaro......and rightly so........but Pirlo dint get the credit he deserved........its quite ironical that......a defender over-shadowed a playmaker in this case......

What generally happens in such cases is that.......till that player retires not many realize his importance..........

Arsenal now realise the importance of Sol Campbell.......I am sure the void left by Kumble, when he hangs up his boots, will be a huge one to fill..........

and I seriously fear for Liverpool for the day when Carragher calls it a day.......Ok......you might get the quality that Carragher posseses......but the passion and the fight that he shows for Liverpool........i dont think that can be substituted with so easily.........