"
Ballack is considered to be one of the most complete and versatile midfielders of his generation;
[50] he played in
several midfield positions during his career, and was noted for his
powerful shot with both feet.
[3] Due to his
tall frame, he was also known for his
ability in the air, which made him a goal threat on set pieces.
[51]
On a technical level, he was a
commanding, physically strong and aggressive player, with excellent passing range, who moved the ball efficiently.
[3] The
technicality and intelligence of his game was extremely high. He started his football career
as a sweeper,
[52] but when he moved to Leverkusen in 1999, then-coach Christoph Daum moved him to midfield. He adapted to a deeper role during his spell at Chelsea.
In 2011, Ballack's international coach at the time, Joachim Löw, praised him, describing him as a player who "exudes authority and calm on the pitch".
[53]"
"A
complete and versatile player, Gullit epitomised the ethos of
Total Football as he was naturally adept in
several positions, and was capable of aiding his team defensively as well as offensively due to his work-rate, ball-winning abilities, and tactical
intelligence in addition to his skill and
physical qualities.
[25] Normally deployed as an
attacking midfielder or as a
second striker, he was capable of playing anywhere in
midfield or along the
front-line, on either
wing or even in the
centre, and could also play as a
sweeper.
[7] Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time,
[26] his foremost attribute was his athleticism, as he used his strength and speed, combined with his technique, to great effect; he was also
strong in the air, as he was
tall, powerful, and an excellent jumper.
[25][27] Yet, unusually for a man of his stature, Gullit was an elegant player, who also possessed outstanding natural balance, poise, technical ability, and
dribbling skills, which gave a graceful style to his game.
[25] Gullit also was noted for his
intelligence, creativity, vision, and spatial abilities, qualities that helped him score goals early in his career and enabled him to play in a deeper role as a
playmaker late in his days, where he was known for creating chances for teammates.
[25] Gullit thus combined physical presence with flair, mental acuity, formidable technique and natural touch, to become an iconic figure in world football.
[25][28] He was also an accurate
free kick taker.
[29] Beyond his qualities as a footballer, Gullit also stood for his leadership and tenacity.
[30] Despite his talent, however, he struggled with injuries throughout his career, which later affected his fitness.
[25][31]"
from the Black and White TV era
I know they ain't the same player , Rijkaard is more Yaya style wise than Gullit is. Im talking about Gullit versatility. He could play and do everything in the attack, like Yaya could do in midfield and there would be no drop off in whatever position he played. Gullit is more like Henry/Drogba as a player stylistically but his adaptability thru out his career is like Yaya. Gullit was a team player that would do roles if the team needed him to do. When Milan was short in CM he would fill in there.. I'm not saying he was this and that type of midfielder. Gullit in 85/86 season played both Sweeper and Centre Forward. Scored 10+ goals each in both roles, 24 for the season.
. Even in style Gullit is more like Ballack.
listen); born 30 September 1962) is a Dutch former footballer and former manager who played as a midfielder or defender. Rijkaard played for Ajax, Real Zaragoza and Milan and represented the Netherlands national team side 73 times, scoring 10 goals. In his managerial career, he was at the helm of the Netherlands national team, Sparta Rotterdam, Barcelona, Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabia national team.
