Pierre Littbarski : The South American Flair Possessing German

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Pierre Littbarski. You might be having bit difficulty in pronouncing this name. And maybe you've never heard of this person? No matter. I don't blame you. History is written by the victors. And in the battle of fame our guy Littbarski wasn't the greatest success. But boy was he a resounding success.

Well, Germany is a European team. And European teams always played a different brand of football than the South Americans. The South Americans played a more skill based game. Players putting on a show of their individual talents. While the Europeans were more organized. More of a team play rather than a bunch of one man shows. But he doesn't enjoy one. Germany was lucky enough to have someone in the 80s. That was this man, Pierre Littbarski. He's regarded as one of the best players that Germany ever had. One of the very few germans who had the South American flair. But sadly very few people remember him. Littbarski's dribbling was very good. Some say that it was the best. He was very versatile in the attacking half of the field. He could play both sides of the wing and also as an attacking midfielder. His free kicks were a joy to watch. His success was mostly marked by his world cup record and that is for a reason. I'll get to that. Littbarski played three world cups from 1982 all the way through to 1990. We all know what he won during this period. Two runners up medals and one winners medal. Though the 1986 world cup was a Maradona show even though it was controversial. Germany had their chances. And many pundits believe that Littbarski's exclusion in Germany's knockout game was a key factor in Germany falling out. He was the top assist provider in 1982. And this guy never missed a single penalty.

I said earlier that Littbarski's career is mostly measured by his international career. And that there's a reason for it. Well, there are two reasons. Injuries and Koln. His profound loyalty to FC Koln and numerous injuries throughout his career costed him his place in the history books. But no it isn't like he hasn't won anything for Koln ever. Koln has lifted the DFB Pokal once and become runner up twice while he was at the club. Koln also played in the UEFA cup finals where they eventually lost to Real Madrid. Apart from these, Littbarski has one a number of personal awards. Sometimes I too wonder why Littbarski isn't as famous as he should be. But that's just how the world works. Littbarski was a great great player. And pundits and fans alike, be it Germany or anywhere else, whoever understands the game, and knows him, sure values his contribution to the sport and Germany. But no the people of Germany hasn't completely forgotten him. He's still considered as one of the best players Germany ever had.