Pandoras BoxIan Royal
Great athlete,
Not a criticism Ian - but many on here keep quoting - 'He's a fantastic athlete'.
Dellor, Gooding et al make reference to it on every broadcast. I'm genuinely interested in what this actually means. The only worthwhile and useful athletic attribute I can think of is presumably the ability to run? And this along with stamina should be taken for granted for all footballers.
However, during many of his matches, he hasn't been able to outpace the opposition in attack nor get back fast enough against a quick forward.
And why is this 'athletic' adjective' only said about him anyway - it's never said about McCleary for instance who may be quicker? Don't get it.
(unless unbeknown to me there is an RFC Harriers shot put or javelin team where he prevails?).
He's not necessarily the quickest, particularly compared to wingers, but he does have good pace. He's got acres of stamina and gets up and down the pitch well.
You never really see him tire in a match.
But ultimately, i think it's a description used for him because he's not actually stand out at anything football specific.
Yes you expect footballers to be fit, but he, like Harper did, takes it to a different level compared to most footballers.
