Usain Bolt is only 24 and seems ready to bolt to Football.
By manilatop10
@manilatop10 (371)
Philippines
6 responses
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
2 Sep 10
Can we agree that if he is determined to give it a shot, that it would be foolish for a club not to give him that opportunity?
In Football, he is still quite young and he would likely embrace the fitness requirements and rigors to give his body time to adjust to the unique demands of football.
It would be a great thing for Jamaica and rival their bobsled team, IMHO.
eric
@sjlskl (3382)
• Singapore
1 Sep 10
I doubt he can make it as a top professional football player. While he is quick, sprinting and running with the ball is two different matter all together. Moreover, with his speed, the chances of him suffering injuries to the hamstring are very high. Imagining having to twist and turn or come to an abrupt halt while he is at top speed.
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
2 Sep 10
Just ask Michael Owen about hamstrings and the devastating effects the loss of speed can have on a football career diba :)
In football, mental speed and reading the game from experience and maximizing anticipation is critical.
Usain, since he is used to explosive starts, would not have to be at "top speed" during the whole course of a match. As with any accomplished striker, he would just need that sliver of space to gain a shooting opportunity.
For me, his running off the ball and pulling back 4's all over the pitch could create a lot of space for others to get into scoring positions.
He does not have to become a Samuel Etoo to be a successful footballer if he can hold up the ball and put in crosses etc.
IMHO
Eric
@rocket2020 (524)
• India
1 Sep 10
Hi manilatop,
If at all, the greats like Usain Bolt pursue the different form of field events it will be great for we football watchers,and at the same time I think though football is the king of all sports,still Usain Bolt appearance will boost the spirit of the football to a new height.
On the other hand it will not be an easy task for any one changing his/her track from one sports to another,its like a discipline and meditation.It will be a win win situation for both the spectator and the sports as a whole.
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
1 Sep 10
I am unaware of how many team competitions that Usain has participated in with his Athletics career, but subordinating to the team ethos is paramount in football.
I would think with the right coaches and team approach, he could have an impact.
thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
Eric
@Naxous (973)
• India
1 Sep 10
Hi manilatop it is not easy to be a footballer and you need a host of skills apart from being able to run fast.1)Ball skill is needed - Bolt possess none.2)Dodging and dribbling skills are needed- Bolt lacks such skills.3)Stamina is needed - Though Bolt runs 100 metres yet I think his stamina is not quiet at par with the footballers who has to run throughout 90 or sometimes even 1220 minutes at the same pace.Nothing is impossible for human beings and so I am not going to rule out Bolt's chances but he will have to overcome all these hurdles to make a name for himself in football as he did in athletics.
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
1 Sep 10
Well, he likely developed an interest when young and it has persisted.
It really is paramount to have good footballing instincts and this often becomes ingrained at a young age; one has only to look at a video of Ronaldhino.
Thanks for your comments and giving Mr. Bolt his due!
Eric
@rappeter13 (8608)
• Romania
1 Sep 10
I think he only joked when talking about this, he was in a visit to Bayern Munchen and joked with journalists that he will go there and play. I think that physically he is well prepared, but I don't know technically and tactically. If he has a good ball handling and can fit to the tactics of the trainer, he would be a great football(=soccer) player. I know for sure that he would be the fastest player in the history;)
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
2 Sep 10
According to Wikipedia, he has always fancied Cricket and is a fan of Manchester United.
Perhaps his dancing prowess and incredible work ethic in athletics would give him an incredible sense of timing in addition to his speed?
I hope that he pursues his dreams, no matter what they are!
Eric
@epchee (27)
• Malaysia
1 Sep 10
I am trying to imagine that Usain Bolt and Tyson Guy* (I have to misspell the name because the word is thought to be of mature nature by mylot)play as duo striker. Though both of them lack ball control skills, I think the defender will have a tough time just to mark out this 2 person on the field. The attacking midfielder will then get a lot of room to move around the penalty box and score goal. Usain and Tyson may not be a prolific striker, but they are definitely important individual that distract the defenders.
@manilatop10 (371)
• Philippines
1 Sep 10
Good points.
I've often wondered what sort of team the Americans would field if they included some of the athletes that ply their professions in Basketball and American Football.
Often, tall soccer players lack the fluidity and power or at least one physical aspect that many American Professionals don't in such a marked way.
Perhaps Brazil's Ronaldo was the last truly powerful striker with great size and touch?
Eric
