I think this is probably down to rule changes that have come in since the 80’s as a result to the shenanigans being pulled, and to provide a more uniform contest. The extent to which clubs would abuse these things were much larger than now (John Beck at Wimbledon and then later Cambridge was particularly famous for this and was somewhat of a spiritual predecessor to the likes of Pulis).
The ball situation was slightly different than the one I think Guardiola and Arteta were complaining about - for example, some clubs would underinflate the match ball, it wasn’t that the ball itself was necessarily different type to what the club use in other competitions.
I think there is a hell of a difference, teams now, compared to when Ferdinand was at the top of his game are so much more tactically aware.
The top teams and managers alter their tactical setup whether it is a mid block, low block, mid press or high press etc and even the middle table teams, below 6th, have developed tactically so that they can have a chance to beat the so called big boys.
I feel the last couple of seasons we have seen teams like Brighton, Bournemouth and Forest punch above their weight with good tactical awareness.
Virg as a defender can play against any type of opponent, whether they are quick, physical or technical, he has the tools and mind to deal with all of them.
The only weakness, I have seen is not getting back to cover our other defenders quick enough and when they are beaten he isn’t always in position.
I feel this is more to do with him thinking that the defender is going to deal with it i,e when Robbo was done by Saka, Virg never bust a gut to get back.
I am so happy this guy gets to lift the league as captain. He already won everything with us but I think to embark on another successful era as captain is a different level. I hope he gets to win everything in the next 2 seasons, if that is all the time he has with us.
once someone boldly makes a statement like that you immediately try to think of alternatives…the best i could come up with was Japp Stam, Ruud van Nistlerooy and probably the closest challenger Dennis Bergkamp…couple of dark horses…Kuyt, Overmars, Hasselbaink…i know Guillit played for chelsea but he was well past his prime…
none lay a glove on our Virgil for greatest dutchman to play in this league…
