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Coinciding with this article is my own personal Perfect Ten Eleven, so give that a read and see just why our eighth-day wish is oh so special to this writer.
There are few players in the game of football that have left a lasting impression. I’ll be the first to admit that I have been right about certain players just as I have been wrong about certain other players. I once claimed, foolishly, that Ricardo Quaresma was a valuable addition to any team, and, hell, I’ll admit it, I thought Felipe Melo at Juventus was a brilliant acquisition – how very wrong I was.
However, two current superstars of the game have my backing, and their class is undisputable. These two players (both, coincidentally, wear the number eight) are quality midfielders, but have fallen a bit from their graces, finding more and more bench time than usual.
Who are these two players? Frank Lampard and Kaká.
One is an aging English midfielder finding playing time tough to find in a demanding Premier League environment, the other a star Brazilian playmaker drowning in a team too jam-packed with names to be considered healthy.
Before they are sent off, traded or simply retire, I want to see either of these two in person, perhaps get a chance to flex the press pass and get a chance to meet them. That’s why, on day 8, my wish for TFC – a midseason friendly against the reigning Champions League winners (and subsequent losers) Chelsea FC or against the champions (for now) of Spain, Real Madrid.
Frank Lampard is a club legend: Kaká a humble superstar. Both have helped fuelled my intense passion for the sport itself, and getting a chance to see them in person and shake their hand is an opportunity of a lifetime for the fan in me.
That being said, Real Madrid has graced BMO Field once before. The experience remains, to this day, my fondest moment in Toronto FC’s history, but last season, Liverpool came around town, and though they have a massive following in the city, Alberto Aquilani is hardly a drawing point.
Real Madrid or Chelsea, please, for the unavoidable, non-negotiable, ever-present midseason friendlies we all love to hate. If we are to embrace these midseason interruptions in league play, I pray that the opposition that follows allows me the selfish, extremely personal opportunity to meet my footballing idols.
Related:
• On the 7th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Seven New Chip Butties
• On the 6th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Six Years of Memories
• On the 5th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Five ACCs!
• On the 4th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Four Midfielders
• On the 3rd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Three Smart Drafts
• On the 2nd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Two Centerbacks
• On the 1st day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: A Winterized BMO Field
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