The legendary Red Devils coach: The road to success

Chapter 41 All-Around Midfielder

"Ferguson admired and valued the team captain Robson very much. He also always recognized and respected Robson's performance and contribution. For a long time, Ferguson always believed that Robson was the best model for the midfield position in the Red Devils and the best captain."

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As soon as Ferguson arrived at the Red Devils, he was told that captain Robson was extremely important. In fact, he didn't need anyone to emphasize it, because he knew Robson very early. He had known Robson for a long time when he was in Aberdeen. The Red Devils' campaign this season also made Ferguson realize Robson's indispensability early on.

Why is Bryan Robson so crucial to the Red Devils?

The results speak for themselves. The Red Devils are two completely different teams with or without Robson. If Robson had not been injured, if Robson could have recovered soon, the Red Devils would not have fallen to such a state, and even Atkinson might not have left. Just like last season, when Robson was healthy and in excellent competitive form, the Red Devils were once one of the favorites to win the league championship. This season, the Red Devils suffered a series of defeats after the start of the season. The most basic reason is that Robson was injured in the summer transfer window. Not only did he miss the group stage of the England World Cup, he also missed the Red Devils' games this season. It is precisely because there is no Robson in the midfield, and no Robson leading the team to charge, that the entire Red Devils team has not only lost their soul, but also completely lost their fighting spirit, and the spirit of the whole team is very depressed.

Robson's ability has long been a consensus. Before Ferguson took office, he was already the best midfielder in England and a leader-level player respected by the entire English football world. Robson is not only respected in terms of spirit and temperament, but also in his personal specific abilities. The position he plays is called central midfielder in the English football language system, a very critical position. The core on the central axis, connecting the offense and defense, supporting the left and right sides, controlling the rhythm on the field, and responsible for the front and back offense and defense. From his debut to playing for the Red Devils, Robson's performance has become more and more outstanding. He is the player who interprets this position best and is the "B2B" all-around midfielder in the English system.

Robson is 182cm tall and weighs 85kg. He has excellent physical condition, which is a good template for a midfielder. Robson is strong, has strong legs and upper limbs, and has hard bones. He is very good at confrontation and is a very solid wall in front of the defender. Robson has excellent speed, agile turning, and is also very sensitive in anticipation. In addition, Robson has super endurance, excellent jumping, good positional sense and excellent overall view.

Among all the English midfielders of that era, Robson was one of the most comprehensive players. This comprehensiveness was reflected in his ability to attack and defend well, and his ability to command, coordinate and charge personally. All his performances had extraordinary effects. Robson had an excellent sense of position and excellent organizational skills, and was the core of the team's offense and defense. If we only look at his footwork, Robson did not have any particularly dazzling features. He did not have the gorgeous dribbling skills of Brazilian or Argentine players, nor did he have the fine and effective dribbling skills of Spanish or French players, nor did he have the imagination of geniuses like Best or Gascoigne. Robson's skills were simple and unpretentious. He controlled the ball and protected the ball by selecting positions in advance and using his body reasonably. He rarely relied on complex feints to advance with the ball. He basically used the frequency and rhythm changes to get rid of his opponents, and used the advantages of his body's hard resistance and early start. Robson's passing skills were excellent. He could pass short and long, had a strong sense of forward insertion, excellent headers, and powerful long-range shots, which were very threatening in front of the opponent's goal.

Robson is the hub of the transition between offense and defense, as well as the coordinator of defense and the command tower of offense. His active running can achieve effective coverage of the field and is a reliable barrier in front of the back line; he has excellent individual defense ability, whether it is midfield interception and stealing, or blocking or delaying the opponent's attack, or finding loopholes in defense, he can always complete it well. Not only that, he can even command and coordinate the adjustment of the defense system, make up for the defects of the defense line, and command and coordinate the movement and timely response of teammates in a timely manner. In the 1986 World Cup, England lost to Argentina. In addition to Maradona completely beating all the English midfielders and backcourt players on the field, the English media also lamented Robson's injury. Many media believe that if Robson can play, England may not be unable to compete with Argentina.

As an excellent midfield conductor, Robson's calmness and confidence are his characteristics. Robson has a good understanding of rhythm control, and he coordinates between offense and defense, and the scene is fast and concise. Robson is not a gorgeous dancer, not a master of showmanship, not a light footstep, and can't wear flowers and butterflies. He can pass the ball efficiently, find gaps concisely, and create opportunities. Robson's midfield teammates, whether Beardsley or Wilkins, or Strachan and Cantona in the later period, all occupy a lot of ball possession, but this does not hinder Robson's core role. Robson's running adds effect to his passing ability, and the overall view is a weapon for controlling the scene. Whether it is splitting the side, passing the ball, transferring the strong and weak sides, or short passes in the frontcourt, Robson is very skilled.

Robson is good at seizing opportunities, especially when the team switches from defense to offense. Robson's quick counterattacks are direct, and he is a tank in himself, not to mention his advance passes to lead his teammates to attack alone. In positional warfare, Robson will actively move around the top of the penalty area, and the power of long shots is everywhere. Robson's excellent jumping and excellent header skills are also a scoring weapon.

Robson also plays the role of "adhesive" and "catalyst" in the midfield. He is good at connecting teammates, supporting teammates, helping teammates to relieve pressure, and helping to create opportunities. Robson stabilizes the morale and boosts morale without a gorgeous speech. He only needs a look and a simple word to rekindle the passion of his teammates. Robson is always full of confidence. He is calm and brave. He is passionate and tenacious. He always makes his teammates feel relied on and trusted, and always gives his teammates encouragement and courage. Robson is so active in the game, running so tirelessly, and fighting so bravely and fearlessly, which makes his teammates feel infinite energy.

The data speaks for itself. Robson is a VIP of the 11km club in League One. In a league where running is not demanding and the transition between offense and defense is not fast, Robson runs more than 90km in every 11-minute game.

Anyone who has watched the game will know that Robson can do more than just run!

Robson is like a shining diamond in the traditional 442 formation of English football, but his position and brave style are destined to be entangled with injuries. He has been injured constantly and is the most injured in the Red Devils and England team. He has experienced fractures, dislocations, ligament tears and muscle strains, not to mention bloody heads. Robson is upright and brave. He is not afraid of injuries at all. He is not afraid of being hurt. Instead, he will tenaciously resist injuries and continue to fight on the court.

Robson didn't even have any enemies on the court. Even Maradona, who hated England the most, expressed respect for the England captain.

During the best period of Robson's career, Ferguson had not yet arrived at the Red Devils. After Ferguson took over the Red Devils, Robson began to open a new chapter.

Ferguson allowed Robson to continue to serve as captain and warned Robson to stay away from alcohol and to fully recover before returning to the main lineup.

Robson returned from injury and led the team to fight again. He became the cornerstone of Ferguson's Red Devils and the most indispensable backbone of the Red Devils' revival. Robson's crucial comeback at the end of November 1986 allowed Ferguson to get out of trouble. When the Red Devils fell into crisis again in 11, it was Robson who inspired his teammates to win the FA Cup against Forest and saved Ferguson's position in time. Robson and his teammates clearly knew that they had responsibilities, and they went through hardships and defeated strong opponents in the FA Cup. Robson was in great form in the FA Cup semi-finals and finals, scoring goals one after another, and almost single-handedly carried the Red Devils to the championship podium.

Even though Ferguson has countless talents, he still has to rely on the FA Cup championship won by Robson to survive!

Ferguson still remembers the captain's righteousness: "Many tabloid reporters went to Robson and others, tempting them to say that I should step down. Robson reprimanded them on the spot and expressed his support for me with his actions. Without his efforts and those of the players, I think my journey as a Red Devils player would have ended differently."

Ferguson praised Robson as "a lion who can make opponents bow their heads and teammates follow closely, defeating a group of hungry wolves or a group of hyenas."

Ferguson continued to coach the Red Devils, while Robson continued to move forward. In the new European season, the old man miraculously overcame injuries and fatigue, led the Red Devils to break out of the European powers and made it all the way to the European Cup Winners' Cup final. In the final battle, facing the so-called "Dream Team", Robson was not timid and completely suppressed the opponent's midfield with his outstanding performance. The miracle captain ran on the grass, fighting on every inch of grass, providing vitality and ammunition for the Red Devils - both goals of the Red Devils were assisted by Robson.

Robson led the Red Devils to win the European Cup Winners' Cup, shocking the whole of England.

After years of hard work, Robson once again led the Red Devils to the dream of the league championship in the 1992-93 season. He was already a 35-year-old veteran, but he was still a leader who inspired his teammates. He played a role in the key battles and made an irreplaceable contribution in the long journey!

The Red Devils team made a special arrangement at the award ceremony. Captain Bruce insisted on inviting Robson to the stage to raise the trophy together to celebrate the victory. After many refusals, Robson no longer minded. He celebrated with his teammates happily, raised the trophy to greet the fans, and celebrated the victory and championship with the fans. At that moment, his face was shining, and his roaring shouts really shook the stadium and echoed in the hearts of every proud Red Devils fan.

This is a moment that will never be forgotten, and it is also the proudest moment for Robson. He has worked hard for the team for 10 years and finally regained the league championship that had been lost for 26 years. This achievement makes Robson extremely proud.

In the 1993-94 season, the Red Devils swept the Premier League with great momentum, successfully defended the league title, and won two consecutive championships. Although Robson rarely played, he was still indispensable as the captain, still the spiritual pillar admired by the Red Devils team, and also the representative of the club's temperament.

On the 25th anniversary of his coaching career at the Red Devils, Ferguson specifically talked about Robson, "I am very fortunate to have Robson's support and trust when I came to the Red Devils. Having a player like Robson who I can rely on is the key to my persistence. Robson is a model of an all-around midfielder. He was the cornerstone of my first team building at the Red Devils and the core of that Red Devils team. I have always trusted Robson, and his actions have proved himself, proved his irreplaceability and his greatness. He was the answer to my first Red Devils midfield, the confidence of the defense, and the source of motivation for the front court."

Ferguson said: "I am very fortunate to have had a player like Robson, and I am also very sorry that I will never find someone like Brian again. Robson is unique both for the Red Devils and for football. In the first ten years of my coaching the Red Devils, Robson was the confidence that we could gain a foothold in English football, get rid of danger and overcome hardships. He is the most indispensable midfield soul of the new generation of Red Devils I have formed, and the strongest spiritual pillar and spiritual pillar of the Red Devils that I look forward to."

"For me, Brian is the definition of the best midfielder," Ferguson said.