The one-man team. The common football phrase is somewhat of a media fad to assume a teams’ success is purely down to the form of a solitary player – inferring a side would struggle significantly without the vital contribution from the player in question.
Speculation is rife over the potential transfers of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Totenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale, who have built a formidable reputation as being their respective side’s talisman.
It raises the pressing question – just how vital are these stars to the longevity, identity, but ultimately the success of their team?
Clubs like Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, FC Porto, Wigan Athletic, Arsenal, Ajax, Southampton and Borussia Dortmund have all experienced the loss of influential figures in recent times.
Yet, not one organisation has ever capitulated to miserable depths from the departure of just one player.
The aforementioned clubs have gone on to improve their standing in recent years – Arsenal being the only exception.
Even despite the Gunners domestic slide, they have still managed Champions League qualification for 17 consecutive seasons.
When a star heads for the exit doors the supporters’ heartache and disappointment will ensue.
But selling key personnel is less important than scouting philosophy and club’s transfer market management.
Before UEFA Financial Fair Play rules are finally implemented, the financial powerhouses will be exception to the rule.
For the vast majority who do not possess the money there have been shrewd examples of retaining quality on the pitch.
Porto have used their unique position of buying cheap players from the South American pool of players due to their access via work permits other European countries do not have.
Southampton propelled themselves from football obscurity in League One to a comfortable position in the top-flight through a world-class youth academy setup.
Young starlets like Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have moved on and academy graduates Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and James Ward-Prowse have filled the void.
Relegated Wigan remained a competitive unit for eight seasons with an inferior squad, but with an onus placed on acquiring attacking talent it generally worked in their favour.
Antonio Valencia’s exit was lessened by the introduction of Charles N’Zogbia and Callum McManaman covered Victor Moses’ move to Chelsea with aplomb.
Even when you assess Liverpool’s disastrous transfer dealings in recent times, it adds further weight to the argument.
Large amounts of money were spent on players who were statistically proven, instead of drafting in players who could adapt to the style and game plan.
Superstar departures can hurt all connected with a club, but in fact they generally do not have a detrimental effect.
What seems to be definitive is how prepared clubs are for the inevitable turnover of players.
The culture and identity of a football organisation can be maintained through board and financial means – two things fans often disapprove of, and feel can taint a club’s tradition.
Too often than not the future of a club is bound to the potential destiny of their best player.
In many cases – despite what media will have you believe – an array of clubs have go on to succeed after selling assets.
Setting the foundations of a club through the use of shrewd transfer policy and acquiring talented youngsters will remain a proven method of success.
If you experience the loss of an admired player this summer, do not forget to remind yourself of the old adage: “No player is bigger than the club.”
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