What Football Gives Back

The picture above has been doing the rounds and deserves plenty more coverage with Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom proving that footballers can be an incredible force for good.

Sweden and Germany played their second excellent match of World Cup qualifying last Tuesday, this time the home side were beaten, in the main thanks to a hat-trick from Andre Schurrle.

But with the top two spots in Group C decided weeks ago, arguably the story of the match came before kick off.

Eleven children with Williams syndrome had the pleasure of being mascots for the game at the 50,000 capacity Friends Arena.

For Max, who was led out by Kim Kallstrom, it was a massive day in his life for which he had prepared for but Williams syndrome causes problems with concentration and relating to the outside world.

So, walking out in front of so many people was potentially very risky for many of the kids who led out the Sweden national team.

Max, thankfully, was cajoled and helped along by Kim Kallstrom who in the days after the game, received a heartwarming letter from the boys father.

“Because of your actions my son was able to experience exactly the same feelings as everyone else: pride, a sense of being special, wrote Max’s father who added expressions like “I did it” and “the joy,” which Max had exclaimed after kick off.

Max’s father continued: “I am writing to you because I’m not quite sure if you understand how much of a difference you’ve made to us. Tuesday saw my son Max do something very special, for other children, it’s really about 15 minutes of concentration and nervousness as well as an incredible joy of having been able to meet the national team.”

Kim Kallstrom then replied in a Swedish newspaper: “Of course I’m pleased that Max’s dad appreciated what I did during the field entrance, but what’s more gratifying is that, despite Max being a little nervous in the players tunnel, together we were fortunately able to make it a very positive experience.”

Kallstrom continued: “In a situation like this I act more like neighbor and parent than as the footballer I just happen to be. I realize I have a responsibility to the parents, who probably themselves are a little apprehensive about staying in the stands, but also to the children who enter with us. I try to be calm and comforting and it is usually enjoyed by kids.”

 

Little Big Man - Chicharito

His goal stats are better than RVP, Rooney and Welbeck, while his international record puts Messi and Ronaldo in the shade. So, why is Little Pea given little time at United? He's the Little Pea with big talent. Once again on Wednesday evening, Javier Hernandez turned possibility into certainty, with a stunning piece of improvisation.  He darted right, then left, to escape the clutches of Jose Enrique and then in one movement, opened his body, jutted out his right leg and cushioned Wayne Rooney's corner beyond Simon Mignolet. The instinctive goal was every bit as brilliant as the backwards header against Stoke that announced his arrival in the Premier League three years ago.

Against Liverpool, the Mexican with the quicksilver movement reminded everyone - including new manager David Moyes - of his worth. Hernandez has had to wait until the end of September for his first start of the season, playing fourth fiddle to Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.  

It must be a source of confusion for Hernandez, who last season scored eighteen goals in just 22 starts. Wayne Rooney scored sixteen in 31. Welbeck two in 23. Hernandez has every right to feel aggrieved. The Mexican has a better goals-per-minutes, shot conversion and shooting accuracy than all other United forwards, including Van Persie. 

Last season, Hernandez scored three times against Chelsea. He has scored seven goals against the Londoners in 12 appearances.  The winner against Liverpool was his third against United's most bitter rivals. He is a big-match player. He is also a game-changer. He netted a winner at Chelsea from the bench last season, while he came on to devastating effect to score two and create one as United overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 away to Aston Villa. Many have wondered whether Sir Alex Ferguson may have brought Hernandez on at half-time with United 2-0 down at Manchester City on Sunday. Certainly, his pace would have posed a greater threat and asked a different question to the outstanding Vincent Kompany.

Hernandez offers something unique, forever dashing along corridors of space and unsettling defenders. He must make three runs, each one changing direction, within every attacking move. He comes alive in the penalty area, constantly moving, drifting free and nipping in before defenders at the near post.

A previous criticism has been that Hernandez is a little clumsy in his build-up play. Not anymore. He has worked hard on that defect in his game, improving his first touch, and operating in deeper areas while still posing a lethal threat in behind. David Moyes should have been more aware of his talents. Hernandez has twice scored winning goals for United over his Everton teams.

Yet, where most players would moan, there has seldom been a whiff of discontent from the the 25-year-old. He is low-maintenance and he simply knuckles down, works harder in training and takes his chance - and he only needs one - when it comes. Intriguingly, there was a well-founded suggestion that United may have mentioned Hernandez as a possible sacrifice in their attempts to prise Gareth Bale away from Tottenham.

Valencia were also interested in taking the striker while Real Madrid were briefly tempted when Jose Mourinho was in charge. United would be bonkers to let him go. He has scored more than 50 goals in three seasons for the club, often playing an understudy role. Hernandez is on a par with the most clinical finishers in Europe. He has 35 international goals in only 55 appearances for Mexico. That is a better international goals-to-game ratio than Cristiano Ronaldo (43 in 106) and Lionel Messi (39 in 78).

Much like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in years gone by, the arch poacher is hugely popular among United players. There are several little cliques - none divisive - in the dressing room. Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley are buddies. Hernandez is best pals with David De Gea, with the Hispanic connection bonding the pair, and the Mexican was a trusted confidante for the Spanish goalkeeper during those troublesome, early days at Old Trafford.

But Hernandez is liked by all United players and staff. Nobody has a negative word to say. His grasp of the English language is immaculate and he has bought into the United way. He is, too, a constant delight for supporters. He plays the game with a smile, rather than a snarl. It is an all too rare commodity but with Hernandez, there seems to be a genuine appreciation that he has the chance to play football for Manchester United. The fans appreciate his relentless, infectious enthusiasm. And he is somebody they would like to see a little bit more often at Old Trafford.