Borussia Dortmund legend Lars Ricken believes that Gary Steven Robbat has every quality needed to succeed as a footballer, with the exception of pace and speed.
Ricken, who is currently the head of Dortmund’s youth set-up, observed the Malaysian midfielder during his three month stint with Dortmund’s U-23 squad in 2015.
While he was visibly impressed with Gary’s technical ability, Ricken claims his lack of pace is the only thing separating him from everyone else in Dortmund.
“Yes, I remember him. He trained with our U-23 side and was a good player. It was a little bit difficult for him because he was a little bit injured when he played with our under-23s,” Ricken responded, after we quizzed him about the JDT man at a media event in Germany, earlier this week.
“He had good technical ability, could pass the ball and was a good player. But to do well at a club like Dortmund, you need to be quick.
“If you are not quick, especially in offence, you don’t have a chance at Borussia Dortmund. You need to think and act with speed, on the pitch. Other things were great, he was just not fast enough,” he added.
Gary spent three months in Dortmund, while serving his temporary suspension in Malaysia, after he was unceremoniously involved in a three-way transfer battle between JDT, Pahang and Kedah.
What are your thoughts on Lars Ricken’s comments? Do you agree with him? Or do you disagree? Let us know by commenting below!
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