The technical and mental ability of the black man on the football pitch

Why it isn't given enough credit

Why it should be given enough credit

Debunking the "PNP (pace and power)" stereotype

{A THREAD}
#blacklivesmatter

I have decided to make a contribution to the cause we are all fighting for (for the black man to be given the same credit for his gifts that every man gets)

This thread will highlight the stereotypes that are amplified by commentators and opinions by many people about the lack or non-existence of the technical or mental prowess of the black people on the pitch

For us to be able to understand this we have to start from the roots, the beginning and where these stereotypes began

First we have to understand the concept of the lack of technical ability and only being seen as powerful physical specimens with pace
Black people have been stereotyped to excel in physical activities due to the concept(black athletic superiority) that says that black people...

Excel in sports like track and weightlifting due to some sort of genetic and environmental factors that allow them to excel in every physical activity
There was a pole that was taken in 1991 in the United States that had the majority of the people agreeing to this

This has affected the footballing game because managers have seen it needed to shoehorn black players in positions on the pitch that demand more of the physical aspects of the game. Hence why many black players who grew up as #10s are made to play on the wings or in DM

Then when it comes to the mental side of football where the stereotype of black people lacking footy intelligence came into play
A media survey in 1989 showed that blacks were more likely to be described in demeaning intellectual terms. Jesse Jackson blamed this on the media.

This is most likely the very major contributing factor to why they aren't many black referees(in the premiere league especially) or black managers in Europe and why many black players aren't praised for showing the football intuition in their matches

This influenced football in the way black players are seen to not be able to fulfill the mentally demanding positions on the pitch and are then forced to move to more physical demanding positions of the pitch
Even if they aren't even as physically gifted as people think

Now I am not here to highlight these problems
I am here to highlight the players that should be appreciated because they beat this stereotype and went against the norm and succeeded to inspire many young technical black players today. (e.g Reece James,soumare, Trent Arnold,etc)

Jimmy Floyd hasselbank - a player who was seen only as a target man but was popular for his elite finishing and passing ability when used as a striker
George weah - only black man to ever win the balon d'or. The technical ability of this man was elite and inspired a generation

Gallas - a player that would have remained captain of arsenal if things were much better during his time. A commanding leader on the pitch
Jay-jay okocha -probably the most technically gifted player to leave Africa. Is seen as one of the most talented players to ever touch a ball

Mikel Obi - was seen as a player who wasn't comfortable with the ball even though he showed time and time again that he could easily beat the press. He inspired an entire generation of millions of Africans to fall in love with Chelsea. Players like Chukwueze and Ndidi said this.

Clarence Seedorf - One of the most successful players in champions league history winning it in three different clubs(twice in one).Worked hard to prove to the world what a black player can achieve
Ian Wright - arsenal legend who faced hard times due to the racism..

But worked hard to inspire millions of black players that it is possible to succeed against the odds

Thierry Henry - legend of the game and over powered technically gifted striker who could do it all. The reason I had a huge soft spot for arsenal growing up

Paul Pogba - never seen as a professional just because he enjoys his success and found wealth due to his gifts. Black excellence has your back brother

Jerome boateng - One of the best centrebacks in the world in his prime. Technical with his distribution with a football brain

Ngolo kante - probably the best black player in the world right now together with Paul Pogba. Known to be only a work horse and nothing more by many. He still keeps on proving them wrong by putting up stellar technical performances for my team time and time again.

Yaya Toure and Vincent kompany - two of the premiere league greats due to how they were able to bring so much success to man city due to their talent and leadership. Will always be remembered for lifting trophies with the club.

Sadio mane - the best player in the most competitive league in the world this season. Pulling of miraculous finishes and giving his all for his team. Him and Nabi Keita are a joy to watch in liverpool
Kylian Mbappe - the name speaks for itself

And to the countless brothers and sisters out there who have faced racial stereotypes and find it difficult to go against the gradient, we have your back and will always have you in our hearts. You are inspiring a lot little kids in Africa that they can also make it

I know I missed a lot of great players like zaha, kluivert, koulibaly, traore Adams, Edgar Davids etc. This is your chance to contribute by joining the thread by commenting and tagging our black heroes and maestros not mentioned here

We are together because we matter

Btw this is how @FootballManager sees ngolo kante in big 2020

12/20 first touch and passing yunno

Here was my reaction to this thread after a couple of days
These stats would really shock you https://twitter.com/preaches_footy/status/1276865505610121218?s=19