Sunday, November 20, 2016

Johann Cruyff

"Quality without results is pointless. Results without quality is boring"

Johan Cruyff (1947-2016), made a name for himself as one of the most respected footballers in the world, with his concept of Total Football, in which any player can take over the role of any other player, thereby leaving no vacant openings on the field of play. The Netherlands National team demonstrated this concept during the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Cruyff played in the Eredivise for Ajax (1964-1973) and Feyenoord (1983-1984). He played in La Liga for FC Barcelona (1973-1978) and played in the North American Soccer League for the Los Angeles Aztecs (1979) and the Washington Diplomats (1980-1981).

Cruyff played for the Netherlands National team from 1966-1977.

During his career he won 8 Eredivisie titles, 3 European titles, 1 International Cup, 1 La Liga title.
He was named European Footballer of the Year 1973. He was voted European Player of the Century in 1999 and placed 2nd behind Pele in the World Player of the Century poll..  In 2004 he was named to the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

His managerial career included stints at Ajax, FC Barcelona and Catalonia.

I obtain the above sketch of Cruyff from comic book artist and Geordie, Mike McKone. instead of his providing a sketch of Batman, which we determined was not original, we moved our discussion to football, his native Newcastle United and the challenge for himself to step outside of the traditional comic book sketch.  Thanks Mike, very much appreciated!!!
2016.11.19 NJ Comic Expo, Edison, NJ